Best David Couto Podcasts (2025)

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The Book of the Ancient Greeks by Dorothy Mills 40:42

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1h ago40:42

40:42

Drift off to the gentle rhythm of oars on the Aegean Sea. This quiet reading details the rise of Athens and its powerful navy, slowly recounting the historic defeat of Xerxes not as a clash of battle, but as a distant, soothing story. Let the measured history of ancient triremes and strategic triumphs lull you into a deep and peaceful sleep. Find T…

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Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea 39:33

1h ago39:33

39:33

Find your most comfortable position, and let the world above the waves gently fade away. Tonight, we are granted a rare and quiet invitation to step aboard the most marvelous vessel ever to sail the deep. We descend into the pages of Jules Verne's "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," where Captain Nemo himself is our soft-spoken guide. He will …

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The Silent Sentinels: Walls of Ancient Egypt - History Reading to Help You Sleep 41:07

15d ago41:07

41:07

As you settle into bed tonight, let your mind drift away from the present and journey back through the sands of time. We travel to the banks of the Nile, to a land of sun-baked brick and imposing stone. This episode gently reads from the meticulous pages of the "Manual of Egyptian Archaeology," guiding you through the formidable defensive architect…

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The Dreamy Tulip: A Story of Blooms and Mania 40:52

19d ago40:52

40:52

Settle in, get comfortable, and let your mind drift back to a time of quiet canals and whispered fortunes. Tonight’s tale is a gentle recounting of a most peculiar chapter in history, drawn from the pages of Charles Mackay's "Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions." We'll wander through the lush gardens of the 17th century Netherlands, where a …

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Magic in Nature in the Secret Garden – A Bedtime Story to Help you Sleep 38:29

27d ago38:29

38:29

Prepare for sleep with this week’s reading, where we return to The Secret Garden. Ben Weatherstaff has discovered the children in the garden, and we learn about his time working for Colin’s mother. Colin decides to secretly get his strength back using the Magic he feels in the garden. Story (01:27) Find The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett …

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Sports, Music, Medicine and Justice – Plato’s Republic Will Help You Sleep 43:14

1M ago43:14

43:14

For this week’s sleepy reading we are returning to The Republic. Plato’s philosophical work that apparently means a lot to people who study philosophy. I just know this is really boring and I’m sure it will help you sleep. In this episode we are learning about perspectives on sport, medicine, music and justice and how they apply to an ideal society…

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Little Women – Amy’s Adventures with Aunt March 41:30

29d ago41:30

41:30

In this week’s bedtime story, Beth’s illness continues so this reading we follow Amy’s trials staying with Aunt March. The Aunt is s nice lady, although old fashioned and Amy is unhappy. But she finds an ally in the maid. And back home, mother gets back from visiting father and everyone is glad to see her, although Jo is shocked to find that her pa…

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A History of Italian Painters will help You Sleep 43:46

1M ago43:46

43:46

In this episode the long boring recitation of many of the Italian masters of painting will help you fall asleep. It’s actually quite interesting stuff, just fairly dry, especially the way I red it! 😊 Sleep well! Story (01:27) Find A History of Art for Beginners and Students: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25632 S…

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Fall Asleep as You Learn about Travel in the 19th Century Mediterranean 42:12

1M ago42:12

42:12

Sleep is inevitable as I go through the various travel schedules for steam ships traveling to and through the Mediterranean sea and a few other pieces of food and travel advice. Story (01:18) Find The Mediterranean : Seaports and sea routes https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73849 Supporting Sleepy Time Tales If you would like to support my work and …

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Learning About The Sun and Planets As You Prepare To Sleep 40:48

2M ago40:48

40:48

Learning About The Sun and Planets As You Prepare To Sleep As you settle down to sleep get prepared for the boring details of the activity of the sun, how it was believed in the 1920s how sunspots were formed, the mechanism of how the sun works, and also learn about he inner planets. Even Vulcan, which for a while was speculated to exist closer to …

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Pride and Prejudice – Handling Rejection and Meeting a Legend 40:52

