Boring Books for Bedtime is a weekly, ad-free, AI-free sleep podcast in which we calmly, quietly read something rather boring to silence the brain chatter keeping you awake. Think Aristotle, Thoreau, and whoever wrote the 1897 Sears Catalog—mostly nonfiction, mostly old, a perfect balance of vaguely-but-not-too interesting.
If you're on Team Sleepless, lie back, take a deep breath, and let us read you to rest.
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Let's continue our theme month of "Long-time Favorites" with more from this quickstep march through the history of our world. This time, the revolutionary teachings of Jesus, the rise of the Christian church, barbarian hordes, and the final fall of the Roman Empire, all in less than hour. Short indeed! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "A Short History of the World" by H.G. ...
Let's continue our theme month of "Long-time Favorites" with this most favored work of all things home and comfort. This time, recipes for fish, along with interludes about the life and habits of particular species, and a poem about hermit crabs, because of course there is. Anchovy and carp and cod, oh my! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Book of Household Management" ...
Let's kick off a theme month I'm calling "Long-time Favorites" with more from this journey to map the world's highest peak. This time, we experience more flowers and fields, the start of monsoon season, and some very leaky tents as we search for our next base camp. Onward and upward! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Mount Everest, the Reconnaissance of 1921" by C.K. Howard...
Let's relax and sleep with more from this classic of economic theory. This time, the wages of labor, the backroom collaboration of owners to undercut those wages, and the importance of paying more than subsistence for national success. Wait, what? Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Wealth of Nations" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3300 Music: "ear...
Let's relax and sleep as we conclude this guide to cozy home building. This time, water and sewer piping, the need for ventilation, why fireplaces are lovely but kind of useless, and the best design for your cesspool. The charming life indeed. Patreon supporters, look for your full book recording of "Cottages" coming very shortly! Because some nights, you just need a good, long bit of boredom. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy M...
Let's honor a certain March holiday with more from this history of Ireland. This time, the magical powers of druids, the rise of Christianity, and a tiny island's giant reputation for scholarly excellence. Also, the fairy realm! History truly contains multitudes. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Story of Ancient Irish Civilization" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gut...
Let's drift away to better sleep with more from this epic journey to the northernmost point of the planet. This time, some local traditions, admiration for dogs, being the taxi of the north, dodging icebergs, and not changing your clothes for weeks. Adventure indeed! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The North Pole: Its Discovery in 1909" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.g...
Let's soar to sleep on the wings of birds as we learn more about the feathered family of parrots. This time, descriptions of magnificent macaws in all the shades of the rainbow, as well as their charming cousins, the parakeets. Dreamy indeed. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Cassell's Book of Birds, Volume 1" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/48675 Mus...
Let's wander the forests of relaxation with more from this ode to the natural beauties of western America. This time, we learn more of the forests of Yosemite, from silver firs to ancient cedars, and Muir has a rather melancholy visit with an aged Ralph Waldo Emerson. Carpe diem while you can, friends. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Our National Parks" at Project Gutenbe...
Let's sail to sleep with more from this voyage of HMS Bounty, which continues to be somewhat less exciting than promised. This time, we plant trees in Van Diemen's Land, see some rocks, and find out that jellyfish were called blubbers, which is adorable. Then Otaheite/Tahiti ahoy, at long last! What could go wrong? Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "A Voyage to the South Sea...
Let's relax with more from this foundational classic, just in time for Darwin Day. This time, how one species begets more and more variety over thousands of generations, the role of extinction, and why "the tree of life" is a lovely symbol indeed. It's science! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "On the Origin of Species" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks...
Delving into Vitruvius's "The Ten Books on Architecture," this episode explores ancient urban planning principles. It covers crucial aspects like selecting healthy city sites, examining elemental balance's impact on health, and historical methods for evaluating land. Discussions also include detailed plans for robust city walls, strategic tower defense, and the importance of street orientation to manage wind patterns. The episode concludes with guidance on intelligently positioning public buildings and temples within a city for both utility and symbolic significance.
Let's continue along this relaxing, and much delayed, voyage to Central and South America. This time, we arrive in Panama and are treated to an extremely detailed description of that brand-new marvel of engineering, the Panama Canal, just before it opened to the world. Lakes and locks and dams, oh my! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The South American Tour" at Project Gut...
Tonight, let's snuggle up with man's best friend as we learn more about breeds of dogs. This time, more dogs used in the sporting life, including pointers, setters, and bloodhounds. Also, a rather long bit about otters from a circa-1600 book that our author found interesting, and why not. Follow your bliss, friends. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "All About Dogs" at Proje...
Let's deal ourselves some sleep with this classic instruction manual for all the games you have and haven't heard of. Tonight, the intricacies of All-Fours, Baccarat, and something called Bezique, which is so laughably complicated that I almost want to try it. Score! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Hoyle's Games Modernized" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/...
