American Novels: Classic American Literature Dramatized for the Airwaves
Step back into the golden age of radio with this essential collection from NBC's acclaimed University of the Air. American Novels was a distinctive summer series that brought the most beloved works of American literature to life through abridged, serialized dramatizations. Premiering on July 4, 1947, and returning in 1948, this Friday afternoon program offered listeners a rich survey of the nation’s literary heritage, performed with the care and depth that only classic radio drama can deliver. Featuring 14 recordings spanning over six hours, this collection captures the spirit of postwar educational broadcasting at its finest.
Collection Highlights
- Iconic American novels brought to air: Hear stirring adaptations of Melville’s Moby Dick, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Twain’s Tom Sawyer (in two parts), and Alcott’s Little Women (also in two parts), each presented as a compelling radio drama.
- Rare and captivating literary gems: The collection also features dramatizations of Bret Harte’s The Luck of Roaring Camp, Helen Hunt Jackson’s Ramona, Edward Eggleston’s The Hoosier Schoolmaster, Twain’s Life on the Mississippi, and Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
- A unique piece of broadcast history: As part of NBC’s University of the Air, these programs offered listeners a chance to enroll with participating colleges for credit. American Novels was conceived as a summer survey, making it a distinct and historically fascinating chapter in the story of educational radio.
Track Listing
Show all 28 tracks (6 hours, 51 min)
- American Novels 470704 Moby Dick
- American Novels 470711 Scarlet Letter
- American Novels 470718 Tom Sawyer Part 1
- American Novels 470725 Tom Sawyer Part 2
- American Novels 470801 Pilot
- American Novels 470808 Luck Of Roaring Camp
- American Novels 470815 Ramona Part 1 Of 2
- American Novels 470822 Ramona Part 2 Of 2
- American Novels 470829 Hoosier Schoolmaster Part 1 Of 2
- American Novels 470905 Hoosier Schoolmaster Part 2 Of 2
- American Novels 470912 Life On Mississippi
- American Novels 470919 Legend Of Sleepy Hollow
- American Novels 470926 Little Women Part 1
- American Novels 471003 Little Women Part 2
- American Novels 470704 Moby Dick
- American Novels 470711 Scarlet Letter
- American Novels 470718 Tom Sawyer Part 1
- American Novels 470725 Tom Sawyer Part 2
- American Novels 470801 Pilot
- American Novels 470808 Luck Of Roaring Camp
- American Novels 470815 Ramona Part 1 Of 2
- American Novels 470822 Ramona Part 2 Of 2
- American Novels 470829 Hoosier Schoolmaster Part 1 Of 2
- American Novels 470905 Hoosier Schoolmaster Part 2 Of 2
- American Novels 470912 Life On Mississippi
- American Novels 470919 Legend Of Sleepy Hollow
- American Novels 470926 Little Women Part 1
- American Novels 471003 Little Women Part 2