2M ago40:52

40:52

In this week’s bedtime story we find Lizzie Bennet coming to terms with her being passed over for another woman, and realising that maybe it was for the best, because she clearly hadn’t been in love. She then goes to visit with Mr Collins and her friend Charlotte and meets the legendary Lady Catherine De Bourgh she had heard so much about. Like muc…

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REPOST - The Republic by Plato 39:16

2M ago39:16

39:16

Philosophy seems the ideal thing to listen to to help you sleep. I recorded this in the middle of the day and completely zoned out and nearly dozed off so I can barely tell you what the conversation between Socrates and his friends was about. So I’m confident that the discussion of whether God can create evil, whether children should learn from fal…

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A Sleepy Tale of Intrigue – Bellarion The Fortunate 38:23

3M ago38:23

38:23

Let the intrigue of Renaissance Italy lull you into a peaceful slumber as we follow Bellarion, the clever yet unwitting hero, who stumbles into a noblewoman’s garden—only to find himself tangled in a plot far beyond his understanding. Rafael Sabatini’s lush prose, read in a slow pace, transforms this tale of mystery and fortune into the perfect bed…

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Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature: The Whispering Language of Truth (A Sleepy Reading) 36:33

3M ago36:33

36:33

Drift into serenity with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s timeless essay Nature, where he reveals language as a mirror of the natural world’s deepest truths. Let his poetic musings on rivers, stars, and the silent wisdom of the earth wash over you in this slow, soothing reading. With a tranquil pace, this episode transforms transcendental philosophy into a dr…

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Anne of Green Gables: A Joyful Home & A Stormy Temper (A Sleepy Retelling) 39:41

3M ago39:41

39:41

Let Anne Shirley’s bright spirit and fiery emotions lull you into a peaceful slumber. Tonight’s Sleepy Time Tale follows Anne’s heartwarming discovery of her new home at Green Gables—full of hope and happiness—until a run-in with a prickly neighbor sparks her infamous temper. Told in a slow, soothing voice, this beloved story becomes the perfect co…

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Sleep Through Time: The Goths vs. Rome’s Last Light 39:01

4M ago39:01

39:01

Let the distant echoes of history lull you to sleep as we drift into the shadowy world of the Dark Ages. Tonight’s episode follows the epic clashes between the Goths and the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I—wars that shaped empires, yet now fade into whispers. Told in a slow, soothing voice, this tale of conquest and intrigue becomes a tranquil bedtim…

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Mary Shelley’s The Last Man – Raymond’s Rise & Quiet Reflections 38:38

4M ago38:38

38:38

Let the hauntingly beautiful prose of Mary Shelley’s The Last Man ease you into slumber as we follow Raymond’s election as Protector—a moment of triumph shadowed by quiet doubts and personal tensions. With soft, melodic narration and a gentle rhythm, this episode transforms Shelley’s post-apocalyptic vision into a soothing bedtime story, perfect fo…

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Sleepy Steam Trains: A Soothing Reading of Rides on Railways – Repair, Construction & Calm Travel Tales 37:13

4M ago37:13

37:13

If you're lying awake tonight, let the slow, droning account of 19th-century steam trains rock you to sleep. This episode features a particularly unexciting reading from Samuel Sidney's Rides on Railways, where we meander through endless details about engine repairs, rivet counts, and the thrilling scenery of Wolverton's railway workshops. Story (0…

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Soothing Bird Stories for Sleep “Birds and Their Nests" by Mary Howitt | Bedtime Tales of Jackdaws, Wagtails & Doves 39:52

4M ago39:52

39:52

Struggling to fall asleep? Let the gentle, unhurried reading of Birds and Their Nests by Mary Howitt lull you into a deep, peaceful slumber. This podcast is intentionally slow, calm, and yes—even a little boring—to help quiet your mind and ease you into sleep. No dramatic voices, no sudden sounds, just soft narration about delightful birds and thei…

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Sleepy Time Podcast: The Great Gatsby – Chapter 5 (Gatsby Reunites with Daisy) | Boring Bedtime Stories to Help You Sleep 37:56

