Grade 11 Summer Audiobook Sampler

Lewis Carroll's Game of Logic is a way to understand classical logic by means of symbols. In chapter one, the author explains the three kinds of propositions that will be used in the game.

The Merchant of Venice is one of William Shakespeare's best-known plays, written sometime between 1596 and 1598. Although it is sometimes classified as a comedy and shares certain aspects with the other romantic comedies, it is perhaps more remembered for its dramatic scenes (particularly the trial scene) and is best known for its portrayal of the Jew Shylock, which has raised questions of anti-semitism. In chapter one, scene one, Antonio is overtaken with an unexplained sadness, but Solanio has a theory why he is saddened. Antonio, having extended himself financially, cannot fulfill the request of Bassanio.

Beowulf, the epic tale of adventure that follows Beowulf as he battles Grendel, Grendel's Mother, and later becomes king. Beowulf was originally written in Old English by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries. It is one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. This translation, by Professor Francis Gummere, was first published in 1910. In chapter one, the beloved Beow takes his rightful place as heir to the throne of the Scyldings, who continue to experience prosperity.

The Marble Faun is a gothic romance concerning three young Americans and one young Italian Count who meet in Rome. The book features picturesque descriptions of historic art and architecture in Rome as a backdrop to a tale of mystery, murder, and romance. In chapter one, the author introduces the four major characters of the novel.

The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850, is set in Puritan New England in the 17th century. Exploring the issues of grace, legalism, and guilt, it tells the story of Hester Prynne, a Puritan woman who commits adultry then struggles to create a new life. The introduction provides a frame for the main narrative of The Scarlet Letter. The nameless narrator, who shares quite a few traits with the book’s author, takes a post as the “chief executive officer,” or surveyor, of the Salem Custom House. This section introduces us to the narrator and establishes his desire to contribute to American culture.

Macbeth is among the best known of William Shakespeare’s plays, as well as his shortest surviving tragedy. It is frequently performed at professional and community theatres around the world. The play, loosely based upon the historical account of King Macbeth of Scotland by Raphael Holinshed and the Scottish philosopher Hector Boece, is often seen as an archetypal tale of the dangers of the lust for power and betrayal of friends. It has frequently been adapted. In the theatrical world, many superstitions are associated with “Macbeth,” all connected with the belief that the play is somehow “cursed.” Many actors will not mention the name of the play aloud, referring to it as “the Scottish Play”. In chapter one, the three witches meet to discuss Macbeth.

The Last of the Mohicans is a novel that takes place during the French and Indian War following the adventures of Nathaniel "Natty" Bumppo and his two Mohican companions as they attempt to rescue the daughters of a British commander. In chapter one, the French and Indian war rages on as the author describes the many dangers of the land surrounding the Fort William Henry.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is a dramatized account of the betrayal of the the Roman Emperor. In act one, scene one, Flavius and Murellus downplay the accomplishments of Julius Caesar as they scold the local commoners.

Hamlet is a tragedy and revenge play by William Shakespeare. It is one of his best-known works, one of the most-quoted writings in the English language and is universally included on lists of the world’s greatest books. In act one, scene one, the watchmen and Horatio encounter a familiar spirit at Castle Elsinore.

The Blithedale Romance is the third of the major novels of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Much of the action of the novel is set at Blithedale, a utopian socialist community that is founded upon anti-capitalist ideals, yet is destroyed by the self-interested behavior of its members. In chapter one, the narrator talks of the Veiled Lady and Mr. Moodie.