This project is now complete! All audio files can be found on our catalog page: https://librivox.org/the-medici-volume-1-by-g-f-young/
Volume 1 runs up to 1537 and 3 siblings. Volume 2 is 523 pages without appendices, and starts with the 4th sibling, Catherine de Medici, and goes to 1743 with the death of the last of the line.
"A combination of appropriate style and interesting subject makes this the finest history book of its kind. It adopts colorful language and takes liberties in outlining the broad narrative arcs that define the trajectory of the Medici family's rise from obscurity, their failings and eventual ruin, the intersection of their history with the major events of Europe, their talents and preoccupations and how these would ultimately define their legacy. The book has taken me through eleven generations of rulers and across three centuries, giving me a wealth of case studies on the follies and genius of rulers, administrators, military men, politicians and governors.
"The first chapters focus on their role in bringing about the Renaissance. The first few hundred pages of the book succeed in bringing to life that momentous episode in European history, how Florence and the Medici's became the center of that miraculous impetus that would eventually elevate the intellectual and artistic appetite of the peoples of the continent. It then tells of the intrigues of the Medici popes and then, after, those of the controversial Medici consort to the French king. And for the last arc, it describes the successes in the tyranny of the first Medici Archduke and his successors who would rule through the family's decline." ( Cribbed from Goodreads; to be changed before cataloging)
- How to claim a part, and "how it all works" here To find a section to record, simply look at point 5. below at the sections. All the ones without names beside them are "up for grabs." Click "Post reply" at the top left of the screen and tell us which section you would like to read (include the section number from the left-most column in the reader list, please). Read points 6. to 8. below for what to do before, during and after your recording.
. - New to recording? Please read our Newbie Guide to Recording!
. - Is there a deadline? We ask that you submit your recorded sections within 1-2 months of placing your claim. Please note that to be fair to the readers who have completed their sections in a timely way, if you haven't submitted your recording(s) after two months, your sections will automatically be re-opened for other readers to claim, unless you post in this thread to request an extension. Extensions will be granted at the discretion of the Book Coordinator. If you cannot do your section, for whatever reason, just let me know and it'll go back to the pool. There's no shame in this; we're all volunteers and things happen.Please do not sign up for more sections than you can complete within the two month deadline.
. - Where do I find the text? Source text (please only read from this text!): https://books.google.com/books?id=MgIEAAAAYAAJ
If you cannot access it from there, you can download it from Google Drive here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1747kIoMVK4mFaFOW3H3zgCWeZI3RlrMj
. - Please claim sections (the numbers in the first column below)! If this is your first recording, please let me know under which name or pseudonym you'd like to appear in the LibriVox catalogue. We can also link to a personal website/blog.
Prospective Prooflisteners: Please read the Listeners Wanted FAQ before listening! Level of prooflistening requested: standard
Please don't download or listen to files belonging to projects in process (unless you are the BC or PL). Our servers are not set up to handle the greater volume of traffic. Please wait until the project has been completed. Thanks!
Magic Window:
BC Admin
. - BEFORE recording: Please check the Recording Notes: viewtopic.php?p=6430#p6430
Set your recording software to:
Channels: 1 (Mono)
Bit Rate: 128 kbps
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
. - DURING recording:
No more than 0.5 to 1 second of silence at the beginning of the recording!
Make sure you add this to the beginning of your recording:
START of recording (Intro)- "Section [number] of The Medici, Volume 1. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit: librivox DOT org"
- If you wish, say: "Recording by [your name], [city, your blog, podcast, web address]"
- Say:
"The Medici, Volume 1, by G. F. Young. [section text]"
END of recording- At the end of the section, say:
"End of Section [number]" - If you wish, say:
"Recording by [your name], [city, your blog, podcast, web address]" - At the end of the book, say (in addition):
"End of The Medici, Volume 1, by G. F. Young. "
There should be ~5 seconds silence at the end of the recording.
Please remember to check this thread frequently for updates!
. - AFTER recording
Need noise-cleaning?
Listen to your file through headphones. If you can hear some constant background noise (hiss/buzz), you may want to clean it up a bit. The latest version of Audacity is recommended for noise-cleaning. See this LibriVox wiki page for a complete guide.
Save files as
128 kbps MP3
medici1_##_young_128kb.mp3 (all lower-case) where ## is the section number (e.g. medici1_01_young_128kb.mp3)
.
Transfer of files (completed recordings) Please always post in this forum thread when you've sent a file. Also, post the length of the recording (file duration: mm:ss) together with the link.- Upload your file with the LibriVox Uploader: https://librivox.org/login/uploader
(If you have trouble reading the image above, please message an admin) - You'll need to select the MC, which for this project is: TriciaG
- When your upload is complete, you will receive a link - please post it in this thread.
- If this doesn't work, or you have questions, please check our How To Send Your Recording wiki page.
Any questions?
Please post below - Upload your file with the LibriVox Uploader: https://librivox.org/login/uploader
- How to claim a part, and "how it all works" here To find a section to record, simply look at point 5. below at the sections. All the ones without names beside them are "up for grabs." Click "Post reply" at the top left of the screen and tell us which section you would like to read (include the section number from the left-most column in the reader list, please). Read points 6. to 8. below for what to do before, during and after your recording.