The Room in the Tower | A Ghost Story by E. F. Benson | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубликовано: 4 июн 2020
- After many years of experiencing a strange and recurring dream, of an unseen, unidentified terror lurking in a room at the top of a mysterious house, our narrator is disturbed to find that his nightmare appears to be crossing over into real life...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) is probably best remembered today for his social satires, the Mapp and Lucia stories. However in his lifetime he was perhaps more famous for his many "spook stories" (as he liked to call them) which he composed regularly for publication in periodicals - usually Hutchinson's or Pearson's magazines - from the late 1890s through to the 1930s. He was a friend and contemporary of M. R. James, the most celebrated of 20th century ghost story authors, and was a member of the Chitchat Club, the Cambridge University literary society where James would read aloud his ghost stories to a select few. As a writer of ghost stories, E. F. Benson's own output includes an unusually wide and adventurous range of styles and themes, encompassing stories of vampires, homicidal spirits, monstrous creatures, as well as satires of charlatan mediums who became so fashionable in the 1920s.
The Room in the Tower first appeared in the January 1912 issue of Pall Mall Magazine. It was subsequently published in book form later that year as the title story in 'The Room in the Tower and Other Stories'.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2020. 
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Wow , introduced your channel to my dad back in India ( I am in Canada ) , he was so elated as he has done his master's in Victorian English literature . Thanks for All the happiness you provide to us . In this world where people don't enjoy things rather try to showoff on Instagram etc , I am on sane side of internet .
Wonderful! Thanks lesfauves, best wishes to you and your dad
Simon sure knows the King's English. Being an American, and an English professor I don't hear or read this kind of language.
I quite agree.
My hair is standing on end! Spectacular! Thank you so much.
You're most welcome Catharine, glad you liked it!
Thank you! This was one of the first horror stories I ever read as a young kid. It’s a classic, but very little known (I’ve never seen it outside of a couple very old anthologies). Nice to see so many forgotten and obscure classics on here, and as with the others the narration is top notch.
Maybe it’s just me as a North American English speaker, but your cadence and particular accent always seems to fit the stories of this era so perfectly compared to the mode and accent(s) of speech here.
Hey, so interesting to see your comment. This was the first ghost story that I read as a kid, and I remember picking it out of an anthology as well. I wonder how many of us were lured into a lifelong predilection for the supernatural by this tale. Spooky . . .
Very kind of you to say so, thank you
I know it's quite off topic but do anybody know a good website to stream new series online ?
@Lyric Rylan Flixportal :)
@Maximilian Gage Thanks, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I really appreciate it !
Dear young man , congratulations upon your achievements ! I hope you're safe and well at present, it's so wonderful that over the past short months you have been acknowledged for your endeavours.
You are very much appreciated. ❤️ Thank you
Thank you very much Christine, lovely to hear from you. I'm keeping well and hope you are too
Ha. This is the very first ghost story that I ever read when I was a kid. The happy beginning of many sleepless nights. Absolutely thrilled to find it here read by the great "Bitesized Audio Classics." We are expecting thunderstorms tonight, so will look forward to listening by candlelight accompanied by wind, rain, rumbling and the occasional flash of lighting. Can't wait. Thanks again so much.
@CW Brooks Sounds perfect! Hope you enjoy it
This one was genuinely scary, despite the passage of years! I‘m almost afraid to go to bed now. The reading was, as always, extraordinary. Please keep these coming!
@alannothnagle I'll do my best! Thanks for listening and for your kind feedback. Hope you sleep well....
"Soon I will feast, and later we will feast together!!!" What a pickup line; the old gal sure knows how to seduce the young bucks into her web of corruption, decay, mold, and of course, a romantic liquid-based dinner.
Wow, that was super, a pure joy to listen to. My eyes closed and the cat in my lap.
Thank you Tracey!
That sounds great
Gg
E F Benson is right up there with M R James even it comes to creeping dread. And to hear him read so effectively is a joy. Thank you. Looking forward to more of the same!
