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Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep

Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep

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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Episodes

The Complete Herbal and English Physician Enlarged, by Nicholas Culpeper, Part 2

Let's relax with more from this rather questionable 17th century guide to medicinal plants. This time, herbs to rid yourself of fleas, cure gout, eliminate the French pox, and treat pretty much every ailment you can think of through the power of the purgative. Do not recommend!

VERY BIG NOTE: As always with these old "medicinal" works, do not follow or rely on anything you hear in this podcast. Many of these herbs are, in fact, very bad for you. This reading is merely to bore and/or amuse, not inform.

 

And, as always, NO ADS & NO AI. 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 Complete Herbal" by Nicholas Culpeper at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49513

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed with permission, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-10-12
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Etiquette, by Emily Post, Part 9

Let's sit up straight and get sleepy with more from this essential guide to respectful, refined living. This time, treating servants humanely, announcing names, and hosting all manner of tea parties, including what can and can't be served before tipping into reception territory. The line between fun and formal is ever so fine!

And, as always, NO ADS & NO AI. 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" by Emily Post at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14314

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed with permission, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-10-05
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Woodworking for Beginners, by Charles G. Wheeler, Part 4

Let's saw some sleepy wood with more from this guide to getting crafty. This time, we finish fitting out our workshop with custom benches, cabinets and helpful devices, store our tools neatly, and eschew the useless dazzle of fancy toolchests. Efficiency, and the amateur's pocketbook, demand simplicity.

Lee Rosevere, composer of much of the background music on this podcast, has gifted us with a new work called "Timeless." So lovely! So chill! If you're interested in discovering more of his music (without me babbling over it), check out: https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com


And, as always, NO ADS & NO AI. 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 "Wood-working for Beginners" by Charles G. Wheeler at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43604

 

Music: "Timeless" by Lee Rosevere, licensed with permission, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-09-28
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Old Country Inns of England, by Henry Maskell and Edward Gregory, Part 3

Let's relax to the story of sleeping places with more from this charming history of the country inn. This time, churches as a place to rest and drink heartily, the romance of the great coaching inns, ale's healthful benefits, and unseemly behavior for a boozy barbershop. Cheers!

 

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Read "Old Country Inns of England" by Henry Maskell and Edward Gregory at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44382

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-09-21
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Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to Antiquities, by Gaston Maspero, Part 8

Let's journey across the sands of sleep with more from this guide to the wonders of ancient Egypt. This time, a look at the processes of painting and sculpture, how artists practiced, stylistic conventions, and curiously modular sculptures. Also, a little sculpture we call the Sphinx!

 

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Read "Manual of Egyptian Archaeology & Guide to the Study of Antiquities in Egypt" by Gaston Maspero at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14400

 

Music: "Exit Exit," by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-09-14
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Studying Art Abroad and How to Do It Cheaply, by Abigail May Alcott Niereker, Part 3 (CONCLUSION)

Let's conclude our relaxing read from this wonderful guide to traveling and studying art in England, France, and Italy. This time, the best places for cheap clothes and paints in Paris, Rome for the art student, and the perils of cigarette smoke to good study. Also, a surprise advertisement for a book I think you'll recognize, so that's fun.

 

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Read "Studying Art Abroad & How to Do It Cheaply" by Abigail May Alcott Niereker at the Internet Archive: https://dn790006.ca.archive.org/0/items/studyingartabro00alcogoog/studyingartabro00alcogoog.pdf

 

Music: "Peace" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-09-07
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The Republic of Plato with Introduction and Analysis, by Benjamin Jowett (Part 4)

Let's conclude this month's wander on the Wayback Machine with more from this introduction and analysis to one of the greats of classical Greek literature. This time, what makes a good ruler, swapping social classes, thoughts on art and health, and the connection between body and mind. And that's just halfway through Book Four! Phew.

 

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Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW

 

Read "The Republic of Plato" by Benjamin Jowett at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55201

 

Music: "Peace" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-08-31
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The Travels of Marco Polo, Part 3

Let's continue our relaxing travels in The Wayback Machine and head back to the 1200s with more from Marco Polo and his epic journey through Asia to the court of the khans. This time, poisonous winds, treacherous plateau deserts, a false paradise, and the floating column of Samarkand. All totally true!

