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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>Poor White: a Novel</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/poor-white-a-novel--7130136</link><description><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in the complexities of societal transformation and personal ambition as we explore the themes suggested by "Poor White: a Novel." This podcast delves into the effects of industrialization on small-town life at the dawn of the 20th century, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of individuals like the lead character, Hugh McVey. Throughout the series, listeners will encounter a rotating collection of complete audiobooks that examine the interplay between innovation, greed, and the loss of agrarian ideals within communities facing change. Each episode invites you to discover a new book that unpacks the nuanced experiences of characters grappling with their evolving identities and the moral dilemmas posed by progress. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that reveal the resilience and fragility of the human spirit in the face of economic and social upheaval. Join us on this journey through rich narratives that challenge perceptions and inspire reflection.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7130136/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/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg</url><title>Poor White: a Novel</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/poor-white-a-novel--7130136</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:20:09 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</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/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Immerse yourself in the complexities of societal transformation and personal ambition as we explore the themes suggested by "Poor White: a Novel." This podcast delves into the effects of industrialization on small-town life at the dawn of the 20th...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in the complexities of societal transformation and personal ambition as we explore the themes suggested by "Poor White: a Novel." This podcast delves into the effects of industrialization on small-town life at the dawn of the 20th century, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of individuals like the lead character, Hugh McVey. Throughout the series, listeners will encounter a rotating collection of complete audiobooks that examine the interplay between innovation, greed, and the loss of agrarian ideals within communities facing change. Each episode invites you to discover a new book that unpacks the nuanced experiences of characters grappling with their evolving identities and the moral dilemmas posed by progress. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that reveal the resilience and fragility of the human spirit in the face of economic and social upheaval. Join us on this journey through rich narratives that challenge perceptions and inspire reflection.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Science"/><itunes:category text="Science"><itunes:category text="Nature"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>b97ca55c-3bcf-534e-a421-72a96b821bfb</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Masquerader-Katherine Cecil Thurston</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/masquerader-katherine-cecil-thurston--74976869</link><description><![CDATA["Masquerader" by Katherine Cecil Thurston invites listeners into a world of intrigue and deception, where identity and appearance play crucial roles in the lives of its characters. This captivating tale explores the complexities of human relationships and the masks people wear to navigate societal expectations. Themes of authenticity and the struggle for self-discovery resonate deeply, making it a timeless narrative that encourages reflection on our own lives and the facades we maintain. As listeners immerse themselves in this rich story, they will find echoes of their own experiences in the characters' journeys, reminding us all of the universal quest for truth and connection.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74976869</guid><pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:01:50 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74976869/masquerader_katherine_cecil_thurston.mp3" length="267327267" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Masquerader" by Katherine Cecil Thurston invites listeners into a world of intrigue and deception, where identity and appearance play crucial roles in the lives of its characters. This captivating tale explores the complexities of human relationships...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Masquerader" by Katherine Cecil Thurston invites listeners into a world of intrigue and deception, where identity and appearance play crucial roles in the lives of its characters. This captivating tale explores the complexities of human relationships and the masks people wear to navigate societal expectations. Themes of authenticity and the struggle for self-discovery resonate deeply, making it a timeless narrative that encourages reflection on our own lives and the facades we maintain. As listeners immerse themselves in this rich story, they will find echoes of their own experiences in the characters' journeys, reminding us all of the universal quest for truth and connection.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>33382</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Late Mattia Pascal-Luigi Pirandello</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/late-mattia-pascal-luigi-pirandello--74969342</link><description><![CDATA["Late Mattia Pascal" by Luigi Pirandello explores the themes of identity and the search for self in a world filled with uncertainty. The protagonist, Mattia Pascal, grapples with the complexities of existence and the constraints of societal expectations, ultimately leading him to question the very nature of reality and his place within it. This exploration of personal freedom and the fluidity of identity remains relevant today, as many continue to navigate the challenges of self-discovery in an ever-changing world. Pirandello's masterful narrative invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, making this audiobook a timeless journey into the human condition.