Thank you Barbara, I greatly appreciate your kind comments
A cosy, warm room, candles and a nice cup of tea, listening to that story that makes me goosebumps all the time: is there anything better you can do on a rainy, ugly October morning being sick!? Thank you so much!
How wonderful, but sorry to hear that you're unwell - best wishes to you, I hope you feel better soon.
So kind of you, thanks🤗
Truely gripping, superb narration
Exceptionally well read!
Thanks Scout Rifle
Super! I love this story. I first read it a long time ago - it scared me then and still gives a chill today. That phrase “I have given you the room in the tower” .... !! 😫
Wonderful, glad you enjoyed it
That must have been classed as a very gory horror story back then, great story.👻👻👻👻
A very chilling tale and what a great writer EF Benson was.It’s a supernatural story but written in such a way it becomes totally believable. Wonderfully written, not a word or line wasted.Little details, such as the behaviour of the dog and cat, make it even more chilling. What a great pleasure to listen to these fine stories on a winter’s day. You read beautifully, your voice and diction complement the story so well. It’s as if EF Benson is reading the story.
Thank you Bridget, appreciated! Glad you enjoyed it
A real English vampire classic, along with Mrs Amworth by EFB. This is a superbly eerie tale....'Jack will show you to your room, I have given you the room in the tower'. A really fine reading of this jewel of a story.
Thank you Nigel, appreciated. Yes, this ranks amongst my favourite stories of the genre too
This is the voice of a great actor! An endless applause 👑
Extremely kind of you to say so, thank you!
My fave Author of these spiritual tales so far..
'The Bus Conductor' I particularly liked.
I am looking forward to this one, thank you.
I just finished listening to the story. My heart is still racing. Superb work!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
Simon, thank you for another a engrossing mystery by E F Benson, a dread filled tale that you've lovingly brought to life for us.
Love anything written by E. F. Benson; this is sure a far cry from his Mapp and Lucia novels! Excellent dramatization.
Thanks Patricia
Another new one we are spoiled thank you. I’m so happy I’m gonna buy you a coffee x
Very kind, thank you!
I'm glad I listened to this in the morning when I awoke and not when dozing off at night. That was terrifying! Wonderfully read, of course.
Thank you Greg, very kind. Glad not to have kept you up!
I was lucky enough to have come upon these great stories (many of which I have in printed book form)..during the COVID lockdown. And since my husband had some health issues that kept him in bed and resting, I began reading to him. Later we listened to these. How delightful, and such 'scary good medicine". Thank you...
Wow! How did I miss this one?!? What a lovely surprise! 🥳
Thank you 🧐 i hope your still keeping well
I am, thanks Deb. You too I hope
@@BitesizedAudio yes im fine Thank you
A good 40 mins spent. Bitesized classic content indeed.
Before you twig, oh God! Vampire! He's got you. One of my favourites!
Thanks again, Simon. I am so enjoying these spooky stories.
OMW what a terrifying story, superbly narrated conveying the true horror of the "experience".
I read this short story first as a teenager and have loved it ever since!
Excellent... Thank you!
Loved this story. It certainly gave me the creeps! Definitely up there with M R James and Co. So vivid and beautifully read. Thank you from NZ
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Liz!
Thank you for these wonderful stories. Your voice is just perfect for the telling.
Thanks Randi - glad to know you enjoy them, appreciate your comments
Love... Thank you!
I knew you were going to read this one because I dreamt it.
I can but weep at your brilliance. You are the Master!
Scary. Delightful. Aplomb, Mr. Stanhope. Bravo.
Thank you for these wonderful stories+Excellent narration 😃
You're most welcome Stella, thanks for your support
I love ghost stories. I have a few real ones of my own.
I long for a channel where genuine people can tell of their genuine experiences.
I love this story Simon. Beautifully read.
Wow, what a fantastic reading. You have an amazing voice that is perfect for this story.
I’m liked and subscribed.
