Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep

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Episodes

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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

History of Animals, by Aristotle, Part 3

Let’s continue a month of requests from our Patreon raffle winners with more about the physical characteristics of animal classes. This time, we learn about camels, chameleons, and the totally-not-made-up manticore. 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 “History of Animals” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/59058 Music: "Ocean Tapping,” by PC III, l...

Aug 12, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The History of Bread from Prehistoric to Modern Times, by John Ashton, Part 5

Let’s kick off a month of requests from our Patreon raffle winners with more about the delicious staff of life. This time, bread baking for (19th century) beginners, yeasty science, and the complexities of communion wafers. Tasty! 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 History of Bread” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53219 Music: "Peace,” by Lee Rosev...

Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The ABC of Relativity, by Bertrand Russell, Part 4

Let’s relax and sleep with more about Einstein’s theories of relativity, how geometry gets messy on a sphere, the validity of measuring with eels, and a bit about Pythagoras, who feared beans. Who knew? 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 ABC of Relativity” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67104 Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, lic...

Jul 29, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Moving Pictures: How They Are Made and Worked, Part 2

Let’s relax and sleep with more about the origins of that magical medium, movies! This time, we explore motion, mess with gelatin, and call “Action!” on the development of celluloid film thanks to one George Eastman. 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 “Moving Pictures” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67972 Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosev...

Jul 22, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Sailing Alone Around the World, by Capt. Joshua Slocum, Part 2

Let’s relax and sleep with more from this solo journey by sailboat. This time, we cross the Atlantic, serenade dolphins, and…a seafaring ghost saves our narrator from a cheese-induced fever? Sure, why not. I don’t write them, 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 “Sailing Alone Around the World” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6317 Music: "Ocean T...

Jul 15, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Flatland, by Edwin A. Abbott, Part 4

Let’s relax and sleep with more from a classic that combines mathematics and social commentary with pointed angularity. This time, our narrator is inducted into that most secret of secrets…three dimensions. Why, it’s madness, I tell 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 “Flatland” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/201 Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” ...

Jul 08, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast

Pyrotechnics, the History and Art of Firework Making, Part 2

Let’s celebrate our 300th episode and 10 MILLION listens with a bit of fireworks! That sounds exciting, but it’s really just a sleepy catalog of firework displays in England up to the 19 th century. Flaming dragon battles and “philosophical fireworks” are somewhat mentioned, so that’s fun. 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 “Pyrotechnics” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gut...

Jul 01, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli, Part 3

Let’s return to a political classic and learn more about how to govern as a prince. This time, we hear why neither the rich nor the mercenary can be trusted, why it’s easy to earn the people’s faith by being nice, and the excellent word “dastardy” is used. 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 Prince” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1232 Music: "Dream...

Jun 24, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast

1912 Ford Motor Cars Model T Instruction Manual, Part 1

This week, let’s relax with the intricacies of car maintenance as we learn the proper care and operation of a 1912 Model T Ford. Why, it’s so simple, anyone can fill the dope caps and grind the valves. Ford thinks you can, anyway, and isn’t that a bit cheering? Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leer...

Jun 17, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The Book of the Ocean, by Ernest Ingersoll, Part 4

Let’s sail to sleep with more about the history of maritime exploration, including Vikings in North America, the Chinese invention of the compass, Arabic navigation tools, and the rise of the Portuguese. Dreams ahoy! 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 the Ocean” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56311 Music: "Ocean Tapping,” by PC III, licens...

Jun 10, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Etiquette, by Emily Post, Part 6

Let’s return to this relaxing classic and learn more sleepy advice about paying visits, leaving cards, proper wedding invitations, and how to sit in a chair. Dear listeners, it seems your reader had no idea. 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” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14314 Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, licensed u...

Jun 03, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast

On Horsemanship, by Xenophon, Part 2, and Project Gutenberg License

This week, we conclude a relaxing Greek classic about getting the best from your cavalry horse, including what to wear, and then fall asleep to the riveting legalese of Project Gutenberg’s usage license for all these free eBooks I share with you. The horse stuff is more fun, to be honest. Giveaway! All Patreon supporters in May will have a chance at one of four slots to determine our readings for August. By joining Patreon, you get exclusive episodes, keep us ad-free AND get a chance to hear you...

May 27, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The Principles of Chemistry, by Dmitri Mendeleev, Part 5

Let's continue to wend our relaxing way through a fundamental text of science and explore how elements combine and de-combine with that wonderful substance, water. Truly the solution for sleep! Giveaway! All Patreon supporters in May will have a chance at one of four slots to determine our readings for August. By joining Patreon, you get exclusive episodes, keep us ad-free AND get a chance to hear your personal fave. Win-win! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https...

May 20, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The Railway Traveller's Handy Book, Part 2

Let’s return to this sleepily detailed guide to rail journeys in 1860, and learn what to wear, the importance of travel insurance, and how to steal a horse to get to the station on time. Handy indeed! Giveaway! All Patreon supporters in May will have a chance at one of four slots to determine our readings for August. By joining Patreon, you get exclusive episodes, keep us ad-free AND get a chance to hear your personal fave. Win-win! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee...

May 13, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast

1890 Gardiner and Co. Seed Annual 1: Flower Novelties

Tonight, let’s celebrate the sleepy splendors of spring and go shopping for the latest in floral novelties offered by Gardiner & Co. in their seed annual. Apparently, in 1890, Japanese delights were all the rage. I also announce a new Giveaway! All Patreon supporters in May will have a chance at one of four slots to determine our readings for August. By joining Patreon, you help us stay ad-free AND get a chance to hear your faves. Win-win! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a...

