Length1h 14m
About this audiobook
Songs of Action is a rousing collection of narrative poems by Arthur Conan Doyle that celebrate deeds of heroism, patriotism, and adventure. Written mostly in the 1890s when the British Empire was at its height, these poems reflect Doyle's passion for history and soldierly valor. The collection includes pieces like "The Song of the Bow," which harkens back to medieval archers and the Battle of Agincourt, and "The Ballad of East and West" (inspired by Kipling) extolling mutual respect between noble enemies. Many poems are devoted to military exploits – from the cannon fire of Waterloo to colonial skirmishes – depicted in rhythmic, martial language that stirs the blood. Yet Doyle also includes introspective verses, such as gentle memorials to fallen comrades and inspirational exhortations to duty and honor. The titular "action" isn't only war: a few poems praise explorers and everyday heroes confronting danger with grit. Throughout, Doyle's style is straightforward, rhythmic, and vivid; he often writes in ballad form with rhyming couplets or quatrains that make the poems almost song-like (fittingly, some were later set to music). Songs of Action was well-received for capturing the Victorian spirit of courage and fortitude. Modern readers find in it a time capsule of imperial ethos – unabashedly celebrating bravery and self-sacrifice, sometimes with jingoistic overtones, but also with genuine emotional resonance for those who dare greatly. Doyle's verse may not be as famous as his prose, but in these stanzas his heart for adventure beats strong.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.9 (115)
Includes LibraryThing, Amazon, Goodreads
GenrePoetry
Length1 hr 14 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateAug 1, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Songs of Action
16THE GROOM’S STORY
2THE SONG OF THE BOW
17WITH THE CHIDDINGFOLDS
3CREMONA
18A HUNTING MORNING
4THE STORMING PARTY
19THE OLD GRAY FOX
5THE FRONTIER LINE
20‘WARE HOLES
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6CORPORAL DICK’S PROMOTION—A BALLAD OF ‘82
21THE HOME-COMING OF THE ‘EURYDICE’
7A FORGOTTEN TALE
22THE INNER ROOM
8PENNARBY MINE
23THE IRISH COLONEL
9A ROVER CHANTY
24THE BLIND ARCHER
10A BALLAD OF THE RANKS
25A PARABLE
11A LAY OF THE LINKS
26A TRAGEDY
12THE DYING WHIP
27THE PASSING
13MASTER
28THE FRANKLIN’S MAID
14H.M.S. ‘FOUDROYANT’
29(From The White Company)
15THE FARNSHIRE CUP
30THE OLD HUNTSMAN
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