Episodes

  • 043 - Book 7 Chapter 7 Scenes Not in the Bills
    Mar 2 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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    11 mins
  • 042 - Book 7 Chapter 6 Humors of the Many-Headed
    Mar 1 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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    21 mins
  • 041 - Book 7 Chapter 5 An Audience Analyzed
    Feb 28 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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    15 mins
  • 040 - Book 7 Chapter 4 Stoop
    Feb 27 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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    21 mins
  • 039 - Book 7 Chapter 3 Pigworth JP
    Feb 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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    11 mins
  • 038 - Book 7 Chapter 2 By Steam
    Feb 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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    23 mins
  • 037 - Book 7 Chapter 1 Pea-Shooting as a Science
    Feb 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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    7 mins