Chapter 1 - 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' by Mark Twain. Read by Gildart Jackson.

Actor and award-winning audiobook narrator, Gildart Jackson is offering free and unabridged Fireside Readings of classic books to all.

When millions of us were stuck at home, Gildart Jackson, the British-born actor and award-winning audiobook narrator (and husband to Emmy-nominated actress Melora Hardin) set himself up in a cozy spot next to a roaring Fireplace to read a chapter a day of classic literature to anyone who might like to join, every day, Live on Instagram at 5PM pst @firesidereading.

The amazing response to his Fireside Readings has blossomed into his continuing to read live every day on Instagram (when he can!) and these reading are uploaded here onto YouTube for those who like to enjoy them in their own time.

There are also some premium Fireside Readings available on Amazon, Tubi and many streaming services.

The reviews are in:

"Gildart! Your voice is a gift to the world! Thank you for sharing it, and putting it to such excellent use."

"This is such a brilliant idea, on so many levels! "

"I'm really thankful to have found this. My mental health is looking pretty bad right now, and I've been looking for a calm way of entertainment for me to keep my sanity after being mentally drained at the end of my stressful days.
Thank you so much for giving us your time and voice!"

“Fireside Reading is like audiobooks on steroids.”

"Thank you so much for creating these Fireside Readings. I showed my students several of your chapters of Great Expectations, and they thoroughly enjoyed them. I'm excited to begin this new journey with you. Your delightful cadence and pronunciation is captivating!"

"This is my favourite video on the internet."

"Thank you so much for reading this, you are remarkable 🌷."

"What a delight to have found this channel today! I always seek out your audiobooks on Audible because you do such a superb job with voices and timing - you make any book you read twice as good as the print alone. Thank you so much for all the great pleasure your readings have given me! "

"Love these Fireside Readings, Gildart's incredibly smooth reading, inviting us into a world created in part by his wonderfully expressive voice. So glad we found these. My 15 year old and I both are listening to them!"

"I am so happy I found these videos, I am reading this book for class, and your narration not only helps my brain focus, but has allowed me to more fully appreciate the writing."

"Thank you for all you do! I just happened upon these brilliantly expressive readings, but I’m sure you were a light during the pandemic for many people.“

"Your work is greatly appreciated! I have been listening to you all day. It has really cheered me up. ❤️"

“Thank you Mr. Jackson, I was having troubles focusing on the text which I had to read for my exams. Your reading helped me finish my text in a couple of days! I am an Indian and I loved the accents. Thanks a lot!"

"Thank you for giving us these wonderful readings! I wish I’d found them during the lockdown. I just stumbled upon this now. What a wonderful reading of 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. I felt like the real Sherlock Holmes was in the room with me. I’m enjoying this!"

"Gildart has a warmth and magnetism that radiates comfort and friendship. His soothing voice has made him a phenomenon. My favorite audiobook narrator bar none!"

"Wonderful! Beautifully read (and beautifully written of course!) - subscribed!"

"Very good. Better than Ben Kingsley. I love the fireplace background."

"I simply could not read this book without you."

"You are truly a wonderful gentleman!"

Gildart Jackson has narrated more than 300 Audiobooks, won an Audie and multiple Earphones Awards and been nominated for multiple Audie Awards and Audiobook Listener Awards.