4M ago37:56

37:56

🎙️ Sleepy Time Podcast: The Great Gatsby – Chapter 5 (Gatsby Reunites with Daisy) | Boring Bedtime Stories to Help You Sleep 😴 Story (02:44) Struggling to fall asleep? Let the soothing, monotonous reading of The Great Gatsby lull you into a deep slumber. This podcast is intentionally slow, calm, and yes—even boring—to help quiet your mind and ease …

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The Book of the Ancient Greeks – A Sleepy Telling of Xerxes’ Invasion 38:13

5M ago38:13

38:13

Drift into the ancient world with this tranquil retelling of one of history's most epic clashes. As the Persian King Xerxes leads his vast army into Greece, a small band of Spartan warriors, led by King Leonidas, makes its legendary stand at the narrow pass of Thermopylae. Narrated in a slow, calming tone, this episode transforms the dramatic tale …

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After the Party - Night and Day by Virginia Woolf 35:38

5M ago35:38

35:38

Step into the quiet aftermath of a gathering where unspoken tensions linger in the air. This week’s Sleepy Time Story brings you Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day. As the guests depart, the real drama begins—subtle glances, veiled confessions, and the quiet power struggles between men and women take center stage. Let Woolf’s rich prose and keen observ…

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The Flourishing of Romance and the Rise of Allegory by George Saintsbury 36:19

5M ago36:19

36:19

Apologies for the Latin pronunciations as I share the history of literature and languages, and the study thereof to help you sleep. You’re sure to be counting sheep very quickly as we discuss the subtleties of Latin poetry and how local languages struggled to become a medium for expression. Story (02:37) Find The Flourishing of Romance and the Rise…

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On the Nautilus - Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea 38:39

5M ago38:39

38:39

Things settle down as you prepare for sleep. M. Arronax and his companions are safe, if confused on board the Nautilus as they meet Nemo and learn about how he has left the world behind. They are given an unpleasant choice, but a great meal. Story (02:41) Find Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/164…

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The Homes of Egypt - Manual of Egyptian Archaeology 01 43:17

6M ago43:17

43:17

Tonight, drift back in time to the golden sands of Ancient Egypt, where the Nile’s gentle currents shaped lives and homes for both commoners and nobles. In this soothing episode, we explore the quiet beauty of Egyptian dwellings—from the sunbaked mudbrick houses of workers to the grand villas adorned with lush gardens and cooling courtyards. Discov…

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Fallout of the South Sea Bubble - Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions 42:11

6M ago42:11

42:11

This week’s boring non fiction is the ideal sleep aid as we learn about the many people who were fined for their part in the South Sea Bubble. Peers, lords and businessmen alike faced massive consequences for taking part of the scam. Story (02:47) Find Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Mackay https://www.gutenb…

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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – Colin’s Day Out 42:08

6M ago42:08

42:08

It’s all happening in this week’s bedtime story as the children prepare to take Colin out to the Secret Garden for the first time. There’s a lot of excitement and joy, but there’s an unpleasant surprise towards the end that may mean disaster. Story (02:31) Find The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17396 Supp…

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Glaciers and Wind - The Elements of Geology by William Harmon Norton 39:26

6M ago39:26

39:26

We return to some sleepy non-fiction for this week’s bedtime reading. Learning about the erosion caused by various types of glacier gets you off to a boring start, and I’m sure you’ll be fast asleep by the time we get to the subtleties of the wind. Story (02:44) Find The Elements of Geology by William Harmon Norton https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/…

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The Blazing World – Episode 09 – Building Worlds and Spirit Travels 37:53

7M ago37:53

37:53

In this strange story we pick up with the Duchess and the Empress building worlds with their minds. They then move on to traveling as spirits to our own world. I’m fairly sure you’ll be asleep before the strange adventure ends with a court case about Fortune’s treatment of the Dutchess’s husband Story (02:48) Find The Description of a New World, Ca…

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On the Origin of Species - 09 33:51