Let's kick off a year of better sleep with more from this fan favorite. This time, we raise some of nature's best composters, pigs, and decide raising poultry is maybe something we do not want to do for…reasons. Also, an educated girl who can take care of herself is the best kind of girl. Sound advice from the 1860s! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Ten Acres Enough" at Pr...
Let's sink into seasonal slumber with two essays by famed American naturalists. In the first, John Muir takes us to Tahoe in the winter, where he delights in its glacial-born beauties and his friend skis poorly. In the second, Thoreau regales us with tales of mischievous visitors to his cabin in Walden. Delightful! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! All December supporters will be entered into our Annual Holiday Giveaway at the end of the month! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bo...
Let's shop for sleep with more selections from this Christmas gift catalog from the years of World War II. This time, pretty yet practical cards, tree decorations and miraculous electric lights that stay lit, luggage, toys, ties, and the gift of every girl's dreams . . . a robe! May this help you have the happiest of holidays, dear listeners. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! All December supporters will be entered into our Annual Holiday Giveaway at the end of the month! Patreon...
Let's set sail for warm winter nights with a new (well, "new") travel book. In this first reading, thoughts on speaking the language, the best travel guides, the importance of strong luggage and a corkscrew, and how overpacking and Italian water are best avoided. Bon voyage! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! All December supporters will be entered into our Annual Holiday Giveaway at the end of the month! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www...
Let's return to the sands of sleep with this absolutely, totally true, not at all exaggerated account of Egypt. This time, a ramble connecting Greek gods to Egypt, a fabled labyrinth and lake all lost to time, and the tale of twelve kings accidentally undone by a hat. How could you doubt it? Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! All December supporters will be entered into our Annual Holiday Giveaway at the end of the month! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Co...
Harrison Weir's "Our Cats and All About Them" continues, delving into the unique attributes of several feline varieties. The episode examines the historical superstitions and physical standards of black cats, the origins and forms of blue cats, and the distinct markings of black-and-white and white-and-black felines. It also offers an extensive look at the royal Siamese cat, discussing its delicate nature, breeding challenges, and beloved habits, concluding with a deep dive into the tailless Manx cat's peculiarities and a philosophical reflection on surrounding oneself with beauty, particularly in pets.
Delve into the fascinating world of 13th-century Northern France as this episode introduces "Life on a Medieval Barony." It establishes the historical context of AD 1220 as the apogee of the Middle Ages, then explores the origins and tumultuous history of the fictional Fief of St. Aliquist, from Viking invasions and the rise of the first castle to the tyrannical rule of Baron Garnier and the just leadership of Baron Conan III, highlighting the intricate feudal system and daily life.
Let's relax to yet more information about steam engines, their types, and how their valves work, followed immediately by a glowing description of the newfangled gasoline engine that makes all the previous hours of steam engine learning a bit . . . pointless? Well, it helped us sleep, I guess. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Farm Engines and How to Run Them" at Project Gut...
Robert Louis Stevenson continues his journey through the French Cevennes, describing tranquil nights sleeping under the stars and the picturesque, yet historically charged, landscapes. The narrative culminates in a detailed account of the Camisard Rebellion at Pont de Montvert, highlighting the intense religious fervor and the dramatic confrontation between persecuted Protestants and their oppressors, including the violent fate of Archpriest Du Chaila and the defiant leader Sagir.
Let's cast our lines into the river of relaxation with this classic about the art of fishing. This time, we begin with a conversation between a hunter, a falconer, and an angler about the relative superiority of their professions. But first, an overwrought patron dedication and lengthy, self-deprecating epistle to the reader, in perfect 17th century style. Deliciously dull! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://...
Let's celebrate our seventh anniversary with more from this catalog of lovely, affordable homes, a dream indeed, and all certified by a team of women as perfect in every detail. But first, some very thorough assurances that these plans are entirely satisfactory or your money back. Guaranteed! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "1921 Sears Roebuck & Co. Modern Homes Catalo...
Let's relax with more from this classic of classy behavior, and learn about the roles of servants in a good household. What they do, what they wear, and how to pronounce val-et, which your reader corrects upon reading this. Whoops! Also, once again, we learn that treating workers with respect is the highest mark of class. Facts. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Etiquette" ...
Let's return to relaxation with two more essays about nature from this lovely work. This time, the magical peace of still waters framed by the changing leaves of autumn, and the almost universal reverence for the Pleiades, quiet heralds of November. Enjoy! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Where the Forest Murmurs" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7019...
Let's sleep to sonorous notes about the history of the modern orchestra. This time, we work our way forward from antiquity, ponder the parallel musical tracks of church and village, and name a lot of instruments that most today have never heard of, like the crwth. Yes, that's a real thing. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Evolution of Modern Orchestra" at Project Guten...
Let's relax with a listener request for more from the marvelous mind of Bertrand Russell. This time, thoughts about the nature of thought, induction versus deduction, and whether we can know anything. Spoiler alert, yes. But also, no. That's philosophy for you. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Problems of Philosophy" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/eboo...
