Boring Books for Bedtime Readings to Help You Sleep
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.
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Old Country Inns of England, by Maskell and Gregory, Part 1
10/07/2024
Old Country Inns of England, by Maskell and Gregory, Part 1
Let’s fall asleep with a new listener request! This time, we travel back in time to learn the origins of that most pleasant and cozy of places, the country inn. From manors to monasteries and pilgrimage houses, it’s quite a relaxing trip. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Old Country Inns of England” at Project Gutenberg here: Music: "Changing Colours” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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New Recording! 1897 Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalog 1 - Pharmacy
09/30/2024
New Recording! 1897 Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalog 1 - Pharmacy
Let’s close out our month of new versions of old episodes with a fresh recording of our very first foray into the 1897 Sears, Roebuck & Co. Consumers Guide. In this episode, we trip through the Drugs Department, and what a trip it is. How anyone survived 19th-century medicine, I cannot say. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: 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, .
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New Recording! How We Think, by John Dewey, Part 1
09/23/2024
New Recording! How We Think, by John Dewey, Part 1
Let’s relax with a new recording of a very old episode from a book I had completely forgotten about! Tonight, we learn what constitutes “thinking,” ponder clouds and forks in the road, and consider the similarity between children and scientists. Cutting edge stuff for 1910! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: 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, .
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New Recording! The Book of Household Management, by Mrs. Isabella Beeton - Part 1
09/16/2024
New Recording! The Book of Household Management, by Mrs. Isabella Beeton - Part 1
Let’s relax with another new recording of a very old episode—Part One of a fave on this podcast. In this first episode from Mrs. B, we learn the duties of the mistress of the house, from rising early to hiring servants and wearing pleasing color combos. Frankly, it’s enough to send anyone to sleep with exhaustion! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The Book of Household Management” at Project Gutenberg here: Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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New Recording! 1925 Transatlantic Eastbound Passenger Sailings
09/09/2024
New Recording! 1925 Transatlantic Eastbound Passenger Sailings
Let’s relax and sleep with a shiny new recording of a very old episode. This time, dreamy sleep awaits our travel and list lovers as we read a schedule of transatlantic steamer sailings from 1925. You may recognize a few famous names if you stay awake long enough. Bon voyage! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: Music: "Cosmic Tingles,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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New Recording! The Ten Books on Architecture, by Vitruvius, Part 1
09/02/2024
New Recording! The Ten Books on Architecture, by Vitruvius, Part 1
Let’s relax and sleep with the first of some fresh new recordings of very, very old episodes. This time, we learn what architecture covers, what we should study, and why putting buildings in healthy spots is a good idea. Obvious? Apparently not! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The Ten Books on Architecture” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Peace,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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The Ecclesiastical History of England, by the Venerable Bede, Part 2
08/26/2024
The Ecclesiastical History of England, by the Venerable Bede, Part 2
Let’s relax and sleep with more history of the British Isles from the wonderful Bede. This time, we wander through four centuries of Roman influence, build some walls, and learn about Saint Alban, who got a miraculous drink on a hill! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Ecclesiastical History of England” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Farm Engines and How To Run Them, Part 6
08/19/2024
Farm Engines and How To Run Them, Part 6
Let’s continue a month of requests from our Patreon raffle winners with more about the operation of agricultural machinery. This time, some Q&A and a surprisingly excellent scientific explanation of the states of matter. Steamy! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Farm Engines and How To Run Them” at Project Gutenberg: 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, .
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History of Animals, by Aristotle, Part 3
08/12/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “History of Animals” at Project Gutenberg: 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, .
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The History of Bread from Prehistoric to Modern Times, by John Ashton, Part 5
08/05/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The History of Bread” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Peace,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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The ABC of Relativity, by Bertrand Russell, Part 4
07/29/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The ABC of Relativity” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Moving Pictures: How They Are Made and Worked, Part 2
07/22/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Moving Pictures” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Sailing Alone Around the World, by Capt. Joshua Slocum, Part 2
07/15/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Sailing Alone Around the World” at Project Gutenberg: 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, .
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Flatland, by Edwin A. Abbott, Part 4
07/08/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Flatland” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Pyrotechnics, the History and Art of Firework Making, Part 2
07/01/2024
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 19th century. Flaming dragon battles and “philosophical fireworks” are somewhat mentioned, so that’s fun. Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Pyrotechnics” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Peace,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli, Part 3
06/24/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The Prince” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Dream Colours,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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1912 Ford Motor Cars Model T Instruction Manual, Part 1
06/17/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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The Book of the Ocean, by Ernest Ingersoll, Part 4
06/10/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The Book of the Ocean” at Project Gutenberg: 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, .
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Etiquette, by Emily Post, Part 6
06/03/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Etiquette” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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On Horsemanship, by Xenophon, Part 2, and Project Gutenberg License
05/27/2024
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 your personal fave. Win-win! Patreon: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “On Horsemanship” at Project Gutenberg: 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, .
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The Principles of Chemistry, by Dmitri Mendeleev, Part 5
05/20/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The Principles of Chemistry” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Exit Exit,” by PCIII, 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, .
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The Railway Traveller's Handy Book, Part 2
05/13/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The Railway Traveller’s Handy Book” at the Internet Archive: Music: "Healing,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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1890 Gardiner and Co. Seed Annual 1: Flower Novelties
05/06/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Music: "Changing Colours,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Relaxation Rewind! How to Listen to Music, by Henry E. Krehbiel, Part 1
04/29/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “How to Listen to Music” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Healing,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Our National Parks, by John Muir, Part 4
04/22/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Our National Parks” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Watching Whale on the Moon,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Handbook on Cheese Making, by George E. Newell, Part 2
04/15/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Handbook on Cheese Making” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Chasing Colours,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Mars and Its Canals, by Percival Lowell, Part 3
04/08/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Mars and Its Canals” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Dream Colours,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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Practical Mind Reading, by William Walker Atkinson, Part 3 (Conclusion)
04/01/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Practical Mind Reading” at Project Gutenberg: 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, .
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The Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, Part 3
03/25/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “The Wealth of Nations” at Project Gutenberg: 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, .
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Mount Everest, the Reconnaissance of 1921, Part 4
03/18/2024
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: Buy Me a Coffee: Read “Mount Everest, the Reconnaissance, 1921” at Project Gutenberg: Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime,” by Lee Rosevere, 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, .
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