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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Under the Greenwood Tree</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/under-the-greenwood-tree--7129786</link><description><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in the pastoral beauty and rich tapestry of rural life as suggested by the title Under the Greenwood Tree. This podcast delves into themes of love, tradition, and the delicate balance between progress and preservation within close-knit communities. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that captures the essence of idyllic settings, the complexities of human relationships, and the impact of societal change on cherished customs. Listeners are invited to reflect on the nuances of village life, the interplay of music and nature, and the timeless struggle between the old and the new. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that celebrate the charm of rural narratives and their profound insights into the human experience. Discover a new book with every episode, and let the gentle rhythms of these tales transport you to a world where nature and community intertwine.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7129786/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright 1900s genre</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg</url><title>Under the Greenwood Tree</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/under-the-greenwood-tree--7129786</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:30:54 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>1900s genre</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker77@podcastlibrary.org</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Immerse yourself in the pastoral beauty and rich tapestry of rural life as suggested by the title Under the Greenwood Tree. This podcast delves into themes of love, tradition, and the delicate balance between progress and preservation within...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in the pastoral beauty and rich tapestry of rural life as suggested by the title Under the Greenwood Tree. This podcast delves into themes of love, tradition, and the delicate balance between progress and preservation within close-knit communities. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that captures the essence of idyllic settings, the complexities of human relationships, and the impact of societal change on cherished customs. Listeners are invited to reflect on the nuances of village life, the interplay of music and nature, and the timeless struggle between the old and the new. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that celebrate the charm of rural narratives and their profound insights into the human experience. Discover a new book with every episode, and let the gentle rhythms of these tales transport you to a world where nature and community intertwine.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/><itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"><itunes:category text="Religion"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>1644783b-2382-5add-b477-e8eeda0f5f2f</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Antonia-George Sand</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/antonia-george-sand--75040246</link><description><![CDATA["Antonia-George Sand" invites listeners into the rich tapestry of George Sand's literary world, exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of the human experience. This work resonates with contemporary audiences as it delves into the struggles for personal freedom and self-expression, issues that remain relevant today. Sand's unique perspective as a pioneering female author challenges societal norms and encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and relationships. The enduring nature of her insights into passion and resilience makes this audiobook a timeless exploration of the human spirit, inviting listeners to connect with the past while reflecting on their present.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75040246</guid><pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:03:38 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/75040246/antonia_george_sand.mp3" length="275259722" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Antonia-George Sand" invites listeners into the rich tapestry of George Sand's literary world, exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of the human experience. This work resonates with contemporary audiences as it delves into the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Antonia-George Sand" invites listeners into the rich tapestry of George Sand's literary world, exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of the human experience. This work resonates with contemporary audiences as it delves into the struggles for personal freedom and self-expression, issues that remain relevant today. Sand's unique perspective as a pioneering female author challenges societal norms and encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and relationships. The enduring nature of her insights into passion and resilience makes this audiobook a timeless exploration of the human spirit, inviting listeners to connect with the past while reflecting on their present.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>34373</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Chronicles of Avonlea (version 2 Dramatic Reading)-Lucy Maud Montgomery</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/chronicles-of-avonlea-version-2-dramatic-reading-lucy-maud-montgomery--74623145</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74623145</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:02:41 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74623145/chronicles_of_avonlea_version_2_dramatic_reading_lucy_maud_montgomery.mp3" length="194407894" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>24276</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Omar Resung-Charles G. Blanden</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/omar-resung-charles-g-blanden--74590896</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74590896</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:03:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74590896/omar_resung_charles_g_blanden.mp3" length="73303189" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9154</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Tales of the Uneasy-Violet Hunt</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/tales-of-the-uneasy-violet-hunt--74558983</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74558983</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:02:34 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74558983/tales_of_the_uneasy_violet_hunt.mp3" length="276344011" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>34509</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Maggie Miller-Mary Jane Holmes</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/maggie-miller-mary-jane-holmes--74526657</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74526657</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:08:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74526657/maggie_miller_mary_jane_holmes.mp3" length="227339647" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>28389</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Lovers' Vows-Elizabeth Inchbald, August von Kotzebue</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/lovers-vows-elizabeth-inchbald-august-von-kotzebue--74495988</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74495988</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:08:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74495988/lovers_vows_elizabeth_inchbald_august_von_kotzebue.mp3" length="58884165" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>7353</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Spinner in the Sun-Myrtle Reed</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/spinner-in-the-sun-myrtle-reed--74456381</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74456381</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:07:40 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74456381/spinner_in_the_sun_myrtle_reed.mp3" length="231840481" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>28951</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Inspector French and the Cheyne Mystery-Freeman Wills Crofts</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/inspector-french-and-the-cheyne-mystery-freeman-wills-crofts--74424203</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74424203</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:08:29 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74424203/inspector_french_and_the_cheyne_mystery_freeman_wills_crofts.mp3" length="256543233" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>32036</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Damsel in Distress-P. G. Wodehouse</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/damsel-in-distress-p-g-wodehouse--74377725</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74377725</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:00:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74377725/damsel_in_distress_p_g_wodehouse.mp3" length="216841135" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>27078</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Cradock Nowell Vol. 1-Richard Doddridge Blackmore</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/cradock-nowell-vol-1-richard-doddridge-blackmore--74337946</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74337946</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:31:41 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74337946/cradock_nowell_vol_1_richard_doddridge_blackmore.mp3" length="245393650" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>30644</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Father-August Strindberg</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/father-august-strindberg--74195663</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74195663</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:08:42 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74195663/father_august_strindberg.mp3" length="50339478" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Thomas Hardy</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6286</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Choirmaster's Burial-Thomas Hardy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/choirmaster-s-burial-thomas-hardy--74148823</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. 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The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2339</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>'In Re a Gentleman, One''-Banjo Paterson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-re-a-gentleman-one-banjo-paterson--74109272</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. 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The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways. The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2161</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>First Love-Ivan Turgenev</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/first-love-ivan-turgenev--73389660</link><description><![CDATA["First Love" by Ivan Turgenev is a poignant exploration of youthful passion and the bittersweet nature of first love. The story captures the intensity and innocence of a young boy's infatuation, reflecting on the universal themes of desire, heartache, and the passage of time. Turgenev's masterful prose evokes the complexities of emotional awakening, making it a timeless narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced the thrill and pain of first love. 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The story captures the intensity and innocence of a young boy's infatuation, reflecting on the universal themes of desire, heartache, and the passage of time. Turgenev's masterful prose evokes the complexities of emotional awakening, making it a timeless narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced the thrill and pain of first love. This enduring tale invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the lasting impact of those formative relationships, making it a compelling listen for both new and seasoned fans of classic literature.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11002</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66939a87cf6e37dc0724d5557c57aad3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Under the Greenwood Tree - Thomas Hardy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/under-the-greenwood-tree-thomas-hardy--72690262</link><description><![CDATA[This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day. 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