Thank you for subscribing, and for your lovely feedback! Much appreciated
I ❤️Simon! He is my favourite narrator. I am of British decent, but alas I am from Colorado, went to school in the South, and spent a great deal of my adventurous years in California, was in the army in West Germany. I only get a fun accent when I drink. I love you Simon! If I ever inherit a large European estate, I will buy you a coffee an suport you on Patreon. Right now I only do what I can when I can, but you are my favourite entertainer. ❤️❤️❤️
Well, thank you! All support is appreciated, including just listening, liking, sharing etc - it all helps! Best wishes
Haven't been here for quite some time now (force majeur I assure you). Just wanted to thank you for yet another great rendering/reading of possibly my favourite writer of ghost stories (among many other things - I do love the Mapp and Lucia novels, the Dodos, sts, as 'The Freaks of Mayfair' is such a gem of comic observation). M-R. James and LeFanu Amelia Edwards- which I rediscovered on your channel . are close runners-up. Poe is in a category by himself. Did you by any chance ever lent your voice to a reading of 'Horror Horn' (also by E.F. Benson) that is somewhere YTabouts? Anyway, thank you so much & hope you're keeping well.
@HerrCrankzy Thank you for your comment, delighted to hear you enjoyed it as I remember you requested this story some time ago. (I did reply to your comment to let you know I'd got around to it at last but it seems some notifications may not have been reaching all subscribers recently - glad you found it anyway.) I haven't done The Horror Horn as yet, but certainly plan to do more E. F. Benson in the future so will add that one to the list. (M. R. James and Amelia Edwards likewise.) Lots of stories still on my to-do list but do let me know any other suggestions/requests as and when. I'm revisiting G.K. Chesterton at the moment, hoping to upload that at the weekend. Thanks and best wishes to you
The RUclips gods were smiling upon me when this channel “magically” showed up on my recommended list. I am enjoying your work very much. Thank you.
Excellent, I'm glad to know that! Thanks for your comment, best wishes
A true horror ghost story.. Absolute classic
Thank you. What a great ghost story, read with style and grace...as always.
Very kind pes nevim, much appreciated
Burn the painting!!! [edit] AND the body!
Sheesh, you'd think these guys never watched "Supernatural" on TV....
Another gem. Loving your work. 👍
Many thanks Bob
Thank you so much for this!
You're most welcome, thank you for listening John
This was really well read. I've listened to other audiobooks by different readers and I've found this to be the best.
I'm a bit shocked that the author of the wonderful Lucia books could write such tosh! But it was fun to listen to because of Simon's voice.
Great, thank you for uploading this story, I read it several times in Polish translation (I am Polish), now I can listen to the original with your great voice :) matching so perfectly these kind of stories :) just discovered your channel and love it💖🙏😊
Excellent, so glad to know that - thank you for your kind comments. Funnily enough I'm just finishing the edit on another E. F. Benson story, uploading tomorrow! Thanks for listening Karolina
@@BitesizedAudio Great , cannot wait to hear it😊🙏 I've never read any other of his stories🤭🙂
Nicely read, thank you.
I am pretty sure that I would have asked my friend if I could sleep on cushions at the foot of his bed, or just gone out and sleep on the porch. Maybe that is why I don’t have as good stories as the narrator had, LOL.
Coo, it’s been a long time since I was compelled to use the term ‘Gordon Bennett’ in the wild, as it were! That was a doozy, thank you! 😀♥️
He should have told how they burnt the hellish portrait, drove a stake through the heart of the corpse, & burnt it, too, just before his striking ending. How else are we to sleep? 😨
Yes I did think this one may not be an ideal choice for pre-bedtime listening.... Thanks H. Calvert, best wishes to you, sleep well!
@@BitesizedAudio
Your work is as classic as the stories you select. Full points! 🏏
Amazing !!
Thank you Barbara
Very creepy story. I enjoyed dozing off to this on a cold January night. I definitely had goosebumps and a sense of dread just as the main character.
Really excellent. A totally creepy climax and sequel.
Love these ! Please post more soon 😁
Thanks ROXI 1010 - more coming very soon!
Excellent rendition. Thanks.
Thank you Ian, appreciated
Wonderful.
