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.

On Molecular and Microscopic Science, by Mary Somerville, Part 3

Let’s sleep scientifically this week, with more from a woman of such deep and broad accomplishment that the word "scientist" had to be coined to describe her. This time, colors, molecular heat conduction, what constitutes smells, and why gold is really blue.   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 “On Molecular and Microscopic Science” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55886   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.

09-15
50:31

The Book of the Ocean, by Ernest Ingersoll, Part 5

Let’s sail the seas of sleep with more from this volume about the history of our oceans. This time, the Age of Exploration south and north, the mythical Isles of the Blessed, Magellan’s remarkable voyage, and how America really got its name. Hint, it was easy to pronounce.   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 the Ocean” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56311   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.

09-08
54:30

The Ethics of Aristotle, Part 3

Let’s philosophize our way to sleep with more from this 2,300-year-old work on the art of being. This time, what is happiness? How is it related to good character and, more importantly, acting in a good way? Can a person who does bad be happy, even beyond the grave? You know, simple stuff like that.   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 Ethics of Aristotle” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8438 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.

09-01
51:04

The History of Bread, by John Ashton, Part 6 - Conclusion

Let relaxation rise with this conclusion to one of our most (understandably) popular books. This time in we learn of gingerbread, penny loaf scrambles, riots, and bread-related superstitions like sin-eating and . . . floating corpse compasses? Oh, delicious bread, is there anything you can’t do?   Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! All paid supporters in August will be entered into a giveaway for exclusive swag! ALSO, Patreon supporters will be getting all six episodes of this book as a single long recording. Hurrah! 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, https://www.boringbookspod.com.

08-25
01:14:01

Old Country Inns of England, by Maskell and Gregory, Part 2

Let’s relax with more about the evolution of that useful place to sleep, the inn. This time, we travel from pilgrimage hostels to lodging for wool guilds and secret meeting places for the first trade unions. Also, some history behind many common inn names. Inn-teresting indeed!   Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! All paid supporters in the month of August will be entered into a giveaway for exclusive swag, hurrah! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “Old Country Inns of England” at Project Gutenberg: 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.

08-18
52:14

The Book of the Hamburgs, by L. Frank Baum, Part 1

Let’s roost into relaxation with this rather charming guide to the Hamburg chicken from an author better known for wizards and wicked witches. This time, speculations on the origins of the Hamburg breed and characteristics of the beautiful Black Hamburg. So fancy!   Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener supported! All paid supporters in the month of August will be entered into a giveaway for exclusive swag, hurrah! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW   Read “The Book of the Hamburgs” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53965   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.

08-11
48:37

The Story of a Boulder, by Archibald Geikie, Part 1

Let’s chip away at sleeplessness with some 19th century naturalist writing, more specifically the “gleanings from the notebook of a field geologist.” This time, we spot an odd boulder in a Scottish ravine, trace its origins back to the Ice Age, and ponder the monumental workings of glaciers. Perfection.   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 Story of a Boulder” 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

08-04
52:37

The North Pole - Its Discovery in 1909, by Robert Peary (Part 3)

Let’s conclude our month of relaxing travels to sleep with a journey to the farthest reaches of the Arctic and the search for the North Pole. This time, we meet the region’s people, learn about various home constructions, and appreciate the grandeur of a land of seasonal extremes.   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 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   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.

07-28
57:12

Pictures from Italy, by Charles Dickens, Part 3

Let’s continue our month of relaxing travels to sleep as we return to 19th century Italy with Charles Dickens and wind through the maze-like, mysterious, miasmatic, marvelous streets of Genoa. You can practically smell the place, which…was probably better avoided. Yikes. 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 “Pictures from Italy” 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

07-21
51:38

Faery Lands of the South Seas, by James Hall and Charles Nordhoff, Part 4

Let’s continue our month of relaxing travels to sleep with further tales of adventure from the South Seas. This time, we head to the atoll of Ahu Ahu, learn about gossiping ghosts, and drink rather a lot of rum punch. As one occasionally does.   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: 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.

