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CraftLit — Arts
CraftLit

CraftLit — Annotated Audiobooks for Busy People

Love classic literature…or wish you did?

CraftLit is a weekly podcast featuring classic audiobook chapters paired with entertaining literary commentary that makes great books easier—and more fun—to understand. Host Heather Ordover explains historical references, vocabulary, and cultural context before each chapter so listeners can fully enjoy the story.

Think of it as a global book club for classic literature, perfect for listening while commuting, crafting, walking, or doing chores.

CraftLit has been in continuous weekly production since 2006, making it one of the longest-running literature podcasts. Listeners also send in voicemail comments that keep the show feeling like a lively reading group.

Authors featured include:

• Jane Austen
• Mark Twain
• Elizabeth Gaskell
• Mary Shelley
• Wilkie Collins
• Alexandre Dumas
• Robert Louis Stevenson

Recent and current readings include Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc and Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford.

Classic audiobooks—because loving great books in a busy world is tough.

Copyright: © (c) 2006-2019 Heather Ordover

Latest Episodes:

668: Ch 40 — Emma Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 668: Tech Wisdom | Chapter 40 / Volume 3, Chapter 4

Book talk begins at 6:32.

Today's episode is short and sweet. Emma tries very hard to learn her lesson. Additionally, we ask the question, "Why is Google stupid all of a sudden?" and discuss how difficult it is to achieve real in-depth knowledge with tech.

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• Tunbridge Ware box

• Abby Cox video on the history of sewing machines (Not invented by Singer!)

• Pen knives and quill making

• The super cool Gubbio Studiolo at the Met

• Help Bo's family reach their $5,000 goal! (As of writing this, over $3,000 USD has already been raised!)

CraftLit's socials:

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Check out the list of previous CraftLit Classics here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yH5KQOG-Hv7CLhMgf721No4uYK98ZAtK/view?usp=sharing

Support the show links:

Subscribe to the Premium feed (on the app) here: bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CraftLit (same price, $5/month)

• Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)

• Call 1-206-350-1642

667: Ch 39 — Emma Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 667: Thank You For Your Faith | Chapter 39 / Volume 3, Chapter 3

Book talk begins at 5:49.

Thank you for having faith in the stories that we listen to on CraftLit, for loving creation, and for sacrificing your time to great literature.

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• TIMOTHY SNYDER Video: The New Paganism: How the Postmodern Became the Premodern

• Humankind, A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

• The Lore Gatherer by Jonathan Uffelman

• Win a copy of the Heirloom Knitting book by Sharon Miller in the August Raffle!

• Link to Bo's GoFundMe! (As of writing this, over $3,000 USD has already been raised! Help Bo's family reach their $5,000 goal!)

CraftLit's socials:

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Check out the list of previous CraftLit Classics here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yH5KQOG-Hv7CLhMgf721No4uYK98ZAtK/view?usp=sharing

Support the show links:

Subscribe to the Premium feed (on the app) here: bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CraftLit (same price, $5/month)

• Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)

• Call 1-206-350-1642

666: Chs 37-38 — Emma Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 666: Cloud Fail | Chapters 37-38 / Volume 3, Chapters 1-2

Book talk begins at 17:05.

And now for the beginning of volume 3! Things start to come together. Emma doesn't like the idea that she's just like Mrs. Elton, and Jane Austen leaves us some important foreshadowing at the end of our chapters.

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• Join our July raffle to win Susan's coasters and bookmarks!

• CrowdStrike IT Outage Explained by a Windows Developer by Dave's Garage (gets a little Retro Encabulator in the middle, but he DOES actually give instructions on how to fix the CrowdFlare blue screen at the end)

• Rockwell Retro Encabulator

• Covid didn't come from a lab (full discussion)

• Covid didn't come from a lab (streamlined discussion)

• The full story behind the Retro Encabulator

• Link to Bo's GoFundMe!

CraftLit's socials:

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Check out the list of previous CraftLit Classics here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yH5KQOG-Hv7CLhMgf721No4uYK98ZAtK/view?usp=sharing

Support the show links:

Subscribe to the Premium feed (on the app) here: bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CraftLit (same price, $5/month)
Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)
Call 1-206-350-1642

665: Chs 35-36 — Emma Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 665: Point and Picken | Chapters 35-36 / Volume 2, Chapters 17-18

Book talk begins at 11:51.

We've reached the last 2 chapters of volume 2! In this episode, we read a part of Jane Austen's famous letter to her niece and generally just try to survive Mrs. Elton.