7M ago33:51

33:51

This week we continue learning about he actual mechanism of evolution by natural selection. It’s pretty boring, I can barely remember what I just read, so I’m pretty sure this will help you sleep. :D Story (02:46) Find On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1228 Supporting Sleepy Ti…

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Beth Gets Sick, But All Ends Well – Little Women 36:42

7M ago36:42

36:42

We pick up this classic bedtime story as things take a bit of a dark turn. Beth is sick with scarlet fever, and it’s touch and go for a while, but don’t let it prevent your sleep. She’s fine in the end. The family makes some hard choices and their love is tested, but the fever breaks and all is well. Story (02:39) Find Little Women by Louisa May Al…

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Raphael, Michaelangelo, Rome and Florence - A History of Art for Beginners and Students 05 38:57

7M ago38:57

38:57

Find yourself drifting to sleep learning the history of the Italian renaissance in Rome, from Raphael to Titian. Raphael’s great rivalry with Michaelangelo and how art changed over their lifetimes. Lots of name, dates and jargon are the perfect recipe for your restful repose. Story (02:44) Find A History of Art for Beginners and Students: Painting,…

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In the House of the Lady - The Wood Beyond the World by William Morris 41:24

7M ago41:24

41:24

For this week’s sleepy story we return to this mysterious classic to help you sleep. Walther our protagonist feels out of place in the house of the mysterious and beautiful Lady, who seems both hostile and friendly. Walther meets the Maid once again, but as he goes hunting he feels like his situation is dangerous. Story (02:42) Find The Wood Beyond…

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REPOST - Halloween and Christianity - The Book of Hallowe'en by Ruth Edna Kelley 44:02

8M ago44:02

44:02

Hi friends. Unfortunately my chest and voice are still wrecked from having the flu so I can’t record anything that people would want to listen to. So here’s the second part of 2023’s Halloween reading. Be warned that traditional Halloween traditions may be a bit disturbing, but I left out the nasty stuff. This spooky episode shouldn’t leave you sle…

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REPOST - The Book of Hallowe'en by Ruth Edna Kelley 40:42

8M ago40:42

40:42

Sorry friends, back to school time means my daughter has brought home a fun new illness which means I have no voice or energy, so I’m pulling this weird one out of the archive. Be warned that traditional Halloween traditions may be a bit disturbing, but I left out the nasty stuff. This spooky episode shouldn’t leave you sleepless. Learn some of the…

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Astronomy The Science of the Heavenly Bodies – The Sun and Our Solar System 40:42

8M ago40:42

40:42

A century old Astronomy text book is a fascinating thing. It’s amazing to see what was known 100 years ago, and what was still speculation based on very logical application of physics. As you fall asleep you will learn about how it was believed the sun produces heat, how long it will continue to shine, and about the structure of the solar system. S…

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Pride and Prejudice Part 07 – Jane’s Heartbreak and a Wedding 36:55

8M ago36:55

36:55

Pride and Prejudice Part 07 – Jane’s Heartbreak and a Wedding A return to the Jane Auten bedtime classic this week as we pick up on a conversation between Lizzy and Jane Bennett. Jane won’t believe that her romance was interfered with by her beau’s family, and will you be asleep by the time she learns the truth? Story (02:57) Find Pride and Prejudi…

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The Republic by Plato - Part 07 39:30

9M ago39:30

39:30

The Republic by Plato This one should help you sleep as we pick up in the middle of a discussion about the morality of representing the negative aspects of the behaviours of the Gods. And then it moves in to whether actors should be allowed to pretend. It’s all confusing and self-indulgent so I’m sure this will be the recipe to a night’s rest. Stor…

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REPOST - Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens 40:56

9M ago40:56

40:56

REPOST - Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens As the year draws to a close and we keep occupied with holiday celebration and organising we are replaying an older episode from 2022. I keep life away from Sleepy Time Tales, as it’s intended as a refuge and respite, but I do want to acknowledge that for me, and many others, it’s been a rough year. Alt…

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A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – Christmas Present to the Future 38:48

