Episodes

  • 067 - Book 11 Chapter 4 Innocence on a Slippery Road
    Mar 26 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    9 mins
  • 066 - Book 11 Chapter 3 Overtop Finds a Sensible Woman
    Mar 25 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    10 mins
  • 065 - Book 11 Chapter 2 A Posthumous Secret
    Mar 24 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    8 mins
  • 064 - Book 11 Chapter 1 The Old House Revisited
    Mar 23 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    14 mins
  • 063 - Book 10 Chapter 7 Deus ex Machina
    Mar 22 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    12 mins
  • 062 - Book 10 Chapter 6 Mr Whedell's Creditors in Convention Assembled
    Mar 21 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    14 mins
  • 061 - Book 10 Chapter 5 Demolition of Certain Air Castles
    Mar 20 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    16 mins
  • 060 - Book 10 Chapter 4 The First of May
    Mar 19 2026
    Step into the vibrant world of Round the Block (1864) by John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor turned travel writer, who masterfully blends comedy and pathos to unveil the dreams and schemes of both ordinary and extraordinary characters on a single New York City block. As the narrative unfolds, a tapestry of mystery, romance, and a gripping murder trial comes to life, revealing how love connections and fortunes can be won or lost amidst invention, speculation, and a healthy dose of flimflam. This richly textured novel, infused with Dickensian flair, offers a captivating glimpse into the bustling habits and social mores of America just before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)
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    9 mins