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74969342</guid><pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 09:01:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74969342/late_mattia_pascal_luigi_pirandello.mp3" length="250721942" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Late Mattia Pascal" by Luigi Pirandello explores the themes of identity and the search for self in a world filled with uncertainty. The protagonist, Mattia Pascal, grapples with the complexities of existence and the constraints of societal...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Late Mattia Pascal" by Luigi Pirandello explores the themes of identity and the search for self in a world filled with uncertainty. The protagonist, Mattia Pascal, grapples with the complexities of existence and the constraints of societal expectations, ultimately leading him to question the very nature of reality and his place within it. This exploration of personal freedom and the fluidity of identity remains relevant today, as many continue to navigate the challenges of self-discovery in an ever-changing world. Pirandello's masterful narrative invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, making this audiobook a timeless journey into the human condition.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>31309</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>By Desert Ways to Baghdad-Louisa Jebb Wilkins</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/by-desert-ways-to-baghdad-louisa-jebb-wilkins--74959434</link><description><![CDATA["By Desert Ways to Baghdad-Louisa Jebb Wilkins" invites listeners on a poignant journey through the landscapes and experiences that shape our understanding of the world. This audiobook captures the essence of exploration and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The themes of adventure and discovery resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the importance of connection and understanding across diverse cultures. As listeners navigate the rich narrative, they will find enduring insights that challenge their perspectives and inspire a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life. This timeless story is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the bonds we forge along the way.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74959434</guid><pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 09:01:57 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74959434/by_desert_ways_to_baghdad_louisa_jebb_wilkins.mp3" length="204894570" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"By Desert Ways to Baghdad-Louisa Jebb Wilkins" invites listeners on a poignant journey through the landscapes and experiences that shape our understanding of the world. This audiobook captures the essence of exploration and the human spirit's...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["By Desert Ways to Baghdad-Louisa Jebb Wilkins" invites listeners on a poignant journey through the landscapes and experiences that shape our understanding of the world. This audiobook captures the essence of exploration and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The themes of adventure and discovery resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the importance of connection and understanding across diverse cultures. As listeners navigate the rich narrative, they will find enduring insights that challenge their perspectives and inspire a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life. This timeless story is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the bonds we forge along the way.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25586</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Hoodoo-Walter Ben Hare</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/hoodoo-walter-ben-hare--74952147</link><description><![CDATA[Hoodoo-Walter Ben Hare invites listeners into a world steeped in mysticism and the rich traditions of hoodoo, exploring themes of belief, resilience, and the human spirit. This captivating narrative delves into the complexities of faith and the power of cultural heritage, making it a timeless tale that resonates across generations. The story's exploration of the interplay between personal conviction and communal identity offers profound insights that remain relevant today. By immersing yourself in this evocative audiobook, you will not only experience a unique cultural tapestry but also reflect on the enduring strength found in tradition and belief.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74952147</guid><pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:02:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74952147/hoodoo_walter_ben_hare.mp3" length="90495472" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Hoodoo-Walter Ben Hare invites listeners into a world steeped in mysticism and the rich traditions of hoodoo, exploring themes of belief, resilience, and the human spirit. This captivating narrative delves into the complexities of faith and the power...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Hoodoo-Walter Ben Hare invites listeners into a world steeped in mysticism and the rich traditions of hoodoo, exploring themes of belief, resilience, and the human spirit. This captivating narrative delves into the complexities of faith and the power of cultural heritage, making it a timeless tale that resonates across generations. The story's exploration of the interplay between personal conviction and communal identity offers profound insights that remain relevant today. By immersing yourself in this evocative audiobook, you will not only experience a unique cultural tapestry but also reflect on the enduring strength found in tradition and belief.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11301</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Introduction to The Philosophy of History-Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/introduction-to-the-philosophy-of-history-georg-wilhelm-friedrich-hegel--74946659</link><description><![CDATA["Introduction to The Philosophy of History" by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel delves into the intricate relationship between history and philosophy, offering a profound exploration of how historical events shape human consciousness and societal development. Hegel's insights into the dialectical process of history reveal the underlying rationality and purpose that he believes govern the unfolding of human events. This work remains relevant today as it challenges listeners to reflect on the lessons of the past and the ongoing evolution of human societies. By engaging with Hegel's ideas, we can better understand the complexities of our current world and the philosophical underpinnings that continue to influence our collective journey.