Enjoyed this story. ❤
loved this! oh no! my finger. it’s dripping blood!! bad story! naughty naughty! LOL🌷
I read this in 1973, as a 13 year old, it gave me nightmares and always check if staying at any b and b , it is not run by a Julia stone.
Yes, I can understand that. Thanks for listening Phil
I love the way you say, Terror!”
Thank you for this wonderful narration ! I really enjoy listening to them.
You're very welcome as ever BlueFriend
What the gifted narrators voice lends to the telling of ghost stories is beyond the grasp of many people who listen with out a clue about giving stories a life without any doubts at all its the story tellers giving stories credability voiced by truly great narrators in my opinion a magnificint narration of a great story thanks for sharing it with us on your channel
Very kind of you to say so, thank you!
That was terrifying, and the narration was superb!
Thank you!
Scary. If I were him, I’d be long gone from that room. Thank you.
I always return to this story. I only like this narrator to read it.The story is terrifying to me,can't explain it.Than you for nudging my imagination I thought I'd lost when wore a younger mans shoes
You're most welcome, thank you so much for your lovely comment
Thank you Sir
Super bravo !! It's like I've been there for you are a magician with words !!!!
Thank you!
My normal Sunday evening pleasure was delayed until Monday Morning ! True horror chillingly retold by a Master , Words fail me !
So glad you enjoyed it, thanks for your very kind words
Wow what a story!!
Benson came from such a spectacularly dysfunctional family, that it has always amazed me that he became, for me at least, the wittiest of authors. Reading his Mapp and Lucia novels you would never guess at the sheer misery that his childhood must have been. Some of his spook stories, however, do hint at dark corners in his life. If I ever become famous and am a guest on Desert Island Discs (unlikely!) Miss Mapp would be my chosen book. I wouldn't want to read this if I was on my own though!
Yes indeed. He had two brothers who also wrote ghost stories if I recall correctly. I have some on my (now rather long) list for future recordings...
This main character gets an F for common sense. Thank you so much, Simon for this beautifully read stories.
Excelente audio.
Read it. A chilling tale. Excellent rendering.
Wonderful, thanks Tipi Dan
Very good stories I'm only 20 but love these old stories hope u will do more .
Thanks for listening Steve! Yes, more stories are in development...
This would make an incredible movie
Yes indeed, I was quite surprised to find that there's never been a film or television adaptation of this story
I rather thought the example of a prosaic dream with the ace card was a little on the spookity myself, though not to the degree of The Room In The Tower, of course. Simon, i have noticed in the comments you have gathered unto yourself quite a number of fans, but with a larger portion of them being smitten female admirers! If youre not otherwise distracted, you ought to explore that demographic and see where it leads! Never know, you might meet a wealthy heiress who has inherited a large English country house, as James's characters always seem to be doing.
Good one, very chilling. I too have had a terrorizing, repeating dream, but not for many years now. 👹
Glad to hear that. Thanks and best wishes
Bloody good stuff! Thank you! : - ) >
Apposite use of the adjective in this case! Thanks kirpalani-griffin
@@BitesizedAudio lol I thought it through. There's not a lot I can give to show my appreciation. Hope that helps! : - ) >
One of the My favorites gothic stories.
Thanks for listening
Very creepy. I had to restart it cause I fell asleep the 1st time listening... And oh man the nightmares I had.😱
I can imagine! Not the ideal story to fall asleep to, this one...
I am currently at
36 ; 02 sec.. with the emotion in his speaking,
is miraculously fantastic
The first thing I thought of was, how I wished this creative and frightful way of describing his ultimate Freight. !! I have written horror-full continuations of chara cters in stories and plays . A screaming and continuous blood flow from the top of the ghosts head streaming down it's forehead between his eyes as he was yelling for help to stay alive.
The name of the play that I have written is the Deadpool murders.
But getting back to what I was saying how I wish this story was much longer.
With the first night of nothing but total fright.
The second night he dreams that he's bleeding as the serial killer in his dream is chopping the middle of his head off through his forehead and the blood is just continuously streaming. Think of that as a nightmare, that you would have every night but it would intensify each time you have the same nightmare.