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• Mary BROOKS Picken

• About Mary Brooks Picken (a lovely website Mrs. DePew has set up for us to enjoy, btw)

• Link to all four of Picken's little books on sewing via Victorian Sweatshop site ;)

• One of her books (more are available on the same web archive): "Dress and Look Slender"

Nuthin' changes in the world of fashion, does it?

• Here's a pic of the hot babe Picken: (below) and that links back to Mrs. DePew—again! https://mrsdepew.com/blog/f/the-modern-pattern-from-1925-with-mary-brooks-picken

• DePew's YouTube channel and her Insta

• Hymanaea flowers

• Link to Bo's GoFundMe!

• Sign up for CraftLit's Christmas in July bookmark exchange! Until July 19, 2024

• Join our July raffle to win Susan's coasters and bookmarks!

CraftLit's socials:

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Check out the list of previous CraftLit Classics here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yH5KQOG-Hv7CLhMgf721No4uYK98ZAtK/view?usp=sharing

Support the show links:

Subscribe to the Premium feed (on the app) here: bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CraftLit (same price, $5/month)
Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)
Call 1-206-350-1642

664: Chs 32-34 — Emma Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 664: OPTs | Chapters 32-34 / Volume 2, Chapters 14-16

Book talk begins at 13:19. Chapter audio is at 50:37. Post-chapter book talk is at 1:46:56.

This week's episode is loaded with Jane Fairfax's tact, Mr. Knightley's dry sarcasm, and Emma's snarky comebacks. That—plus some stuff about Hartfield and Maple Grove—and so much more!

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• Link to Bo's GoFundMe!

• Mason River's business card

• The punctuations in chapter 32 (volume 2, chapter 14)

• Military gaiters

• Military gaiters page

• Barouche-Landau

• Auntie Mame clip

• Gender pronouns video

• Video about language acquisition

• Rosalind Russell - What's My Line?

• Tom Nicholas - How Britain Became a Poor Country

• Sign up for CraftLit's Christmas in July bookmark exchange! Until July 19, 2024!

• Join our July raffle to win Susan's coasters and bookmarks!

CraftLit's socials:

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Check out the list of previous CraftLit Classics here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yH5KQOG-Hv7CLhMgf721No4uYK98ZAtK/view?usp=sharing

Support the show links:

Subscribe to the Premium feed (on the app) here: bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CraftLit (same price, $5/month)
Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)
Call 1-206-350-1642

663: Chs 29-31 — Emma Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 663: Mildred and Lacey | Chapters 29-31 / Volume 2, Chapters 11-13

Book talk begins at 13:45.

Frank's charm starts to fade. Emma begins to see the consequences of her meddling. But old habits die hard, and Emma starts thinking, maybe Frank could be useful in mending Harriet's broken heart…

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• Join our July raffle to win Susan's coasters and bookmarks!

• Sign up for CraftLit's Christmas in July bookmark exchange! Until July 19, 2024!

• A moment please, to admire the beauty of the bobbin-winder mechanism

• Mildred and Lacey

• Stoic philosophy "Virtue is its own reward"

• Treadle table

• Sewing machine serial numbers

*CraftLit's Socials*

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Previous CraftLit Classics can be found here: https://bit.ly/craftlit-library-2023

*SUPPORT THE SHOW!*

• CraftLit App Premium feed bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit (only one tier available)

• PATREON: https://patreon.com/craftlit (all tiers, below)

——Walter Harright - $5/mo for the same audio as on App

——Jane Eyre - $10/mo for even-month Book Parties

——Mina Harker - $15/mo for odd-month Watch Parties

*All tiers and benefits are also available as*

—*YouTube Channel Memberships*

—*Ko-Fi* https://ko-fi.com/craftlit

—*NEW* at CraftLit.com — Premium Memberships https://craftlit.com/membership-levels/

*IF you want to join a particular Book or Watch Patry but you don't want to join any of the above membership options*, please use PayPal.me/craftlit or CraftLit @ Venmo and include what you want to attend in the message field. Please give us at least 24 hours to get your message and add you to the attendee list.

• Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)

• Call 1-206-350-1642

662: Chs 27-28 — Emma Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 662: Buckle Up For Bates | Chapter 27-28 / Volume 2, Chapter 9-10

Book talk begins at 7:59.

This delightful episode is a fun one! We talk recipes, music, and enjoy a lovely slice of life description of Highbury.

