Classic Summer Ghost Stories | M. R. James & others | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубликовано: 2 июн 2024
- A few listeners have requested that I upload longer stories. For various reasons that's not practical with my current workload, but I thought this anthology of some of my older uploads (recorded between 2019 and 2021) may appeal to those of you who'd like a longer listen. The stories are already available on the channel as individual uploads if you prefer to listen that way, although I've taken the opportunity to remaster and re-edit the older recordings.
Story timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:30 A View from a Hill by M. R. James (1925)
00:51:12 The Upper Berth by F. Marion Crawford (1886)
01:48:47 The Sand-walker by Fergus Hume (1906)
02:34:42 Mr. Humphreys and His Inheritance by M. R. James (1911)
03:44:50 Credits and thanks
(Story teasers and more details below)
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):
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A View from a Hill | M. R. James | 1925 | 00:00:30
When Mr Fanshawe visits his new friend, Squire Richards, he is entranced by the spectacular scenery and determines to explore the countryside. But the binoculars he borrows prove less than ideal for his purpose...
The Upper Berth | F. Marion Crawford | 1886 | 00:51:12
On a well-appointed transatlantic steamer, the stateroom numbered 105 has acquired a somewhat dubious reputation. Mr. Brisbane, a seasoned seafarer, is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding his cabin and his elusive room-mate...
The Sand-walker | Fergus Hume | 1906 | 01:48:47
Whatever you do, don’t go on to the beaches at dusk, or the Sand-walker will come to your window at night. Such is the sinister warning given to the new lodger at the Beach Farm, a lonely house on the North Sea coast of England. But who, or what, is the Sand-walker?
Mr. Humphreys and His Inheritance | M. R. James | 1911 | 02:34:42
When Mr Humphreys unexpectedly inherits a country house and estate from an uncle he never met, he is charmed by the gardens - and intrigued by the overgrown maze, which has been locked up, with entry forbidden on the orders of his uncle, for more than 40 years...
This story contains a number of Latin tags and phrases, which James does not translate. Here are my rough translations:
Dolebat se dolere non posse: Sorry that he could not feel sorry
Penetrans ad interiora mortis: Penetrating to the interior of death
Princeps tenebrarum: The Prince of Darkness
Quid multa?: Need I say more?
Secretum meum mihi et filiis domus meae: My secret for me and the sons of my house
Umbra mortis: The shadow of death
Vallis filiorum Hinnom: Valley of the Sons of Hinnom at Gehenna
Recordings © Bitesized Audio 2019-22 
Развлечения
Thank you to ALL, who are so dedicated to making sure these stories are accessible and free! I am a disabled veteran who struggles to slow my thoughts long enough to string more than 3hrs of sleep together at a time. These soothingly narrated, perfectly produced, scary as heck tales, provide the necessary haven
for myself and so many others!
These MR James stories are wonderfully slow & melodic. I'm a Brit, so grew up on his ghost stories at Christmas. Glad they are helping you. May I also suggest Brown noise. It is a combination of white noises, that your brain tries to figure out. Let me tell you, as a member of the "too many thoughts & not enuf sleep brigade", it works wonders. Have friends & family who use it now too. Good luck & take care mate.
Wow I can relate. I have the same story myself and it’s oddly comforting that someone else knows how it feels.
I’m a disabled vet who struggles to sleep just a few hours a night.
Me too
@itsstefjusstef9107 & @christopher5361 & @melanieomer9186 - Thank you all for your service; I am so sorry that it has left its mark on you. I am not a veteran, but just another person who finds sleep evasive.
@@melanieomer9186😊uuuuuu 😮😢yoyftororyoyioyiyiyyuihiiiiiyiiyyiyyiiioiiyyiyiyyioyoubfoyo I
P
P
Thank you again, a old man 73 Years old "in my dodderage " enjoy your perfect narration.
LOAD OF BOLLOX
BUT VERY VERY GOOD AND HAIRY BOLLOX IN MY MOST HUMBLE OF OPINIONS
WHICH IN LAYMANS TERMS IS A MASSIVE COMPLIMENT. BOLLOX= FANTASTIC
Dodderage catches us all!
I am 72 so my girlfriend is looking forward to a good rest next year.
Thank you 😊 I do love listening to you at night soooo much better than TV thank you for sharing your awesome gift
Soooo much better than the tv!
@Sloan Frakes And thank you for the coffee earlier, I really appreciate your support!
@@BitesizedAudio😂🎉
❤🎉😂😂 0:30 😂😂 0:30 😂 0:30 😂❤🎉🎉
🎉I’m a huge 🎉believer 😅🎉
I live in Japan and here midsummer is the traditional time for ghost stories. I think the idea is that scary stories give us a chill which helps us through the warm nights. Thank you for this interesting collection, very well read as always.
And we are so scared we have to sleep with our sister😂
My grandfather was so scared he also had to sleep with my sister and I 👻👻👻👻
Extraordinary stories read by an extraordinary actor, if possible I seem to enjoy these stories even better the second or third time, just brilliant, many thanks Simon 🇦🇺👍👻
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much .for all your wonderful uploads and hard work 💕💕💕
You're most welcome, thank you Hermione
@@BitesizedAudio
Thank YOU .💕
Ooh, Mr Stanhope, you are spoiling us! 😉♥️
What a welcome respite from the heat and the usually predictable day to day activities. Like a tall, cool glass of water just when one needs it most. Best wishes from all of us! 🐱
Very well said!
@@rougemont9553 absolutely!
Thank you for a lovely comment Rachel. And I'm especially glad to see that your comment has come through on this one. Best wishes to you and the gang
Could do with some of that heat now
L😅
I'm from Germany and find it very helpful to listen AND read the stories to improve my Englisch abilities. Thank you very much!🤗
Glad to help!
An absolute gem of a channel. You always do accents in a natural way. Your narration is so smooth and professional. People try too hard to sound creepy or have an over the top tone of voice. You always keep it classy and I can tell you have great love and respect for these works.
These on a cool summer night with a cold one hits the spot like no other
For me, I feel like I'm hearing these stories told to me directly by the protagonist who experienced these otherworldly events, in another era. I know what you mean by the readers who "try too hard to sound creepy". I find those unlistenable.
Simon is a masterful storyteller.
I always enjoy your readings - thank you
Thank You 🙏, what a wonderful way to spend an summer evening listening to you tell these stories again . God Bless you for not giving up. I’ve been praying 🙏 you’d still be able to share with us .
Meghan, I am a transformational life coach. I specialize in women and PTSD. What you experienced was 100% "normal" in your situation. Ideal? No. Expected? For sure. Your entire system was overloaded and your family was included. That was hard on you... You put a good amount of effort into keeping your family healthy, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. You felt like you were all under attack and you felt too weak to "fight", which triggered fear in your thoughts and your ill, tired body responded in kind.
Anxiety is not weakness, it is the result of remaining strong for too long without reprieve.
There is a great reason the Bible gives us a lot of comforting verses for the sick.
You have an amazing support system, for sure. God has bless you so richly!
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace
If you want to talk, I am here. I do remote coaching, via phone and video chat.
Hi Simon, wonderful as always, no other story teller on RUclips or anywhere else can compete with you .Fingers crossed that all is now settled with RUclips 🙄
Thanks carrie-ann. Fingers, toes and anything else that can be crossed, crossed!
@Andrew Phillips 🎵🎶 What's your game now can anybody play?🎶🎵 Ah Andrew, I couldn't resist 😘
I enjoy listening to Imagination Theater's Sherlock Holmes. It is my favorite version to listen to. I don't even have to follow the story, the voices are soothing. That being said, I am delighted to be able to listen to these stories. Thank you for these wonderful stories. Listening to your marvelous voice is a wonderful gift.
Honestly I think Simon is pretty awesome at storytelling. Now I’m not a tech guy, how do I support him financially?
I figured it out. Thanks Simon for a great Chanel.
“It was the acme of summer…”🌹
Oh wow, 3 of my favourite ghost stories of all time in one compendium!
Wonderful, glad to hear that! I have to ask: what are your top three? My personal favourites are The Upper Berth and A View from a Hill, but I like the others too of course...
Perfect choice of ghostly tales! 💀
Thanks!
Thanks for your support, much appreciated!
Sweet... :)
It's almost like having a time machine. You really bring these stories to life Mr. Simon.
I've listened to your wonderful readings of "The Sand Walker" and "The Upper Berth" many many times... (Also a big M R James fan.)
Thanks for many hours of enjoyment.
Nice one Simon this will help me through my insomnia
.Many thanks
Glad to help
What an absolute treat! :D
A wonderful treat, thank you Simon!
Really looking forward to this when I get around to it. Almost 4 hours of content? Fantastic.
The perfect mix for a sultry night. Thank you so much.
A wonderful revisiting of old friends by a wonderful narrator .as always my thanks .RNK.
A midsummer night's dream come true.
Nice! Thanks, Simon.
Bravo, Mr. Stanhope !!
More, please.
M R James was brilliant. He could write a ghost story that both amusing and frightening.
WOOOOOO! :D Thanks Simon! I'm glad you're back
Thank you so much for all your work on this channel. Your reach spreads far and wide. From a listener in Australia.
A wonderful gift to your listeners; thanks! :)
What a lovely surprise for the summer solstice! Thank you so much 💞
LOVE this channel!! Concise, interesting narration, and crystal-clear audio.
I fall asleep being transported to another place and time...well done, old chap!
Thank you kindly
Absolutely perfect for a Sunday after a busy weekend and busy week! Thank Christ you’re still here Simon! One of my favourite things on RUclips is this channel! And I have given up television for RUclips! So that is a very big compliment!☮️🤍☯️
I actually adore when you present a anthology like this, I listen all evening the go to sleep listening
Love your narrations of these stories, especially the ghost stories!!! Thank u for all of your hard work!!!
Thank you, Simon. I really enjoy your work.
Of course a chill can come on a summer's night
I really really really really really enjoyed every single one of those stories! Well chosen! Many thanks and blessings!☮️💜☯️
Perfect length for my night time listening pleasure..
Wonderful way to drift off into the land of snoozes, lol..
Cheers BSA.!!
So glad you're back.!!
😴🇦🇺👌🏻💯...
You cannot beat a big, fat, dollop of the maestro. The more the merrier. ❤
I love the sandwalker! It’s scary, and also pretty funny.
Oh my, this is a gift! Thanks so much, Simon, for this wonderful video. My evening entertainment is taken care of. :)
I first read this in 1958 when I was 8, it scared me to death
What a treat. Absolutely wonderful listening to these.
I have listened to these singly many times. Your narration is always excellent! The choices are perfect for summer solstice. I also love the music you’ve added in.
For a chilling tale, read The Witch of Prague by F. Marion Crawford. Thanks for the upload.
These are all delightful and creepy stories! Thank you for making my summer horrible in the best possible way.
Happy Solstice!
What am absolute treat! Thank you Simon, you really are spoiling us!
Thank you Simon! Great stories. And I love the creepy tinkly music between each one! Beverly🌹
Thank you. Listening in December, feeling nostalgic about summer.
Thank you Simon 💖
An immensely enjoyable selection of carefully chosen stories being well read, old top.
The Maze: the 16th-century prose comes alive in your hands. I really feel the passion of the original preacher. Wonderful to listen to over and over. THANK YOU.
This was wonderful Simon. I especially loved the 1st story. (I'm a sucker for M.R. James) And I really love your choice of music. Lovely. 😊
Fabulous.
I love the into music
MR James has always scared me to death 👻💀
Are you a ghost then?
@@Mike8981 More of a shadow 👤
@@earthcat That’s even more scary!
@@Mike8981 I am near 70 years old...scary is my currency.
Thank you
Thanks for listening!
oh my god this is what I've been waiting for, a 2+ hour video!
How marvelous to hear the different voices you do. Getting the chills 😳indeed!
Fantastic collection. Thank you!
Love these stories on summer nights
Wonderful idea Simon, thank you 😊
Love the music. "A View" is easily in my top 5 MR James, superbly thought through and so little anthologised thank you for the excellent reading. If you believe it we were read "The Upper Berth" by our substitute teacher in 3rd year juniors. I was aged 9 and terrified but it was clearly the start of something big as I am now a weird fiction addict,collector and aficionado. This is very good. Glad I have found you.
Gosh, that's a bold choice for classroom reading at nine!
@@BitesizedAudio I know. Mrs Thomas, now deceased. Read to us from the Fontana, Armada and Pan anthologies. Good taste, but there is a time and a place. No?
