The Absolute at Large: Recent Episodes
Francis Bass
An inventor has created a machine, a "carburator," which consumes matter entirely. It destroys it on an atomic level, releasing massive amounts of energy, and leaving nothing behind—at least, nothing physical. It turns out that pantheism (the idea that God is present in everything) is true, and the carburator not only releases energy, it releases God—or "the Absolute." As carburators are installed throughout the world, more and more instances of miracles occur, and the people near the carburators grow more and more spiritually fanatic. The Absolute is at large, and mayhem ensues.
Translation by David Wyllie. Narration by Francis Bass This podcast is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license.
In an inn in Damohorskych, many years after the war, Brych, Binder, Jošt and Rejzek all gather for a fry-up.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Johan Halvorsen and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
As the war drags to a messy, underwhelming conclusion, it is difficult to determine where the final, and supposedly decisive, battle takes place.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Johan Halvorsen and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
In the Czech countryside, Mr. and Mrs. Blahouš and their neighbor Mrs. Prouza speculate about the Greatest War, and who and what started it.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Johan Halvorsen and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The world war reaches the little island where Mr. Bondy has been hiding out, and he discusses the phenomenon with a captain who has stopped by.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Johan Halvorsen and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The chronicler uses the Battle of Hradec Králové, where the forces of General Hampl gathered to overthrow Mayor Skočdopole, as a reflection of world events on a smaller scale.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Johan Halvorsen and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The chronicler explains why this war "really was, I swear it, quite easily the greatest war ever."
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Johan Halvorsen and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
In the mountains of southern France, Lieutenant Toni Bobinet declares war on the Absolute, and begins a campaign of sprawling conquests.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Johan Halvorsen and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
In the course of two months, all the nations of the world plunge headlong into war.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Johan Halvorsen and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
As Czech reporter Cyril Kéval and his fellow journalists wade through endless reports of minor conflicts, skirmishes, and riots from around the country and the world, Kéval happens upon a letter from an "Elderly Patriot" calling for national unity.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyov and performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
A postman makes his way through a blizzard to deliver a telegram to a Mr. Marek.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyov and performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
As tension rises around the world, a global summit is convened to maintain peace and order.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyov and performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The Catholic Church goes through the long, unprecedented procedure of welcoming the Absolute into the church as its God.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyov and performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
As religions and governments all over the world embrace the Absolute, Bishop Linda berates the editor of a Catholic Journal for continuing their invective against Him.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyov and performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The brothers of the Hammer and Star lodge of the Free French Masons meet to discuss their response to the recent activities of the Absolute.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyov and performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
Mr. Bondy and Marek meet in Marek's house in the mountains, where the Absolute's influence has yet to reach.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyov and performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The chronicler explains the disastrous affects of the Absolute's overproduction, and how humanity was saved from total starvation.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The chronicler describes the obscene abundance created by the Absolute.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The chronicler apologizes for his inability to describe every story and character caught up in the worldwide influence of the Absolute.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
The learned Doctor Balhouš sets out to write an academic paper regarding recent episodes of religious fervor and fanaticism, and does so all day long, and through the night.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
A carousel fitted with a carburator becomes a divine sanctuary, and its owner a spiritual leader, but there is friction when the carousel starts touring near the holy dredger.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
Mr. Bondy ponders the state of the world as he walks the streets, and has a chance encounter with his once love, Elen.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
A journalist attends the grand opening of the Central Electricity Carburator, which will power all of Prague, and the Mayor gives a lengthy speech.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
A religious service is held on a boat fitted out with a carburator, and a large group gathers to hear the good word about the god of the dredger.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
Mr. Bondy and his general manager discuss the explosive growth and popularity of the carburators.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
As MEAS begins production of carburators, some concerns are raised at the company directors meeting, and G.H. Bondy tries to maintain order.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed by the United States Marine Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
Mr. Bondy and Marek meet with a bishop to discuss the holy site which the carburator has become.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music (the Montenegro national anthem) was performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
Marek warns Mr. Bondy of the dangers of letting God into the world.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music (the Montenegro national anthem) was performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
Ruda attempts to explain to Bondy why his machine is causing strange feelings of holiness and ecstasy.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music (the Montenegro national anthem) was performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
Mr. Bondy pays a visit to his old friend Ruda, who has invented a revolutionary machine that he calls a "carburator."
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music (the Montenegro national anthem) was performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.
G.H. Bondy, President of MEAS manufacturing industries, notices an advertisement for a "lucrative invention" in the paper, and is intrigued.
This recording is under a Creative Commons attribution, noncommercial, share-alike license. Music (the Montenegro national anthem) was performed by the United States Navy Band. The book was written by Karel Čapek, translated by David Wyllie, and performed by Francis Bass.