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• Mildred's goop!

• Regular Grasmere Gingerbread

• Gluten-free Grasmere Gingerbread

• Baked apples 1

• Baked apples 2

• Bow windows

• Robin Adair

• Robin Adair in regency costumes!

• Robin Adair solo version

• Jane Austen's copy of Robin Adair on original square piano by Regency Rum Bluffers

• Robin Adair song history

• Last chance! Join our June raffle giveaway of the Author Clock!

CraftLit's socials:

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Check out the list of previous CraftLit Classics here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yH5KQOG-Hv7CLhMgf721No4uYK98ZAtK/view?usp=sharing

Support the show links:

Subscribe to the Premium feed (on the app) here: bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CraftLit (same price, $5/month)
Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)
Call 1-206-350-1642

661: Ch 26 — Emma Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 661: Mildred | Chapters 26 / Volume 2, Chapter 8

Book talk begins at 10:04.

Emma's agenda for today: Chat with Frank. Play the piano. Shut down the idea of Knightley having the hots for Jane.

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• John Broadwood & Sons | Square Piano

• Piano forte

• Spinet played by Marie-Antoinette!

• Beaver gloves

• Interesting information on beavers and beaver skins!

• How-to country dancing

• Pg 127 of the book

• The Flirtatious Regency Balls Of Pride & Prejudice by Real Royalty

• Cotton yarn options

• Mildred!

• Time is running out! Join our June raffle giveaway of the Author Clock!

CraftLit's socials:

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Check out the list of previous CraftLit Classics here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yH5KQOG-Hv7CLhMgf721No4uYK98ZAtK/view?usp=sharing

Support the show links:

Subscribe to the Premium feed (on the app) here: bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CraftLit (same price, $5/month)

• Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)

• Call 1-206-350-1642

660: Chs 24-25 — Emma Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 660: The Franky Doth Protest Too Much | Chapters 24-25 / Volume 2, Chapters 6-7

Book talk begins at 9:08.

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• Join our June raffle giveaway of the Author Clock!

• Sign up for Nourish Therapeutic Yoga!

*CraftLit's Socials*

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Previous CraftLit Classics can be found here: https://bit.ly/craftlit-library-2023

*SUPPORT THE SHOW!*

• CraftLit App Premium feed bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit (only one tier available)

• PATREON: https://patreon.com/craftlit (all tiers, below)

——Walter Harright - $5/mo for the same audio as on App

——Jane Eyre - $10/mo for even-month Book Parties

——Mina Harker - $15/mo for odd-month Watch Parties

*All tiers and benefits are also available as*

—*YouTube Channel Memberships*

—*Ko-Fi* https://ko-fi.com/craftlit

—*NEW* at CraftLit.com — Premium Memberships https://craftlit.com/membership-levels/

*IF you want to join a particular Book or Watch Patry but you don't want to join any of the above membership options*, please use PayPal.me/craftlit or CraftLit @ Venmo and include what you want to attend in the message field. Please give us at least 24 hours to get your message and add you to the attendee list.

• Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)

• Call 1-206-350-1642

659: Chs 22-23 — Emma Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

Ep. 659: But Have You Tried Yoga? | Chapters 22-23 / Volume 2, Chapters 4-5

Book talk begins at 12:17.

This is some of the snarkiest Jane Austen writing we've seen—and that says a lot. In this episode, we enjoy two chapters worth of just snark and sass about Mr. Elton and his new wife (who isn't Harriet!).

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• Join our June raffle giveaway of the Author Clock!

• Sign up for Nourish Therapeutic Yoga!

• "Have you tried yoga?" by Amy - The Tonic

• White Hart in Bath

• Painting of the White Hart Inn

• Espalier Apple trees

• New peace pockets!

CraftLit's socials:

• Find everything here: https://www.linktr.ee/craftlitchannel

• Join the newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2raf9

• Podcast site: http://craftlit.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftLit/

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftlit

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/craftlit/

• TikTok podcast: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftlit

• Email: heather@craftlit.com

• Check out the list of previous CraftLit Classics here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yH5KQOG-Hv7CLhMgf721No4uYK98ZAtK/view?usp=sharing

Support the show links:

Subscribe to the Premium feed (on the app) here: bit.ly/libsynpremiumcraftlit or on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CraftLit (same price, $5/month)

• Download the FREE CraftLit App for iOS or Android (you can call or email feedback straight from within the app)

• Call 1-206-350-1642

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