07-14
55:51

The Railway Traveller's Handy Book, Part 3

Let’s kick off a month of relaxing travels to sleep with more from this handy guide to riding a train. This time, how to purchase your ticket, class differences, the best place to sit, and why rudely stolen seats are never worth the embarrassment of a kerfuffle. Facts!   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 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

07-07
48:27

Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, Part 3

Let’s launch ourselves to sleep with more from this rather detailed look at fireworks. This time, we complete our historical retrospective of firework displays in Europe through the early 1900s, marvel at the fiery spectacles held at the Crystal Palace, and pity a guy that gets stuck on a wire. Whoops! 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 “Pyrotechnics” 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

06-30
51:18

Astronomy for Young Folks, by Isabel Martin Lewis, Part 10 (Conclusion)

Let’s journey through the stars to sleep with our final reading from this marvelous book. This time, binary star systems, how to measure the vastness of our universe, and a quick summary of key astronomical facts, including the reminder that the parsec is a distance, not a unit of time. Take note, fans of a certain film. 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: 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.

06-23
01:03:47

Bicycling for Ladies, by Maria E. Ward, Part 4

Let’s pedal a path to sleep with more advice about the newfangled sport of bicycling. This time, the difference between racing and touring postures, getting the most from your fulcrums, and how to mount your bike without falling over, which seems helpful to know whether you're a lady or 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 “Bicycling for Ladies” at Project Gutenberg:  https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62227 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.

06-16
52:48

The Book of Household Management, by Mrs. Isabella Beeton, Part 11 - Fish

Let’s relax and sleep to more advice from the redoubtable Mrs. B. This time, fish soup recipes, followed by a surprisingly detailed discourse on the natural history of fishes, their use as food, and general advice for preparing them. Also, a bit of poetry about oysters, because of course there is. 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:  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.

06-09
58:36

A Short History of the World, by H.G. Wells, Part 9

Let’s continue our relaxing journey through history with the twin empires of Rome and China, social structures in ancient Rome, and the evolution of religions in the wake of conquest. Wells weaves a wonderful tale for your tired mind. 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: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35461 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.

06-02
50:24

All About Dogs, by Charles Henry Lane, Part 1

Let’s sleepily celebrate one of mankind's closest companions with this charming guide for "doggy people." In this first reading, dog care basics, a detailed look at some hounds, and how chasing beagles keeps cricketers in shape in the off-season. Helpful! 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 “All About Dogs” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45377 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.

05-26
53:31

Symmes' Theory of Concentric Spheres, Showing That the Earth is Hollow, Part 4

Let’s theorize our way to sleep with more about a hollow Earth that contains unseen multitudes. This time, the mystery of whales migrating under Greenland, groaning lakes, and rebuttals to five arguments against the theory, including the opinion that not being hollow is an ungodly waste of space. 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 “Symmes’ Theory of Concentric Spheres” 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, http://www.boringbookspod.com.

05-19
42:38

William Shakespeare, by Victor Hugo, Part 1

This week, while your reader checks off a long-held Life List item at the Globe, let’s relax as one literary genius waxes rather lyrical about another, as well as the nature of artistic genius itself. “We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep,” says the Bard. We quite agree. 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 “William Shakespeare” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53490   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.

05-12
54:40

Mexican Archaeology, by Thomas A. Joyce, Part 1

Let’s voyage to sleep with this history of the peoples of Mexico, travel with migrating tribes, consider the ways geography groups languages, and ponder some origin stories of the Aztecs. Also, your reader probably mispronounces everything, so apologies in advance. 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 “Mexican Archaeology” at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/74836   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.

05-05
56:47

MC

"Only such sugar will give satisfaction."

09-09 Reply

Jessica Mariana

When do we get more from the Sears catalogue? ♡

03-13 Reply

Mohammad

I don't know it's just me or others finds your voice scarry too , really good 👍🏻

12-25 Reply

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

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