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74946659</guid><pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:01:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74946659/introduction_to_the_philosophy_of_history_georg_wilhelm_friedrich_hegel.mp3" length="132379077" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Introduction to The Philosophy of History" by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel delves into the intricate relationship between history and philosophy, offering a profound exploration of how historical events shape human consciousness and societal...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Introduction to The Philosophy of History" by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel delves into the intricate relationship between history and philosophy, offering a profound exploration of how historical events shape human consciousness and societal development. Hegel's insights into the dialectical process of history reveal the underlying rationality and purpose that he believes govern the unfolding of human events. This work remains relevant today as it challenges listeners to reflect on the lessons of the past and the ongoing evolution of human societies. By engaging with Hegel's ideas, we can better understand the complexities of our current world and the philosophical underpinnings that continue to influence our collective journey.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>16530</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>France, Spain and the Rif, Part 1-Walter Burton Harris</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/france-spain-and-the-rif-part-1-walter-burton-harris--74621878</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74621878</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:02:44 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74621878/france_spain_and_the_rif_part_1_walter_burton_harris.mp3" length="143034227" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>17861</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>All Roads Lead to Calvary-Jerome K. Jerome</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/all-roads-lead-to-calvary-jerome-k-jerome--74589343</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74589343</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:02:51 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74589343/all_roads_lead_to_calvary_jerome_k_jerome.mp3" length="275960018" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>34461</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Shadowy Thing-H. B. Drake</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/shadowy-thing-h-b-drake--74557757</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74557757</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:02:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74557757/shadowy_thing_h_b_drake.mp3" length="281890729" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>35201</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Bacteria in Daily Life-Grace Coleridge Frankland</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/bacteria-in-daily-life-grace-coleridge-frankland--74525570</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74525570</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:08:54 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74525570/bacteria_in_daily_life_grace_coleridge_frankland.mp3" length="137514004" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>17172</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Charles Simeon-Handley Carr Glyn Moule</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/charles-simeon-handley-carr-glyn-moule--74494865</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74494865</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:08:27 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74494865/charles_simeon_handley_carr_glyn_moule.mp3" length="215575010" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>26919</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Barberry Bush and Eight Other Stories for Girls-Susan Coolidge</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/barberry-bush-and-eight-other-stories-for-girls-susan-coolidge--74455175</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74455175</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:07:44 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74455175/barberry_bush_and_eight_other_stories_for_girls_susan_coolidge.mp3" length="179418911" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>22405</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>In a Belgian Garden and Other Poems-Frank Oliver Call</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-a-belgian-garden-and-other-poems-frank-oliver-call--74422779</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74422779</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:08:36 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74422779/in_a_belgian_garden_and_other_poems_frank_oliver_call.mp3" length="21373147" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2669</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Rilla of Ingleside (version 3 Dramatic reading)-Lucy Maud Montgomery</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/rilla-of-ingleside-version-3-dramatic-reading-lucy-maud-montgomery--74376000</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74376000</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:29:33 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74376000/rilla_of_ingleside_version_3_dramatic_reading_lucy_maud_montgomery.mp3" length="284683055" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>35550</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Germania-Publius Cornelius Tacitus</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/germania-publius-cornelius-tacitus--74336214</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74336214</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:00:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74336214/germania_publius_cornelius_tacitus.mp3" length="33594511" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4195</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Four Faces-William Le Queux</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/four-faces-william-le-queux--74193574</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74193574</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:08:40 