 

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Read "The Travels of Marco Polo" by Rustichello da Pisa at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10636

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-08-24
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Principles of Geology, by Sir Charles Lyell, Part 4

Let's continue our relaxing month in The Wayback Machine with one of the waybackiest of sciences, geology! This time, the commitment to data in the early 1800s, the perils of fitting new evidence to old stories, and the importance of point of view in observational limitations. Facts, indeed, Sir Charles.

 

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Read "Principles of Geology" by Sir Charles Lyell at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/33224

 

Music: "earth 2 earth," by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-08-17
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The Woman and the Car, by Dorothy Levitt, Part 3

Let's continue our month in The Wayback Machine with a road trip, as we learn more from this 1909 guide to driving. This time, the fine art of tipping, the superiority of small cars, celebrated women drivers, and an extensive section of alphabetical abbreviations on licenses. A very long and relaxing list indeed, hurrah!

 

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Read "The Woman and the Car" by Dorothy Levitt at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/58956

 

Music: "Gentle Whisperings" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-08-10
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The Hive and the Honey-Bee, by Rev. L.L. Langstroth, Part 4

Let's kick off a new theme month I'm calling The Wayback Machine, in which we relax with works that have slipped out of rotation for a few years. First, it's back to the beehive, with the rearing of queens, the mathematical superiority of the hexagon, and how the weirdness of royal jelly…proves religion? Way to combine your interests, Reverend.

 

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Read "The Hive and the Honey-Bee" by Rev. L.L. Langstroth at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24583

 

Music: "earth 2 earth," by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-08-03
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Robert's Rules of Order, by Major Henry M. Robert, Part 2

Let's relax and sleep with one of the most spectacularly dull books ever written on the art of running meetings. This time, amendments, appeals, laying things on the table, and forming committees. It's like a tone poem of boring bureaucracy. Perfection!

 

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Read "Robert's Rules of Order" by Major Henry M. Robert at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/9097

 

Music: "Calling to Other Worlds" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-07-27
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Life on a Medieval Barony, by William Stearns Davis, Part 2

Let's ride the sands of time to sleep as we learn more about manor life in the year 1300. This time, the construction of St. Aliquis, its "modernized" defensive fortifications, and how status is measured by who gets two armrests and The Good Bed. Same as it ever was, really.

 

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Read "Life on a Medieval Barony" by William Stearns Davis at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/46455

 

Music: "Dream Colours" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-07-20
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The ABC of Relativity, by Bertrand Russell, Part 5

Let's journey to sleep with science as we learn more about Einstein's radical new theory of relativity, why geometry is physics when it comes to space-time, and how light spectrums reveal directions of travel. Is it difficult to understand? Eh, it's all relative.

 

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Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW

 

Read "The ABC of Relativity" by Bertrand Russell at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67104

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-07-13
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Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, Part 4

Let's celebrate the sparkliest time of the year with more from this detailed guide to fireworks. This time, rules about their manufacture, the lackadaisical habits and accidents that led to those rules, good factory design, and why mixing potash and sulfur is…not a good idea. Boom!

 

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Read "Pyrotechnics: The History & Art of Firework Making" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64922

 

Music: "Peace" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-07-06
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The Railway Traveller's Handy Book, Part 4

Let's conclude our month of travels with more from this helpful yet somewhat snarky guide to riding that newfangled device, the steam train. This time, advice for the journey itself, including how to read a book, have a chat, fall asleep, rush the snack bar, and avoid losing your head out the window. All aboard for sleep!

 

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Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW

 

Read "The Railway Traveller's Handy Book" at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/railwaytraveller00unse

 

Music: "Healing" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-06-29
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Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Part 5

Let's continue our pleasant plod to sleep with more from Mr. Stevenson and Modestine as they make their way through the mountains of France. This time, quite a lot of philosophizing about the lasting nature of belief, getting along, sleeping outdoors, and the poetry of stars. The donkey says nothing.

 

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Read "Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes" by Robert Louis Stevens at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/535

 

Music: "earth 2 earth," by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-06-22
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Faery Lands of the South Seas, by James Hall and Charles Nordhoff, Part 5

Let's continue our sail to sleep through a month of travel readings with more from this wonderful wander through the South Seas. This time, another interesting fellow passenger, notes on linguistics, a scary reef crossing, and…the island version of a kegger? Cheers!