May 06, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast

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

Tonight, while your reader recovers from a snuffly illness, let’s rewind to 2021 and fall into the rhythm of sleep with a book that works hard to put meaning into music, but mostly just manages to make it boring. So…kind of perfect, really. 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 “How to Listen to Music” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17474 Music: "Healing,...

Apr 29, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Our National Parks, by John Muir, Part 4

Let’s celebrate Earth Day with more from Muir’s poetic ode to the spectacular natural wonders of North America. This time, we complete our relaxing tour of Yellowstone and head to beautiful Yosemite, the jewel of the Sierras. Truly the stuff of dreams. 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 Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60929 Music: "...

Apr 22, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Handbook on Cheese Making, by George E. Newell, Part 2

Let’s return to the relaxing world of dairy products and learn more about the design of a good curing room, dividing profits among your producers, and what makes a great cheese. Hint: it’s definitely not skim milk! 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 “Handbook on Cheese Making” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/70813 Music: "Chasing Colours,” by Lee Roseve...

Apr 15, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Mars and Its Canals, by Percival Lowell, Part 3

Let’s return to this sleep-inducing exploration, and speculation, about the Red Planet. This time, we learn about seasonal fluctuations of the poles and how they do or don’t mirror our own. Which is exactly as interesting as it sounds. 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 “Mars and Its Canals” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/47015 Music: "Dream Colours,” ...

Apr 08, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Practical Mind Reading, by William Walker Atkinson, Part 3 (Conclusion)

Let’s find our mental rapport with sleep as we conclude this, uh, scientific guide to mind reading, learn how to find cards and drive a wagon while blindfolded, and discover how naughty charlatans dupe the public. Fake mind readers, you say? Impossible! 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 “Practical Mind Reading” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41358 Mus...

Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, Part 3

Let’s spend our way to sleep as we learn more about the concept of value, why pounds are silver instead of gold, and how rent should be charged in corn rather than coin. Truly priceless boredom! 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: "earth 2 earth,” by PC III, licensed under CC BY If you'd...

Mar 25, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Mount Everest, the Reconnaissance of 1921, Part 4

Let’s climb the slopes of sleep as we continue this history-making journey to study the world’s mightiest mountain. This time, our yaks run wild, we eat dumplings, cross quicksand, and take the first photo of a lama. Dreamy adventure awaits! 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, 1921” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3942...

Mar 18, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Cassell's Book of Birds, Part 5 - Parrots Continued

Let’s fly away to sleep with more about beautiful birds and that fantastic family of feathered friends, the parrots. This time, we marvel at lovebirds, cockatoos, and the curious kakapo. Adorable! 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 Music: "Ocean Tapping,” by PC III, licensed under...

Mar 11, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Science in the Kitchen, by Mrs. E.E. Kellogg, Part 1

Let’s relax and sleep as one of the Kellogg clan takes the fun out of food through a heady combination of 19th-century food chemistry and moralizing about the perils of spices. Lovers of flavor beware! 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 “Science in the Kitchen” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12238 Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, lic...

Mar 04, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The Problems of Philosophy, by Bertrand Russell, Part 3

Let’s calm our minds and relax with more deep thoughts about the nature of reality, what knowledge is, whether the past exists at all, and why the sun may not rise tomorrow. It probably will, though, so not to worry. 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/ebooks/5827 Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by...

Feb 26, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Cottages; or Hints on Economical Building, Part 2

Let’s relax with more advice about building cozy cottages, decorating with simplicity and style, and how to dig a well that doesn’t fill with poisonous sewage. Which…seems like a good idea, really. 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 “Cottages; or Hints on Economical Building” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67922 Music: "Heaven Be Here,” by PC III, lice...

Feb 19, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast

On the Origin of Species, by Charles Darwin, Part 5

In our annual celebration of Darwin Day, let’s enjoy a relaxing read from this foundational text of science. This time, we finally get to natural selection, what it is, what it isn’t, and why birds are so very, very pretty. 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/1228 Music: "Dream Colours,” by Lee R...

Feb 12, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast

The Voyage of The Bounty to the South Sea, by William Bligh, Part 2

Let’s continue the infamous voyage of HMS Bounty, which so far isn’t too exciting. This time, lots of latitude and longitude marking, Fletcher Christian gets a promotion, we see a whale, and the attempt to round Cape Horn is...something less than successful. 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 Voyage of The Bounty to the South Sea” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenb...

Feb 05, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Bicycling for Ladies, by Maria E. Ward, Part 3

Let’s relax and sleep to advice about the latest fad, bicycling! We learn the art of efficient pedaling, passing safely, and climbing a hill with power and ease. Don’t forget to pack your butter sandwiches. 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 “Bicycling for Ladies” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62227 Music: "Heaven Be Here,” by PC III, licensed under C...

Jan 29, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Astronomy for Young Folks, by Isabel Martin Lewis, Part 8

Tonight, we relax and sleep with knowledge about Earth’s magnetism, why the sky is blue, how rainbows happen, and the origin of auroras that paint northern and southern skies. Lovely! 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 “Astronomy for Young Folks” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45112 Music: "Exit Exit,” by PC III, licensed under CC BY If you'd like to s...

Jan 22, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast