Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep - podcast cover

Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep

Sharon Handywww.boringbookspod.com
Boring Books for Bedtime is a weekly 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 blend 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.

Episodes

Bicycling for Ladies, by Maria E. Ward, Part 2

Let's continue our relaxing ride through a dream of sleep-inducing detail about handling the newfangled bicycle. The word "knickerbockers" is also used to some effect. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by supporting us! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Bicycling for Ladies" at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62227 Music: “Heaven Be Here” by PCIII, licensed under CC BY-NC If you'd like to suggest a c...

Feb 01, 202158 minTranscript available on Metacast

How to Listen to Music, by Henry E. Krehbiel, Part 1

Tonight, we fall into the rhythm of sleep with a book that works hard to put meaning into music but mostly just makes it boring. So...kind of perfect, really? Subscribe here: www.linktre.ee/boringbookspod Support here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Pssst...Everyone who contributes in January 2021 will be entered into a raffle to win your very own, exclusive episode! Read "How to Listen to Music" at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.or...

Jan 25, 202149 minTranscript available on Metacast

Mars and Its Canals, by Percival Lowell, Part 1

Tonight we journey to our neighbor in the heavens, and begin a sleepy exploration of the "canals" of Mars, proving that even a great scientist can't be right about everything. Subscribe here: www.linktre.ee/boringbookspod Support here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Pssst...Everyone who contributes in January 2021 will be entered into a raffle to win your very own, exclusive episode! Read "Mars and Its Canals" at Project Gutenberg: http://ww...

Jan 18, 20211 hr 3 minTranscript available on Metacast

Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to Antiquities, Part 3

Tonight, let's rejoin our caravan from sand to sandman and explore the ancient Egyptian temples of Karnak and Luxor. It's a dusty dream of a journey. Subscribe here: www.linktre.ee/boringbookspod Support here: Patreon: www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me A Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Pssst...Everyone who contributes in January 2021 will be entered into a raffle to win your very own, exclusive episode! Read "Manual of Egyptian Archaeology" at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org...

Jan 11, 202147 minTranscript available on Metacast

The Book of Tea, by Kakuzo Okakura, Part 2

Tonight, let's consider the connection of Teaism and Taoism, relax into the refinement of the tea house, and let go of all our worries in something called the Abode of Vacancy. Enjoy! Want to support us? Neat! Here's how: Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Book of Tea" at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/769 Music: “Boring Books for Bedtime” by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY http://leerosev...

Jan 04, 20211 hr 2 minTranscript available on Metacast

A Winter Walk, by Henry David Thoreau

Let's take a walk through wintry woods and skate down a frozen stream in this relaxing mix of prose and poetry. Thoreau captures all the beauty of a New England winter, and I hope you enjoy it. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us! All December supporters will get the complete, uninterrupted recording of "The Prophet" as thanks for your support. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "A ...

Dec 28, 202058 minTranscript available on Metacast

1897 Sears Roebuck and Co. Catalog, Musical Goods Department

Let's relax with this browse through the voluminous Musical Goods Department, and discover all the wonders of mandolins, music boxes and banjorines. Which is an actual thing. Who knew? Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us! All December supporters will get the complete, uninterrupted recording of "The Prophet" as thanks for your support. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Music: “Heaven Be...

Dec 21, 202055 minTranscript available on Metacast

The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, Part 2

Tonight, we get sleepy with this second half of a philosophy classic, and discuss pleasure, pain and the power of friendship. It's like a cozy set of pajamas for your tired mind. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us! All December supporters will get the complete, uninterrupted recording of "The Prophet" as thanks for your support. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Prophet" at P...

Dec 14, 202057 minTranscript available on Metacast

Astronomy for Young Folks, by Isabel Martin Lewis, Part 3

Tonight, let's complete our sleepy voyage through the constellations as we learn about the stars seen from August through December, the ever-precessing pole star, and the wonder of novas. Heavenly! Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Astronomy for Young Folks" at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45112 Music: “Exit Exit” by PC II...

Dec 07, 202058 minTranscript available on Metacast

Utopia, by Sir Thomas More, Part 1

Let's fall asleep with this classic of political philosophy from an executed saint, because what's more relaxing than that. Utopia details socio-economic issues that keep us up at night because...we don't live in Utopia. Surprise! Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Utopia" at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2130 Music: “Heaven...