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74193574/four_faces_william_le_queux.mp3" length="266319987" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>33257</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Maid of Maiden Lane (dramatic reading)-Amelia E. Barr</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/maid-of-maiden-lane-dramatic-reading-amelia-e-barr--74147141</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74147141</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:08:40 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74147141/6850_maid_of_maiden_lane_dramatic_reading_amelia_e_barr.mp3" length="238049339" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>29726</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Story of Edison and The Wonders of Electricity-Frank Mundell</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/story-of-edison-and-the-wonders-of-electricity-frank-mundell--74108065</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74108065</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:08:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74108065/story_of_edison_and_the_wonders_of_electricity_frank_mundell.mp3" length="101571090" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>12684</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>By Desert Ways to Baghdad-Louisa Jebb Wilkins</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/by-desert-ways-to-baghdad-louisa-jebb-wilkins--73388205</link><description><![CDATA["By Desert Ways to Baghdad" by Louisa Jebb Wilkins invites listeners into a journey that explores the rich tapestry of experiences and landscapes that connect diverse cultures. This captivating narrative delves into themes of adventure, discovery, and the human spirit's resilience, making it a timeless exploration of the bonds that unite us across geographical divides. As the story unfolds, it resonates with contemporary audiences by highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy in an increasingly interconnected world. With its enduring themes and evocative imagery, this audiobook promises to inspire reflection and appreciation for the shared narratives that shape our lives.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73388205</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:02:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73388205/by_desert_ways_to_baghdad_louisa_jebb_wilkins.mp3" length="204894570" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"By Desert Ways to Baghdad" by Louisa Jebb Wilkins invites listeners into a journey that explores the rich tapestry of experiences and landscapes that connect diverse cultures. This captivating narrative delves into themes of adventure, discovery, and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["By Desert Ways to Baghdad" by Louisa Jebb Wilkins invites listeners into a journey that explores the rich tapestry of experiences and landscapes that connect diverse cultures. This captivating narrative delves into themes of adventure, discovery, and the human spirit's resilience, making it a timeless exploration of the bonds that unite us across geographical divides. As the story unfolds, it resonates with contemporary audiences by highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy in an increasingly interconnected world. With its enduring themes and evocative imagery, this audiobook promises to inspire reflection and appreciation for the shared narratives that shape our lives.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25586</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Poor White a Novel - Sherwood Anderson - Part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/poor-white-a-novel-sherwood-anderson-part-2--72691522</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72691522</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:22 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72691522/poor_white_a_novel_sherwood_anderson_part_2.mp3" length="72403945" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9051</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>anderson,bidwell,come,hugh,negative,novel,onward,poor,town,white</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Poor White a Novel - Sherwood Anderson - Part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/poor-white-a-novel-sherwood-anderson-part-1--72691521</link><description><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72691521</guid><pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:55:42 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72691521/poor_white_a_novel_sherwood_anderson_part_1.mp3" length="276650773" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Sherwood Anderson</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[This is a story of the effect of industrialization on a small town and its people, around the beginning of the 20th Century. The lead character is Hugh McVey—a shy, lazy, fairly ignorant, dreamy young man. Most of the story takes place in the little town of Bidwell, Ohio, where Hugh gets a job as a telegraph operator. He does discover he has a talent with calculations and drawings that enable him to become an inventor. In time he will become a millionaire. The story has many characters, and shows the negative effects on each of them, as the factories come to their town. The pioneering, agrarian spirit of each is slowly transformed; greed is the primary driver. Hugh sees this transformation but does not understand it. Several of the townspeople take advantage of him; his inventions of farm machinery are stolen. Only Clara Butterworth seems to bring some sanity; she marries Hugh, and they are happy for a time. As the novel approaches an end, however, there seem to be no bright spots. Labor fights, terrible graft, terrible crime, even murder come to Bidwell. The author paints a negative picture of a loss of innocence, as the nation becomes industrialized. Written in 1920, Sherwood Anderson could have seen only a small fraction of the changes to come. The magnitude, good and bad, would no doubt astound him. (Note: The novel is divided into “books”; however, there is no Book 5 between Book 4 and 6; hence I have so narrated it.) (Summary by Bob Rollins)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>34582</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>anderson,bidwell,come,hugh,negative,novel,onward,poor,town,white</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a90d484b27d82c0cfdb7eddaab2652dd.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
