
I CATHERINE PARR OR ALEXANDER’S HORSE
II THE DRAWBACK
III PIOUS ÆNEAS
IV THE DEATH OF ALEXANDER
V THE GREEK VASE
VI THE FATAL RUBBER
VII THE REHEARSAL
VIII THE BLUE HARLEQUIN (WITH APOLOGIES TO MR. MAETERLINCK)
IX THE MEMBER FOR LITERATURE
X CALIGULA’S PICNIC
In these bite‑sized sketches the court of Henry VIII becomes a kitchen table, where the king argues with his queen over something as ordinary as a boiled egg. The dialogue crackles with the same authority and absurdity that made their reigns famous, turning the mundane into a stage for wit, rivalry, and the occasional slip of historical fact.
Each scene pits a well‑known figure against a familiar domestic concern—a royal composer proposing a new ballad, a queen insisting that Alexander’s horse was black, a monarch defending his view of ancient texts. The humor comes from the clash of grand legacy with petty grievance, inviting listeners to hear history whispered in a modern, almost conversational tone. The performances are quick, lively, and perfect for a short listening break, offering a fresh, playful glimpse of the personalities behind the names.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (214K characters)
Release date
Jan 10, 2026
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1874–1945
An elegant English man of letters, he moved easily between poetry, fiction, essays, translation, and journalism, and brought a deep interest in Russia and Europe into his work. His writing is often remembered for its wit, polish, and quietly observant style.
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by Maurice Baring

by Maurice Baring

by Maurice Baring

by Maurice Baring

by Maurice Baring

by Maurice Baring

by Maurice Baring

by Maurice Baring