Nov 30, 202053 minTranscript available on Metacast

The History of Bread, by John Ashton, Part 1

Tonight, let's relax with the story of one of the world's most basic foods. In this reading, we sleepily sift through the grains of early bread history, from prehistoric mills to matzo-making. Tasty! Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The History of Bread" at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53219 Music: “Peace” by Lee Rosevere...

Nov 23, 202058 minTranscript available on Metacast

The Coming of the Fairies, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Part 5 (Final)

Tonight, we complete Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “skeptical” defense of fairies. Relax to fairy biology, fairy society, and the clairvoyant observations of one Bishop Leadbeater, whose claim to expertise seems to be an impressive beard. Science! Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us! All November supporters will receive the complete, uninterrupted recording of "The Coming of the Fairies" as a thanks for their support. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringb...

Nov 16, 20201 hr 11 minTranscript available on Metacast

The Coming of the Fairies, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Part 4

Let's flit away to sleep as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle presents sightings to bolster his case that fairies are real, including one from Mrs. Violet Tweedale, owner of arguably the most English name ever. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us! All November supporters will receive the complete, uninterrupted, 4.5 hour recording of "The Coming of the Fairies" as a thanks for their support! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://...

Nov 09, 202049 minTranscript available on Metacast

The Politics, by Aristotle, Part 1

Tonight, we relax and sleep with politics as poured from the pen of Aristotle 2,300 years ago. Once again, we wade through a very thorough introduction, and discover that there's nothing much new under the political sun. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Politics" at Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6762 Music: “Peace” by ...

Nov 02, 202049 minTranscript available on Metacast

Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Part 3 of 3

Tonight, we finish our 3-part wander through 19th century Edinburgh, side-eye "modern" architecture, climb Calton Hill, and cheat the whisky tax, as any good Scot should. You can help keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! All October supporters will receive the complete, 3-hour recording of "Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes" as a thanks for their support. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes" at Proj...

Oct 26, 20201 hr 13 minTranscript available on Metacast

Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Part 2

Let's continue our sleepy sojourn to 19th century Edinburgh through the eyes of Robert Louis Stevenson. In Part 2, we listen to legends, ramble through Greyfriars, and muse on memories of rural places. Lovely. You can help keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! All October supporters will receive the complete, 3-hour recording of "Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes" as a thanks for their support. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read...

Oct 19, 202055 minTranscript available on Metacast

Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Part 1

This week we start a relaxing, 3-part journey to 19th century Edinburgh with native son Robert Louis Stevenson. Towers and tenements, hills and a Hall of Lost Steps, it's a sleepy trip for your tired mind. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us! All October supporters will receive the complete recording of "Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes" as a thanks for their support! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee....

Oct 12, 202056 minTranscript available on Metacast

Book of Household Management, by Isabella Beeton, Part 5 (Valets and Maids)

Tonight, we return to one of your favorite books, and head downstairs into the sleepy realm of service. What are the infinite duties of the lady's maid? How do you pack a trunk? Black a boot? Clean a ribbon with gin? These and more await your tired mind. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by checking out these ways to support us: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "The Book of Household Management" at Project Gutenberg: h...

Oct 05, 202048 minTranscript available on Metacast

The Principles of Chemistry, by Dmitry Mendeleev, Part 2

Tonight, return to the sleepy halls of science with more from this foundational work on chemistry. The philosopher's stone, phlogiston, and the first periodic table for our list-lovers—this relaxing book has it all. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! Everyone contributing on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee in September will be entered in this month's drawing for a personalized episode of your very own. You pick the book! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www...

Sep 28, 202056 minTranscript available on Metacast

Flatland, by Edwin A. Abbott, Part 1

Tonight, travel a straight line to sleep with this combination of mathematical musing and social satire. Victorian classism has never had such a dull, dreamy edge. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! Everyone contributing on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee in September will be entered in this month's drawing for a personalized episode of your very own. You pick the book! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Flatland" at Project...

Sep 21, 202059 minTranscript available on Metacast

The North Pole, by Robert E. Peary, Part 2

Tonight let's return to a relaxing travelogue and continue with Robert Peary's detailed account of the search for the North Pole. Trials, triumphs and...a plan to pipe soup across the Arctic? This book has it all! Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! Everyone contributing on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee in September will be entered in this month's drawing for a personalized episode of your very own. You pick the book! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.b...

