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.

Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Part 3

Let’s continue our journey to sleep with this delightful trek through the mountains of France. This time, we visit a Trappist monastery, where our author appreciates scenery, silence, and the paradoxical stillness of being busy. Peaceful!   Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Everyone who supports in December will be entered into our holiday giveaways at the end of the month. Hurrah! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   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   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

12-16
52:48

Frye's Practical Candy Maker, by G.V. Frye - Part 3, The Conclusion

Let’s conclude our sweetly sleepy reading from this guidebook for the nineteenth-century maker of fancy candies. This time, creams, chocolates, and syrups for the soda fountain. Deliciously dreamy!   Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! Everyone who supports in December will be entered into our holiday giveaways at the end of the month. Hurrah! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “Frye’s Practical Candy Maker” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37073   Music: "Changing 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

12-09
58:11

Woodworking for Beginners, by Charles G. Wheeler, Part 3

Let’s saw our way to sleep with more from this helpful guide for the novice woodworker. This time, we build our own work bench, improvise a vise, and discover that “measure twice, cut once” is always good advice.   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 “Woodworking for Beginners” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43604   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

12-02
53:58

Studying Art Abroad and How to Do It Cheaply, by Abigail May Alcott Nieriker, Part 2

Let’s relax with more from this wonderful guide to studying art in Europe. This time, where to shop in London, the best boarding houses, and then we’re off to Paris with some genteel commentary about being a woman in a man’s artsy world. Take up your brushes, ladies!   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 “Studying Art Abroad and How to Do It Cheaply” at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/studyingartabroa00nier   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

11-25
50:51

The Complete Herbal and English Physician Enlarged, by Nicholas Culpeper, Part 1

Let’s, uh, improve our health with this compendium of questionable herbal advice from 1650. But first, the kind of sleep-inducing, self-congratulatory introduction in which only a 17th-century apothecary can excel. Delightful!   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” at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49513   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

11-18
55:20

A Short History of the World, by H.G. Wells, Part 8

Let’s hop in our sleepy wayback machine and relax with more from this remarkable little history of everything. This time, the Roman Empire, Hannibal, and the rise of the emperors. Quiescamus!   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 “A Short History of the World” at Project Gutenberg here: 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

11-11
46:09

The Maine Woods, by Henry David Thoreau, Part 1

Let’s journey to sleep with Henry David Thoreau as he explores the back of beyond in Maine, ponders the fate of forests, visits some barely-there towns, and…gets accosted by politicians? Talk about timing!   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 Maine Woods” at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42500   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

11-04
51:40

The Book of Werewolves, by Sabine Baring-Gould, Part 3

Let’s celebrate the spooky season with more from this history of lycanthropy and a long chapter of wolfish folktales. Bears, hares, and dogs drinking cider are also mentioned. Honestly, the human imagination is so delightfully weird.   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 Book of Werewolves” at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/5324   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

10-28
53:15

Faery Lands of the South Seas, by Hall and Nordhoff, Part 3

Let’s sail the seas of sleep with more from this marvelous travelogue from the South Seas. This time, we encounter a waterspout and get happily marooned on an idyllic island. Cast away your cares, friends. It’s a lovely tale.   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 “Faery Lands of the South Seas” at Project Gutenberg here: 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

10-21
50:25

Astronomy for Young Folks, by Isabel Martin Lewis (Part 9)

Let’s fall asleep with a new reading from this wonderful look into our universe. This time, we contemplate the phases of the moon, the life and death of the stars, and our position in this vast and whirling universe. The stuff of starry visions indeed!   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 “Astronomy for Young Folks” at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45112   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

10-14
48:56

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “Old Country Inns of England” at Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44382   Music: "Changing 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

10-07
53:59

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

09-30
01:07:01

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

09-23
50:40

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “The Book of Household Management” at Project Gutenberg here: 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

09-16
44:11

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

09-09
01:12:19

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “The Ten Books on Architecture” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20239   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

09-02
49:47

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “Ecclesiastical History of England” 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

08-26
50:40

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   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   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

08-19
56:51

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “History of Animals” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/59058   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

08-12
50:46

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: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “The History of Bread” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53219   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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

08-05
01:00:51

AvoFawks

Thank you thank you thank you! I'm so happy to hear all of these new recordings!!! I loved the originals but could never listen to them because of the volume difference waking me.

10-01 Reply

Jessica Mariana

I can't imagine going to bed without Boring Books for Bedtime ♡ Even if I put it on in the middle of the day, I will fall asleep. I guess my brain has connected this pod with bedtime. 10/10 would recommend ☆☆☆☆☆

08-04 Reply

Schiann

Such a perfect, no-frills sleep aid.

05-22 Reply

Michael Bogin

I had terrible insomnia while traveling. Nothing was working. Then I found this. it's a miracle. This is like audio Ambien. Thank you!

07-10 Reply

mad mercenary

This is one of my favourite sleep podcasts, the content is fantastic and the readers voice is perfectly gentle and soothing to help you fall asleep. Thanks so much for creating this awesome podcast ☺️😴

05-11 Reply

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