 

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Read "Faery Lands of the South Seas" by Hall & Nordhoff at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54479

 

Music: "Ocean Tapping," by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-06-15
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Pictures from Italy, by Charles Dickens, Part 4

Let's continue our sojourn to sleep through a month of travel readings with more from Charles Dickens and his tour through Italy. This time, we conclude our visit to Genoa, have a strange experience with puppets, an even stranger visit to Marseilles, and consider that things are often more beautiful seen from a distance. Truth indeed.

 

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Read "Pictures from Italy" by Charles Dickens at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/650

 

Music: "Peace," by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-06-08
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Sailing Alone Around the World, by Captain Joshua Slocum, Part 4

Let's sail to sleep with the first read of our new theme month, Travels! This time, we return to an epic journey around the world in a handmade boat, and wrestle with Cape Horn, seasickness, and williwaws. Also, the benefits of carpet tacks and the kindness of strangers. Useful!

 

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Read "Sailing Alone Around the World" by Captain Joshua Slocum at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6317

 

Music: "Ocean Tapping," by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-06-01
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1897 Sears Roebuck and Co. Catalog - Sewing Machines

Let's celebrate our 400th (!!!) episode with more from one of your sleepiest favorites from 1897. This time, thanks to a Patreon poll, we're shopping for that most useful of newfangled devices, the sewing machine. Singer has nothing on Sears, according to Sears, especially with a three percent discount for cash. It's a bargain of boredom!

 

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Music: "Heaven Be Here," by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-05-25
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Ecclesiastical History of England, by the Venerable Bede, Part 3

Let's relax in the wayback machine with more from the religious history of England. This time, Saint Bede recalls Saxon double-dealings, divine healings, the Pelagian heresy, and the somewhat cowardly companions of Saint Augustine, who get politely yelled at by the pope. Miraculous!

 

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Read "Ecclesiastical History of England" by The Venerable Bede at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/38326

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-05-18
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The Story of a Boulder, by Archibald Geikie, Part 2

Let's take a relaxing trip back to Scotland and explore geology through the details of a single boulder. This time, glacial effects, the cyclical nature of formations, life in the past, and ideas about how an ocean boulder ended up in a river valley. So much lovely speculative imagery to delight your dreams!

 

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Read "The Story of a Boulder" by Archibald Geikie at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66703

 

Music: "Calling to Other Worlds" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-05-11
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Symmes' Theory of Concentric Spheres, Showing That the Earth Is Hollow, Part 5 (Conclusion)

Let's relax with the conclusion of this most remarkable book of geological theory. This time, a plea to scientific advancement and nation-building in the form of an expedition to the Earth's interior, an outline of the voyage, and a glowing portrait of Captain Symmes and his genius. Well, at least he tried, I guess?

 

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Read "Symmes' Theory of Concentric Spheres" by John Cleves Symmes at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54329

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-05-04
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Farm Engines and How to Run Them, by James H. Stephenson, Part 8

Let's finish our theme month of "Long-time Favorites" with more from this surprisingly relaxing guide to running powered farm machinery. This time, starting a gas engine, how to hook up a newfangled gadget called a battery, and the many parts of your threshing machine. To the fields!

 

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Read "Farm Engines & How to Run Them" by James H. Stephenson at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43867

 

Music: "Exit Exit," by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-04-27
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A Short History of the World, by H.G. Wells, Part 10

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!

 

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Read "A Short History of the World" by H.G. Wells at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35461

 

Music: "Cosmic Tingles," by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-04-20
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The Book of Household Management, by Isabella Beeton, Part 12 - Fish Recipes

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!

 

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Read "The Book of Household Management" by Isabella Beeton at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10136

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime," by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-04-13
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Mount Everest, the Reconnaissance of 1921, by C.K. Howard-Bury, Part 6

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!

 

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Read "Mount Everest, the Reconnaissance of 1921" by C.K. Howard-Bury at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39421

 

Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime," by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.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, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

2026-04-06
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The Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, Part 5

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?

 

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Read "The Wealth of Nations" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3300

 

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2026-03-30
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Cottages; or, Hints on Economical Building, by Brunner & Gerhard (Conclusion)

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.

 

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Read "Cottages; or, Hints on Economical Building" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67922

 

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2026-03-23
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The Story of Ancient Irish Civilization, by P.W. Joyce, Part 2

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.

