The Essential Reads
Isaac BirchallThe Essential Reads podcast is a collection of classic audiobooks from your favourite authors such as Orson wells, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Mary Shelley, and many more, narrated by Isaac Birchall. Join Isaac on his journey to help get these books to the masses in an easy accessible way. Support the show and Join the Book Club ko-fi.com/theessentialreads
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 476 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | FictionDrama | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 25 "Frederick", narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on Patreon and support me as an independent creator :Dhttps://ko-fi.com/theessentialreadshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/U... more
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 24 "Mistakes Cleared Up", narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on Patreon and support me as an independent creator :Dhttps://ko-fi.com/theessentialreadshttps://www.youtube.com... more
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 23 "Mistakes", narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on Patreon and support me as an independent creator :Dhttps://ko-fi.com/theessentialreadshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC... more
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 22 "A Blow and Its Consequences", narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on Patreon and support me as an independent creator :Dhttps://ko-fi.com/theessentialreadshttps://www.you... more
Host
Reviews
- What a soothing voice
Still listening to the audiobook book Crime and Punishment, and I'm loving it. It’s an intimidating classic, but Isaac Birchall’s great voice has made the long read feel so engaging and accessible. It’s a perfect example of how audiobooks can bring amazing literature to life
Apple Podcasts5Pating 215
United Kingdom8 months ago - You’re very talented
I’ve been listening to wuthering heights and before I started, I tried a few different channels. This is the best! I especially love the chapters where you do commentary at the end. The accents are awesome, Isaac, you are one of the best readers I’ve ever heard. Keep it up, bro, you have talent.
Ps. Have you ever thought about doing a summary/ review at the end of each book or story? It could be its own video and include your personal thoughts…🤔
Pps, you should do more Brontë books. (Profess... more
Apple Podcasts5SSSassyboo
United Statesa year ago - I have never enjoyed audiobooks until now!
Audiobooks are always hard for me to enjoy because I often find the voices the narrator does to be annoying. Isaac, however, does lovely character voices! I’m listening to “Wuthering Heights” to get familiar with the story so that it won’t seem as daunting when I read the novel myself.
Apple Podcasts5Caitlyn GongwerUnited Statesa year ago - Great voices
Thank you Isaac, I love the way you read. It is so hard to find a good audiobook nowadays, especially the classics! I just finished Fahrenheit 451, it was my first time reading it. Thanks again I highly recommend this podcast. For classic book lovers like me and suckers for Charles Dickens.
Apple Podcasts5nastylistenerUnited States2 years ago - Thank you for creating this! I appreciate it!
This is so nice.
Apple Podcasts5Arkansas1961United States2 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #233 |  Australia/Fiction/Drama |
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Essential Reads
What is The Essential Reads about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The series centers on intimate, reader-led renditions of classic novels, blending steady narration with thoughtful commentary and occasional notes on setting and social context. Episodes focus on character-driven moments, moral conflicts, and the social dynamics of 19th- and early-20th-century literature, often pairing calm, accessible delivery with reflections that illuminate themes like duty, class, and personal resilience. A standout trait is the host's consistent, soothing voice and clear storytelling, which many listeners find makes dense classics approachable. The format appears well-suited for long-form listening and for audiences who enjoy literature-as-audiobook with light, perceptive narration rather than full dramatic productions... more
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How many episodes of The Essential Reads are there?
The Essential Reads launched 4 years ago and published 476 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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