
A compact treasury of timeless acts, this collection gathers together the quiet heroism and bold self‑sacrifice that have colored human history. Designed for young ears, each vignette offers a glimpse of people who chose duty, mercy, and love over fame or fortune, inviting listeners to contemplate the power of ordinary courage. The tone is straightforward yet vivid, turning the familiar into fresh examples of what it means to act without expectation of reward.
The stories span continents and centuries—Roman defenders of the Coliseum, German peasants defending their homes, a Russian officer’s daring rescue, and sailors surviving wrecks on storm‑tossed seas. Presented in clear, engaging prose, the narratives are short enough for a bedtime reading yet rich enough to spark imagination and moral reflection. Listeners will find both adventure and gentle instruction, a reminder that true greatness often lives in the simple, self‑less deeds of everyday people.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (566K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Hanh Vu, Sandra Laythorpe, and David Widger
Release date
2004-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1823–1901
A major Victorian novelist, she wrote with deep religious conviction and a sharp eye for family life, education, and moral choice. Her stories were hugely popular in 19th-century England and helped shape generations of young readers.
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