 

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Read "The Story of Ancient Irish Civilization" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41666 

 

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2026-03-16
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The North Pole, Its Discovery in 1909, by Robert Peary, Part 4

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!

 

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Read "The North Pole: Its Discovery in 1909" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18975

 

Music: "Dream Colours," by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com

 

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2026-03-09
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Cassell's Book of Birds, Part 6 - Parrots Continued

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.

 

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Read "Cassell's Book of Birds, Volume 1" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/48675

 

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2026-03-02
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Our National Parks, by John Muir, Part 6

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.

 

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Read "Our National Parks" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60929


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2026-02-23
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The Voyage of the Bounty to the South Sea, by Lt. William Bligh, Part 3

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?

 

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Read "A Voyage to the South Sea" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15411

 

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2026-02-16
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On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection, by Charles Darwin, Part 7

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!

 

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Read "On the Origin of Species" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1228

 

Music: "Dream Colours," by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com

 

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2026-02-09
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The Ten Books on Architecture, by Vitruvius, Part 2

Let's relax into a more orderly world with this classic of urban planning. This time, the best designs for structural walls, balancing the bodily elements, and placing temples. Also, we name the winds and create a compass to align our streets for greatest health. Governance caring about the health of the people? Dreamy indeed!

 

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Read "The Ten Books on Architecture" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20239

 

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2026-02-02
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The South American Tour, by Annie S. Peck, Part 2

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!

 

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Read "The South American Tour" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/59715

 

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2026-01-26
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All About Dogs, by Charles Henry Lane, Part 2

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.

 

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Read "All About Dogs" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45377

 

Music: "Heaven Be Here," by PC III, licensed under CC BY


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2026-01-19
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Hoyle's Games Modernized, by Hoyle, Hoffmann and Bergholt, Part 1

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!

 

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Read "Hoyle's Games Modernized" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39445

 

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2026-01-12
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Ten Acres Enough, by Edmund Morris, Part 5

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!

 

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Read "Ten Acres Enough" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/48753

 

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2026-01-05
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Winter Impressions from John Muir and Henry David Thoreau

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!

 

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Read "Winter Animals" in "Walden" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/205

 

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2025-12-29
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The 1942 Sears Roebuck and Co. Christmas Book, Part 2

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.

 

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2025-12-22
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Wintering in the Riviera, by William J. Miller, Part 1

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!

 

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Read "Wintering in the Riviera" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/47463

 

Music: "Calling to Other Worlds," by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com

 

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2025-12-15
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An Account of Egypt, by Herodotus, Part 3

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?

 

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Read "An Account of Egypt" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2131

 

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2025-12-08
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Our Cats and All About Them, by Harrison Weir, Part 4

Let's fall asleep to more about the masters of relaxation, cats. This time, the unfairly maligned black, the beautiful blue, black-and-white versus white-and-black, the treasured Siamese, and the mystery of tailless cats. Also, an admonition to read cat show rules and a rumination on surrounding yourself with beauty. Good advice!

 

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Read "Our Cats and All About Them" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35450

 

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2025-12-01
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Life on a Medieval Barony, by William Stearns Davis, Part 1

Let's sink into slumber with this dreamy description of life in medieval France circa 1220. This time, the background of the barony in question and the somewhat circuitous route of acquisition by its ruling family. Spoiler alert, not wandering off for years on a crusade seems to help with the whole "keeping your property" thing.

 

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Music: "Dream Colours," by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com

 

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2025-11-24
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Farm Engines and How To Run Them, by James H. Stephenson, Part 7

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.

 

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Read "Farm Engines and How to Run Them" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43867 


Music: "Exit Exit" by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

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2025-11-17
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Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Part 4

Let's return to the mountains of France with this wonderful author and his rather opinionated companion. This time, we ponder the phenomenon of waking in the deep dark of night, the pleasure of sleeping outdoors, the prettiness of a barmaid who doesn't give our author the time of day, and the perils of religious fervor. Variety indeed!

 

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Read "Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/535

 

Music: "earth 2 earth" by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

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2025-11-10
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The Compleat Angler, by Isaak Walton, Part 1

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!

 

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Read "The Compleat Angler" at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/683

 

Music: "Ocean Tapping" by PC III, licensed under CC BY

 

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2025-11-03
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