Sep 14, 202057 minTranscript available on Metacast

Lost Episode! A Short History of the World, by H.G. Wells, Part 2

Tonight, we relax with The Lost H.G. Wells Episode, which mysteriously vanished six weeks after its release back in 2019. Why? Who knows! But this sleepy history of our marvelous world, from the appearance of birds to the first cousins of man, is too good to miss. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! Everyone contributing on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee in September will be entered in this month's drawing for a personalized episode of your very own. You pick the book! Patreon: https://www.patreo...

Sep 07, 202051 minTranscript available on Metacast

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau, Part 2

It's our 100th episode! Let's return to the relaxing words of Thoreau's classic, wander the quiet woods, meet some interesting characters, and fall to sleep with thoughts on civil disobedience. Good times! Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! Everyone contributing on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee in August will be entered in this month's drawing for a free 3-month subscription (and 3 free audiobooks of your choice) at Libro.fm! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: http...

Aug 31, 202057 minTranscript available on Metacast

An Account of Egypt, by Herodotus, Part 1

Take a relaxing journey with Greek historian Herodotus as he reveals the wonders of Egypt. Clothing, crocodiles, calculations—all the sleep-inducing details of the ancient world are here. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! Everyone contributing on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee in August will be entered in this month's drawing for a free 3-month subscription (and 3 free audiobooks of your choice) at Libro.fm! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoff...

Aug 24, 202052 minTranscript available on Metacast

Grounds of Natural Philosophy, by Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle

Relax and sleep with words from the wonderful Margaret Cavendish, and discover why science was once called "natural philosophy". So many ideas, so little clue what they mean. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! Everyone contributing on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee in August will be entered in this month's drawing for a free 3-month subscription (and 3 free audiobooks of your choice) at Libro.fm! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMs...

Aug 17, 202055 minTranscript available on Metacast

Bird Biographies, by Alice E. Ball, Part 1

Tonight, let your dreams take wing with this delightfully detailed yet poetic guide to the birds of eastern North America. A chorus of cardinals, crows and jays are all here to sing you to sleep. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed! Everyone contributing on Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee in August will be entered in this month's drawing for a free 3-month subscription (and 3 free audiobooks of your choice) at Libro.fm! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.bu...

Aug 10, 202052 minTranscript available on Metacast

Quick Podcast Update and Announcements!

Just a very quick update on monthly giveaways, our fantastic August prize from Libro.fm, and thoughts on keeping this podcast ad-free through your help. Thanks for listening! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Music: “Relaxation Loop,” by Sounds Like An Earful https://soundslikeanearful.com/ If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, ...

Aug 05, 20204 minTranscript available on Metacast

The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli, Part 1

Rule over insomnia and go to sleep with the pithy prose of Machiavelli. But first, a long introduction to the twisted papal politics of 15th century Italy that spawned this influential book. Yawn! Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by joining our Patreon or dropping us a tip via Buy Me A Coffee. Everyone contributing in August will be entered in this month's drawing for a free three-month subscription (and three free audiobooks of your choice) at Libro.fm! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bor...

Aug 03, 202056 minTranscript available on Metacast

The South American Tour, by Annie S. Peck, Part 1

Steam away to dreamland with this travel guide to South America by e xplorer, archaeologist and record-setting mountaineer Annie S. Peck. If you ever wondered what to pack for a four-month trip south of the Equator, look no further. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by joining our Patreon or dropping us a tip via Buy Me A Coffee. Everyone contributing in July will be entered in this month's drawing for a print copy of one of your faves--the 1897 Sears Catalog! Patreon: https://www.patreon.co...

Jul 27, 202053 minTranscript available on Metacast

Farm Engines and How To Run Them, Part 2

Let's relax to more from the not-at-all-exciting world of stuffing boxes and governor balls that make farm engines go. If 30 study questions for a steam engine operator test can't put you to sleep, nothing will. Keep this podcast ad-free and relaxed by joining our Patreon or dropping us a tip via Buy Me A Coffee. Everyone contributing in July will be entered in this month's drawing for a print copy of one of your faves--the 1897 Sears Catalog! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy ...

Jul 20, 202049 minTranscript available on Metacast
Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast