How Śiva Spoke | L. T. Meade and Robert Eustace | A Bitesized Audiobook
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- John Bell, Victorian adventurer and "professional exposer of ghosts", is asked by a doctor acquaintance to investigate the case of Edward Thesiger, who claims the statue of Śiva speaks to him. Thesiger seems perfectly sane in other respects, yet his nephew wants him committed to an asylum. Can Bell unravel the mystery of how Thesiger hears Śiva's voice, even though others present in the same room hear nothing?
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on RUclips, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 How Śiva Spoke
00:55:00 Credits and thanks
L. T. Meade (Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Smith, 1844-1914) was born in County Cork, Ireland. She began writing fiction at the age of 17, and had a highly prolific career, publishing almost 300 books in her lifetime. She married Alfred Toulmin Smith in London, in 1879, when she was in her mid-30s. She was an advocate of feminist causes, and as a solo writer became most associated with adventure stories for girls and young people, of which the most famous was ‘A World of Girls’, published in 1886.
However, she was also much associated with mystery and suspense stories, and her name appeared frequently in the periodicals of the 1890s and early 1900s. Interestingly, in this genre she often wrote in collaboration with medical practitioners; first with Dr. Clifford Halifax, with whom she produced a series entitled ‘Stories from the Diaries of a Doctor’ in 1893, and later with Robert Eustace, who collaborated with her on several successful series from the mid-1890s onwards. It’s not fully known how the collaborations worked, but it seems likely that she did the majority of the actual writing while the doctors supplied the ideas and scientific details which underpin many of the plots.
Robert Eustace is something of a shadowy figure. It's obviously a pen name, but the identity of the person behind the name is very uncertain. The most often cited candidate is Dr. Eustace Robert Barton, although there’s no certainty or consensus about that, not least because his given birth date varies wildly between sources (1854, 1869 or 1871, depending on the source), and he’s recorded as having died in both 1932 and 1943, and also as still living (but retired) in 1947. This confusion suggests to me that two different people may have used the same pseudonym. Whoever he was, aside from his work with L. T. Meade, the pen name of Robert Eustace is probably best remembered today for a much later work of crime fiction, collaborating with Dorothy L. Sayers on her 1930 novel 'The Documents of the Case'.
Together Meade and Eustace created a number of recurring characters, including John Bell, who describes himself in the introduction to his collected stories as "a professional exposer of ghosts, and one who can clear away the mysteries of most haunted houses" - making him in effect a more sceptical counterpart to William Hope Hodgson's Carnacki, the Ghost Finder (who first appeared in print a decade or so later). Bell featured in a series of stories in Cassell’s Magazine in 1897, which were later published in book form under the title 'A Master of Mysteries' in 1898.
'How Śiva Spoke' was the fifth (of six) stories in the series, and first appeared in the October 1897 issue of Cassell's Magazine. Other stories from this series are available to listen via this playlist:
• A Master of Mysteries ...
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023 
Развлечения
John Bell, Victorian adventurer and "professional exposer of ghosts", is asked by a doctor acquaintance to investigate the case of Edward Thesiger, who claims the statue of Śiva speaks to him. Thesiger seems perfectly sane in other respects, yet his nephew wants him committed to an asylum. Can Bell unravel the mystery of how Thesiger hears Śiva's voice, even though others present in the same room hear nothing? Story begins at 00:01:20
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio
* Monthly support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on RUclips, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
ruclips.net/user/BitesizedAudioClassicsjoin
The thing I like about these Victorian stories is that they don't leave much to the reader in that they usually end up explaining everything at the end 👍
Yes, that's always satisfying!
You always manage to appear just when I get desperate for something to listen to. Thank you Simon!❤
Oops Simon! I listen to another narrator named Tony 😂. I’ll edit!
My pleasure! Thanks Emily
@@emilyduffy1410 it's okay, I'm sure Simon understands! LOL most of us have discovered and love them all, Tony, Greg, Ian and if there's others I have not found them yet! They all know and respect each others work, I'm certain of that because they are all so good and work so hard and love what they do
😊
😊
Another delightful mystery story. Seeing a new story on your RUclips channel is like a new present under the tree on Christmas morning.
What a lovely comment, thank you. And merry Christmas!
😊😊😊 I'm like a child at Christmas every time I get that ping to tell me its story time.
Thank you Simon.
My first time hearing this story.
Cheers🌺
The Victorians always gave their villains peculiar names. The moment I heard the name Jasper Bagwell, I knew him to be a bounder and fortune hunter!
@@lizday8140 Yes. It is a delightful formula that makes the story entertaining even though you have worked out the ending.
Agree!! A blatant blaggard!!👍
Ah yes, great word, "bounder". Sir Perceval Glyde in 'The Woman in White' is another great name for a baddie... along with his confederate Count Fosco of course
@@julielevinge266 Yes blatant blaggard, another wonderful term. Jasper Bagwell a blatant blaggard, a bounder, and a fortune hunter. Not only where the Victorians great judges of character, they had the language to describe it.
@@lizday8140 Wonderful movie. Also included in the list of actors that wonder "minder' George Cole!
I love your work - you're my favourite. Thank you.
Thank you! 😊
I love all LT Mead & Robert Eustace tales. They should be more well known. I wonder why no one tried to adapt them into a miniseries.
So do I, though hadn’t heard of them until I discovered this channel.
Have found so many treasures, entire channel is wonderful, every story as good as the last, whole collection is wonderful✊♥️
Yes indeed. I have wondered if the late-1990s UK TV series 'Jonathan Creek' might have been inspired to some extent by these stories, they have a similar feel, but yes the originals do seem to me to be crying out for adaptation!
@@BitesizedAudio Never heard of Jonathan Creek. I need to check it out. Thanks!
@@BitesizedAudioI watched quite a few of the Jonathan Creek episodes bc of Caroline Quentin after seeing her in Blue Murder series. Always happy to get recommendations from you! 😊
@@leriavaI saw them on Acorn’s streaming service but they were also on YT years ago. Hope that helps!
Thank you Simon, a story I haven't heard previously, brought to life by your excellent performance!
I'm running out of words to describe how much I thoroughly enjoy EVERY literary journey.
As always, seeing your uploads as a highlight of my day
Happy to hear that! Thank you
You are one of the few narrators that I depend on for great stories.
What an excellent story. Well read!
Yay! Another bite-sized audio!
Exactly what i said in my mind 😂
@paulaclagueelliott
Thank you so much! It's always a pleasure. 🙂
I hadn't read this story. It was another really enjoyable tale.
Thank you Mr Stanhope for your timely upload. Today was a rather difficult one, so this was a lovely surprise. Have a lovely day.
Glad to help. Thanks Dawn, I wish you a lovely day too
I'm sorry that your day was less. Simon does make days better.
Looking gawj on the new intro, cher Simon. And then, the incomparable treat of a further 50+ minutes of your dulcet tones and a new (to me) vintage yarn. Deep joy! ❤
Thank you, Bob! 😊
Excellent yet again!
I like the mechanics of this tale & always the cadence of your speech *Simon* Thank You⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you, Simon!
I like the new flippy foldy animation of your titles in the intro 😊and this welcome story came as I was musing out the window 🪟 about when you might give your next gift of a pleasurable hour - and there it was!🙏🏽
Wonderful, perfect timing! Yes, I stumbled across that animation feature while experimenting with my video editor and thought it worked rather well, I wish I'd discovered it earlier!
Thank Simon, I have been waiting a long time to listen to your new narration again . Such a treat for me !I just simply enjoyed whatever you made.
Such lovely British tales. Thank you, as always, Simon. You are a diamond.
I was going to check the news quickly before retiring for the night. And look what I found! What a nice surprise. Now I won't have to decide which one I want to listen to. I love seeing a new story to get lost in. Much better than the news. ☺
Yes indeed, the news seems to have been fairly grim for quite a while now!
That is a great tale with a very satisfying ending. Thank you Simon.😊
Always so lovely the righteous character’s voice & the aberrant evil doers. Thank you!
Two of my favorite personages,Shiva and Simon. Thank you brother.
"Hindustani" lol I suppose that's sanskrit..
Kind of you to say, thank you Charles 🙏
@@BitesizedAudio I just commented about your channel on" ghost tales by the fire side " channel in hopes of awakening others to your channel
What a wonderful way to spend a rainy relaxing day
Superb! Thank you for another wonderful story! ❤
Glad to know you enjoyed it, thanks Charlotte
Thank you, Simon. Great job as always.
O.K. I was reading a short story set in the Edwardian period and found it being narrated in my head in YOUR VOICE. How did you do this? I'm not complaining, but do you intend to collect royalties?
Hmmm, that's quite an idea!
Good listen thank you , what a blessing when hope is rewarded by faith in good people x
Simon! How lovely!
Another very enjoyable story from Simon! I do like the mystery tales, something I have found out listening to you Simon! ♥️🇦🇺✌️
Wonderful! Thanks Jackalina
Just lovely Simon! Each of your narrations is such a treasured gift for me. Bless you and your golden voice. ❤
Woohoo!! Almost an entire hour this time❤❤
Great story! Thank you, Simon!
A lot of good things happen in that little sound proof studio! You can really hear a difference in the sound quality in your recordings! No echo, crisp and clear! It sounds like you are in the same room as me! You are truly a cut above! Thank you Simon!
Very enjoyable thank you
Enjoyed this so much! Thanks again Simon. Always a pleasure to hear you.
Loved this story!!
Thank you, Simon. I enjoy reading the comments as much as I enjoy your narration.
Just thank you as always😊
👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍!!!!
Thankyou!
