The Whole History of Grandfather's Chair

audiobook

The Whole History of Grandfather's Chair

by Nathaniel Hawthorne

EN·~5 hours

Chapters

Description

In this charming historical tale, a sturdy oak chair becomes an unlikely narrator, guiding listeners through the early days of New England from the Pilgrims’ arrival to the turmoil of the late seventeenth century. As the chair changes hands, it offers glimpses of real figures and events, allowing young ears to picture the lives of settlers, ministers, and ordinary families while feeling the comforting presence of a familiar piece of furniture.

The story opens with a gentle grandfather soothing his grandchildren with a request for a bedtime story, and the chair itself steps into the spotlight, eager to share the adventures it has witnessed. Through its travels, listeners encounter bustling farms, solemn meetings, and the quiet moments that shaped a region, all narrated with a tone that balances factual detail and vivid imagination. It’s an inviting way for children to connect with history, feeling the texture of the past without being overwhelmed by heavy doctrine.

Details

Full title

The Whole History of Grandfather's Chair Or, True Stories from New England History, 1620-1808

Language

en

Duration

~5 hours (329K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger

Release date

1999-10-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne

1804–1864

Best known for dark, beautifully crafted classics like The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, this major American writer explored guilt, secrecy, and the moral pressure of life in Puritan New England. His stories mix psychological depth with a haunting sense of history that still feels fresh today.

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