Book description
The Circus of Dr. Lao: A Menagerie of Marvels
Charles G. Finney's debut novel arrives like a thunderclap in the literary landscape of 1935, earning its place as the inaugural National Book Awards' Most Original Book. This recognition proves well-earned through Finney's audacious fusion of Depression-era realism with fantastical elements that predate the modern speculative fiction boom.
The narrative unfolds in Abalone, Arizona, where economic hardship and monotony define daily existence. Dr. Lao's circus emerges as both literal spectacle and metaphorical catalyst, transforming ordinary lives through encounters with mythological creatures. The townspeople's expectations of cheap entertainment dissolve when confronted with genuine mythical beings-each encounter serving as a vehicle for profound philosophical examination.
Finney's greatest achievement lies in his ability to weave ancient mythology into contemporary American life without sacrificing either element's integrity. The chimera, Medusa, and talking sphinx don't merely appear as exotic curiosities; they function as teachers, challengers, and revealers of human nature. The sea serpent's presence particularly demonstrates Finney's skill at using fantastical elements to expose emotional truths, shattering romantic illusions while simultaneously deepening human connection.
The audiobook format enhances the circus's otherworldly atmosphere, allowing listeners to experience the story's rhythmic pacing and the weight of Dr. Lao's enigmatic pronouncements. Boris Artzybasheff's original illustrations, referenced throughout, create mental images that complement the audio experience perfectly.
John Marco's introduction provides valuable context for contemporary readers, tracing Finney's influence on later writers like Ray Bradbury. This connection illuminates how "The Circus of Dr. Lao" established narrative frameworks that would define speculative fiction's literary evolution.
The novel's enduring power stems from its refusal to offer easy answers. Each mythical encounter leaves Abalone's residents changed, but not necessarily comforted. Finney understands that genuine transformation often arrives wrapped in discomfort and uncertainty. His circus doesn't provide escapist entertainment but demands engagement with life's fundamental questions.
This Bison Frontiers of Imagination edition preserves the work's original impact while making it accessible to new generations. The audio production captures both the story's philosophical depth and its darkly humorous undertones, creating an experience that lingers long after the final chapter concludes.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience