
This collection gathers fifty well‑known legends and historic tales, each reshaped for easy listening. From ancient Greek myths and Biblical narratives to medieval English exploits, the stories span centuries while staying rooted in the human themes that have shaped our culture. They are chosen for their moral insight, vivid characters, and timeless appeal, making them a valuable supplement for young readers and a pleasant diversion for any listener.
Among the retellings is the charming episode of King Alfred and the burnt cakes, where the great ruler finds himself a humble guest in a woodcutter’s cottage. The narrator captures Alfred’s worries about war and his momentary distraction, turning a simple kitchen mishap into a lesson in humility and perseverance. Throughout the anthology, familiar heroes are presented with fresh voice, inviting listeners to explore the past with curiosity and enjoyment.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (165K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Sankar Viswanathan, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2006-05-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1841–1925
A largely self-educated teacher and editor, he became one of America’s most popular retellers of myth, legend, and history for young readers. His books opened the door to stories from Greece, Rome, Germany, and beyond in clear, lively prose.
View all books