Scary one & creepy...Halloween🎃🎃🎃
I've never been sure I truly believe in spectres. However your reading voice is very reminiscent of the 19th century.. Making me ponder if Bitesized Audio Classics is headed by a... ghost?!! 😳😁👻💓
No, I'm still here!
@@BitesizedAudio
Good deal..lol!
What a cracking yarn! 😱
Yes, quite a chilling one, this... Thanks Mac
This is what comes of booking a holiday home with English Heritage... 👻
Perhaps they'll try Airbnb next time...?
@@BitesizedAudio An excellent strategy! 😊
Very cool thnks
Appreciate your comments, thanks Johnny
Scary! :)
Is that good? I hope so...
Bitesized Audio Classics it’s good!
Hmm...here is, I think, underlined the essence of an English ghost story: the protagonist is rational, and observant, yet not modernist to the point of stupidity, and only level-headed up until he meets a Thing, at which point he becomes a quivering heap...the dissolving of that (heh) sang froid lends a very precise kind of spook to a tale: a special literary shudder of coming undone alongside the protagonist.
If a Scandinavian or Slav - or, I daresay from local stories, a Scot - had discovered he possessed the peculiar ability to kick vampires to death, it would quickly become a folktale about Ioan/Iain Vampire-Kicker...which is still Awesome, but less delicate and slowly chilling. I like both sorts, I hasten to add; this rambling is just me leaving a comment for you to find as a kind of frozen applause. A little more specific and engaged than a line of hand emojis, perhaps. Enjoying myself and grateful to be read to, and yes, you do "terrified Englishman" wonderfully.
"Frozen applause" - I like that! Appreciate your comments, thank you
See, now he had so many opportunities to avoid this...was he not warned enough???
Wish that you had a podcast, so I could listen on the go a little easier.
Thanks for your comment Alexandra, that's good to know. Actually, you've reminded me: I had a half-hearted go at setting up a podcast about nine months ago and had completely forgotten about it! I didn't take it any further as I'm not at all au fait with how podcasts work, how to distribute them and gain an audience etc, so I had no idea what to do with it once set up.
It's available at classicghoststories.podbean.com/
Currently there are only three stories but I'll look into adding some more if you're interested. However, I'm also currently looking into partnership with a producer to release some of the stories as audiobooks, to go on Audible and iTunes, so I need to be a bit cautious about what I release and where while I investigate that avenue. Would that be of interest to you also, as a platform for listening on the go? Watch this space anyway, and thanks again for the suggestion!
Who names their kid “Gloriana?” I blame her parents for such a miserable outcome
Hello Julia, I take it this comment is relating to 'The Death Mask' rather than 'The Room in the Tower'? An interesting question... I'd actually assumed that "Gloriana" was a nickname bestowed on the wife (behind her back) and that perhaps her real name was Elizabeth (the nickname being inspired by Queen Elizabeth I), but on reflection I'm not sure what I based that on! Personally I've never heard of anyone being called Gloriana as a given name, but of course that doesn't mean there aren't any out there!
Dear Simon, the link to your Patreon is not working and somehow I have become unsubscribed! Can someone please explain to me how to fix this??
Hello Felene, thank you for asking! It seems that YT changed the membership link a while ago and the old one stopped working, I went back and updated all the video descriptions but must have missed this one. I've updated it now anyway. It is: ruclips.net/user/BitesizedAudioClassicsjoin
I hope that's what you're looking for? Do let me know if not. Re becoming unsubscribed, that seems to happen quite a bit - a few members leave and come back each month, I think it might be a glitch in the system. Thanks for your support
Thanks a bubch, dear friend.🇷🇺
No.# 1 of 7-21-22
Thank You, I enjoyed a tremendously but please read my other comment
I hope you have a, miraculous frightful nightmare tonight..
I love nightmares, and if you continue listening to these ghost stories,
As I have,
your. mind will,
develop them soon. !!
I hope you have a sleepless night and a great day following your nightmare !!!
Have a great day......