I'm thoroughly impressed with this anthology of ghost stories. Each story, from 'A View from a Hill' to 'Mr. Humphreys and His Inheritance,' is hauntingly good. Thank you!
what i actually like even more than the stories is, that the level of music and talking, are all on the same level.
Since i listen with headphones.
👍👍👍👍👍one of my favs
Wonderful! Which one in particular? (I'm always interested to know which are listener favourites)
@@BitesizedAudio All of these + these: *The Aluminum Dagger & The Naturalist at Law* by *Austin Freeman*
Yay Simon! I get very excited when I see that little light on my subscription.
Hearing these stories gave me goosebumps. Yet I'm still passionate about it every night, have you seen how terrible its appeal is :D . Thank you!
Thank you so much for reminding me of these stories. I have listened to them all in the past individually, and it has given me much pleasure to hear them again, as read with your beautiful diction and careful rendering of each character.
The early English ghost stories are the finest.
We are enjoying your narration. Modulation, sound, style, volume, all of it, very nice. Thanks. And please continue with the good work! Cheers from your newest subscriber.
Thanks for subscribing Donna, and for your kind comments. I hope you enjoy listening to some of my other uploads, and more to come
Lovely mix! 😎 Thanks for 'remastering' 🤓🙏
A fantastic and artful narration. Perfect for M.R. James, time and setting. Subscribed and looking forward to more.
Thanks for subscribing, and for your kind comments. I hope you enjoy some of the other stories on the channel, and more to come...
Many thanks from my home in Colditz Saxony Germany 😊....I am the last English Man living in Colditz 😊
What is the beautiful piano music 🎵❤️😊
Hello Susan. It's called 'Remembering Her', by Esther Abrami, from the RUclips library
i absolutely love the Sandwalker; your narration is always perfect. You always put me right there in the scene; so much so, that sometimes months afterwards, I can't remember whether or not I watched the story or listened to it as an audiobook. Perhaps it's just me, but there have been times I didn't realize it, until I saw a filming of the story, and wondered why the people look so different. In my mind, these stories become so real, it is akin to watching them. Wonderful job on the voices as well.
What a lovely comment, thank you so much!
Thanks
Having traversed the maze myself, I can confirm the central sun dial always reads - '3 am'...
An excellent choice of stories.
Thanks Danny, appreciated
My first tuning in - you Sir can narrate like no one else out there in RUclips Land - your accent is drop dead gorgeous- consider this a proposal if marriage as I am a
totally smitten kitten 😘😉
Thank you Sandra, I'm very flattered! Alas, I'm already married...! Thanks so much for listening, and for joining as a channel member, much appreciated
I am wide awake now. Thank you.
Any time is ghost story time.
This is fantastic. Thank you so much Simon 😊
EF Benson seemed to favour sultry hot English summers for some of his best tales, 'The Man who Went Too Far', 'Mrs Amworth', 'The Room in the Tower'...
Long light summer nights when it's still warm and airless and the sky is still practically like daylight at 10pm (like tonight!) can be a bit spooky at times. What really lies behind these pretty pink clouds I wonder!
@@thedativecase9733 Yes, Benson loved his torrid English summers in 1920s Sussex as the setting for his supernatural tales. All part of the psycho-climatology of horror, I suppose....
Great reader. Sounds like Peabody and Sherman
I refer to these as 'ghost snacks'..tasty and wonderful. Hubby is retired merchant marine, so the Upper Berth story is particularly appealing. Thanks and cheers from New Orleans.
Love these stories summer nights
Thank you. Loved it.
Thank You!
Best narrator by far I’ve ever come across. You’re putting heart and soul as well as accuracy and annunciation. Your intonation is perfectly natural and carries one away in an instance into the moment, the landscape, the mood and scent of the time and place.
It’s an absolute pleasure listening!
What a lovely comment, thank you so much Anja
Great as usual !
Though getting better and better . Many Thanks !
We must never underintigate what the horses of nature can wrought, in their equinatural portense. Porridge. Abstinethe, and curdlemore; porridge.
What a treat !!! ♥️♥️👻
Love all of these and I must have listened to The Sand-walker at least half a dozen times as well as to the other three. Your narration of each one brings them to life so thank you for that.
Perfect drama.listen to radio drama every night