
audiobook
by W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt) Du Bois
A solemn dedication frames the tale, hinting at a storyteller driven by honesty, craft, and a yearning for truth. The opening sets a lyrical tone, promising a journey that balances mythic ambition with grounded observation. It invites listeners to step into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary blur, guided by a voice that respects both imagination and reality.
The story begins with a lone boy wandering a dark, red‑stained swamp at night, his only companion a heavy bundle of modest riches. Drawn by an uncanny, otherworldly song, he follows the haunting melody to a ramshackle cabin where a mysterious, dark‑skinned dancer moves with an almost supernatural grace. Her voice, untethered from any recognizable tune, captivates him, pulling him deeper into a realm where fear and fascination entwine.
As the night unfolds, the boy’s curiosity clashes with primal dread, propelling him through tangled reeds and shadowed trees toward an uncertain destiny. The opening promises a richly atmospheric adventure, where every step forward feels both perilous and poetic, beckoning listeners to accompany the boy on his quest for something as elusive as a silver fleece.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (617K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell, Martin Pettit and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.
Release date
2005-03-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1868–1963
A brilliant scholar and fierce public voice, he helped shape modern conversations about race, democracy, and Black freedom in America. His books and essays still feel urgent for the way they join history, politics, and personal insight.
View all books