This confirms my long held belief You could read the telephone directory and it would be wonderful , thank you so very much RNK
It IS like a Xmas present. So Spot on
I enjoy your stories and await each one with baited breath. Please, keep up the good work. I must also share a little something: Here in the U.S., years ago when I was a child, there was an animated cartoon program, which I don't remember the name of, but it was about Mr. Peabody and a boy named Sherman. Your voice is a dead ringer for Mr. Peabody. He was an intellectual, scientist, inventor, historian, etc. and to his credit loved sharing his discoveries with Sherman. I am always struck by your voice and get a visual to go along with it. Hope you don't mind.
Hello Simon 👋🏻really like the new intro with the moving tiles & gentle music. Nice attention to details. As always narration is top notch! 🎉
Excellent as always sir
Great start for the month. Looking foward to more ghostly and mystery tales over the summer 👍🙌
Thanks Max, I have another summer ghost story compilation in preparation as last year's was so popular, and some new ghost and mystery tales in the pipeline for the months ahead too...
Keep em coming 😊
Thank you! I love listening to you❤.
Appreciated, thank you Sonja!
Oh my goodness thanks to you, Simon, for introducing us, these authors are among my very favorites in the genre. About to walk into Trader Joe's, and fortunately...
I DO HAVE MY EARBUDS!!
Okay as they say, I'M GOIN' IN!.....
Happy shopping!
@@BitesizedAudio SOO much better with you telling me such a nifty story, as only you can. 💙🌞
A lovely story enjoyed
This was really nice, thank you Simon!
I really enjoyed this story. Thank you Simon.
You’re wonderful. Thank you so much.
Excellent.
Thank you Sir, for another wonderful story.
Thank you. ❤
What a fascinating story in so many ways - period esoteric faddism (Benson's Queen Lucia is something like a comic counterpart respecting this continuing phenomenon) , historic comparison (Pompeii) with a twist, psychological manipulation, and superbly read/performed - for example, "'What do you mean?' I asked in astonishment."
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, and kind feedback!
Amazingly Unique. Thanks!
Great content!
Thanks!
Love me some John Bell!
Love this intro, nice to see your face 😊
A while back someone suggested we fans should have a nickname. I still think there’s got to be one out there that we can all agree on. Or at least aren’t haunted by. Bitesizians? Simonoids? 😂 That on made me laugh…any others?
Déjà vu have you read this before?
Anyway superb version, many thanks 👍♥️
Hello Julie, no I've not done this one before (though I have read other stories featuring the main character, most recently 'The Mystery of the Felwyn Tunnel'). I think there may be a LibriVox version available on YT somewhere, so perhaps you've heard it there. Anyway, only one more to go in this series and then I'll put them all together as a single long video
@@BitesizedAudio Hope I wouldn’t confuse you with libra vox? That would mean certain senile dementia!😂Can’t wait for them all to be put together, another excellent addition to your wonderful collection✊♥️
❤
Nice haircut ❤️
Thank you 😁
... ' SPLEN-DIDDLY-ENDID ' INDEEDY... 🙏🖖🏴
I wish that you would add iDeal for a coff e, then I would gladly contribute to your work via that immediate fin anci al channel. Thank you very much for your excellent work!
Thank you for the suggestion. I have to confess I hadn't heard of iDeal, I'll have to look into it. I have PayPal and Stripe payment options set up - there are so many different providers it's hard to keep up with them all! Anyway, I'll investigate further. Thanks again
It never ceases to amaze me how openly racist, imperialist and particularly Hinduohobic most Victorian writers were.
Wasn't colonialism lovely. Particularly intriguing how the main protagonist is a thief who stole something of extreme importance from a friend who sheltered him. In light of such a hero being called 'grotesque' is almost a praise. Don't get angry on Victorian writers😅
@@ipsygypsy16 and usually those thieves or their heirs ended up either destroying or throwing their loot cursing it rather than their own actions feeling very Christian. I think they only did disservice to Christianity in long run.
I find it a pointless exercise to criticise our ancestors for the time in which they lived, if you look at what the Victorians did to improve the lives of so many, through medicine, hygiene, engineering, life-changing inventions etc. you may find their contribution far outweighs what you deem to be their faults!
@@kayi9236 I disagree. The meta narrative of science and engineering was used in the colonial project to undermine other cultures.The money for all those ventures came from the colonies. Moreover what scientists didn't give a free hand to the writers to dehumanise other cultures. That's how they not only glorified the loot but also to justified it. So yes, they need to be called out.
We glorify our past inheritance but do not want to be held accountable for its evils ??
Fair comment includes both
Mood of story towards Hinduism is hardly PC, especially now we have a Prime Minister whose desk is adorned with the idol Ganesh. Glad you left the tone of contempt as the author intended-- coming through, especially, in the voice of the young heiress.
Shiva being called a hideous monster!...He has been regarded as the most benevolent dispenser of Karma, Divine Justice and Spiritual Sagacity in mythologies ...Concerning this story and this one only....clearly the authors came off as a duo of doltish bigots who didn't want to do their homework!
Great barrater and predictable plot.