9M ago38:48

38:48

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – Christmas Present to the Future We pick up for this year’s continuation of A Christmas Carol as Scrooge’s time with the Ghost of Christmas Present starts to come to a close, and things take a dark turn. The Ghost of Christmas Future is here, and its somewhat macabre as we learn about a mysterious deceased pers…

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Santa Claus and Select Christmas Stories for Bedtime 45:09

9M ago45:09

45:09

Santa Claus and Select Christmas Stories for Bedtime For this holiday reading we return to the traditional reading of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum to help you sleep. As you doze off he learns how to deal with chimneys disappearing, and he becomes immortal. And the story ends early, so there are a selection of short storie…

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Bellarion the Fortunate : A Romance by Rafael Sabatini 35:22

10M ago35:22

35:22

Bellarion the Fortunate : A Romance by Rafael Sabatini In this week’s sleepy bedtime story we pick up at an exciting time as our protagonist is struggling to escape from authorities after him for a crime he didn’t commit. Bellarion gets away and gets discovered by a noble woman who sees fit to help him, but what are her motivations? Story (02:52) F…

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Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson 36:59

10M ago36:59

36:59

Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson A new pastoral work for your enjoyment and bedtime consideration as we read Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature. A tour de force of language and insight into the beauty of the natural world. It is a gorgeous read, but I did struggle to stay awake reading it, so I predict a good night’s sleep for you! Story (03:07) Find Nature…

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Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery – Part 3 – Anne’s History 37:40

10M ago37:40

37:40

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery – Part 3 – Anne’s History We pick up the sleepy story as Marilla takes our enthusiastic your protagonist to find out how they ended up with a girl instead of a boy. The mystery gets solved, plus there’s an opportunity to send Anne to another family who want a girl. But Marilla doesn’t like the woman and deci…

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The Dark Ages, 476-918 by Charles Oman – Part 4 38:09

10M ago38:09

38:09

For our 300th episode we return to the ‘Dark Ages’ by learning of the reign of Emperor Anastasius in the Eastern Roman Empire, his death and the trying times that followed. We then move West and learn about the rise of the warlike Franks. Does this all sound interesting? Maybe but the well I tell it you will fall asleep soon enough Story (02:27) Fi…

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The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 38:33

11M ago38:33

38:33

The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley We pick up after a tense moment when there was an attempted kidnapping, and move soon enough to political manoeuvring. This one is plenty boring as the protagonist and his friends try get someone to run to be the new leader of England and things don’t go according to plan. Story (02:45) Find The Last Man …

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Rides on Railways by Samuel Sidney 36:44

11M ago36:44

36:44

Rides on Railways by Samuel Sidney This week’s episode picks up learning about the town of Oxford and its various colleges. Learn the histories and traditions of the many education institutions and you may be asleep before we climb back on the train and move off to other industrial cities along the railway line. Story (02:54) (01:33) Find Rides on …

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Birds and Their Nests by Mary Howitt 38:53

11M ago38:53

38:53

This week we continue our bedtime exploration of the domestic lives of various birds. While you drift off to sleep you will be regaled with stories about swallow migrations, goldfinches and many other delightful birds. Be waned that there is some slightly sad stuff here as nature can be rough. Story (02:43) Find Birds and Their Nests by Mary Howitt…

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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – The ‘Truth’ about Gatsby 38:52

11M ago38:52

38:52

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – The ‘Truth’ about Gatsby For this week’s bedtime storyu we pick up at the end of one of Gatsby’s legendary parties which finishes off with a (minor) car accident. We learn more about Nick Carraway’s life as you drift off to sleep and Gatsby tells Nick about his life, although is any of it true? We may learn…

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On Greeks and Persians - The Book of the Ancient Greeks 34:32

11M ago34:32

34:32

In this week’s sleep time non-fiction, we learn about the activities of the Persian emperor Darius with the Greek States of Asia Minor. And as you drift off on your restful night he will turn his eyes to the European Greek states and Athens. Learn about he battle of Marathon, to which the Spartans showed up nearly a week late, Darius’ failure and t…