On the surface, the Victorian age is one of propriety, industry, prudishness and piety. But scratch the surface and you'll find scandal, sadism, sex, madness, malice and murder.
Presented by Stephen Fry, this series delves deep into a period of time we think we know, to discover an altogether darker reality. The stories we're told offer a different perspective on an era which underwent massive social change. As education, trade, technology and culture blossomed, why was there an undercurrent of the 'forbidden' festering beneath Victorian society?
Across 12 episodes, Stephen presents a series of true accounts of the dangerous low life and debauched high life of Victorian Britain.
As an Audio Show - free for members - when you add Stephen Fry's Victorian Secrets to your library, you'll get all 12 episodes, each with a runtime of about 30 minutes.
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(Audible Original, 20 October 2018, 7 hours 40 minutes, audiobook, Audible Show, freebie from @audibleuk)
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I really enjoyed these podcasts. I've listened to a few Audible Shows narrated by Stephen Fry and have always enjoyed them. Victorian Secrets is no exception. I'm fascinated by the Victorian era. I love historical fiction set during the period and have even read nonfiction. What I love about the era is how so many opposites co-existed. The era has a reputation for being quite prude and women had no rights. Yet, there are so many examples of murder and madness. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics from deranged serial murders and women being locked in asylums for daring to have an opinion to Anne Lister, the first open lesbian. This is well worth a listen.
