The Ghost Hunters by Allen Upward | The Complete Series | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- Originally serialised in 'The Royal Magazine' between December 1905 and April 1906, but almost completely forgotten since, these five stories chart the adventures of Jack Hargreaves, an estate agent who specialises in dealing with haunted properties, and his "lady assistant" Alwyne Sargent, whose clairvoyant powers prove the key to unravelling the mysteries they encounter.
Episode list:
1. The Story of the Green House, Wallington 00:00:30
2. The Tapping on the Wainscot 00:23:24
3. The Secret of Horner's Court 00:52:14
4. The Two Roses 01:19:49
5. The Haunted Woman 01:49:09
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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/ bitesizedaudio
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There is not a great deal of reliable biographical information available about George Allen Upward (1863-1926). Born of Welsh parentage, he studied law at the Royal University of Ireland in Dublin in the early 1880s. He became a vocal supporter of nationalist causes including Irish Home Rule, composing poetry and journalism for the cause. He attempted to start a political career but was defeated in his attempts to stand for parliament in the Labour interest. Upward was the author of a number of now-forgotten novels, including 'The Prince of Blakistan' (1895) and 'A Bride's Madness' (1897), and his work has fallen into comparative obscurity today. (Incidentally he was a cousin of the rather better remembered novelist Edward Upward, 1903-2009.) Allen Upward died of a gunshot wound in November 1926 at the age of 63, apparently self-inflicted, although the exact circumstances are unclear and there has been some speculation as to whether it was suicide or accident, or if any third parties were involved.
Between December 1905 and April 1906, Upward published a series of five short stories in 'The Royal Magazine' under the banner title "The Ghost Hunters", rather grandiosely described as "A New Series of exciting Ghost Stories. They are entirely Different in Conception from Anything of the Kind that has ever been Published before." In fact they not so very different from many of the ghost stories which were popular in the Edwardian era, but they are of interest inasmuch as they depict a male and female ghost-hunting duo in the shape of the narrator Mr. Hargreaves, an estate agent who has ended up specialising in selling haunted houses (making a profit by laying the spirits to rest), and his "lady secretary" Miss Alwyne Sargent, who is a clairvoyant and "sensitive". Hargreaves and Sargent were thus an early example of the Edwardian vogue for "occult detectives", which culminated a few years later with the stories of Hope Hodgson's Carnacki and Algernon Blackwood's John Silence.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2021.
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Thanks for listening.
Simon Stanhope (narrator)
❤
L
Just an acknowledgement of possibly the best narrator I have ever heard. Thank you for your fine work, it means even more in this crazy world.
Thank you Sean, I'm touched by your lovely comment. Best wishes to you
Sean, I could not agree more. My life has been completely enhanced by the finding of this splendid channel. I feel I have fallen among friends.
Agreed...great narration brings a sense of calm in all this madness...
My husband died December 2022 after 36yrs.The way I have handled this is with your audios and others. Your voice is soothing and the author intros are interesting. It keeps my mind from dwelling while I work and feels a little like having company. Thank you.
excellent narration,
If you'll pardon my French, cher Simon, this treasure trove is: "Bladdee le Gawjuss". The music is a lovely touch too. What a *STAR* you are. ❤
Thanks Bob! I hope your run went well?
@@BitesizedAudio It did, Simon. The ensemble cast are doing a terrific job. It was really quite moving. ❤
Beautifully written stories read by my favorite narrator. Cannot tell you how much this channel has helped me keep sane in this mad world.
Absolute bliss 😊
Glad to be of service!
It's funny that ghost stories are so peaceful.
@@saran.4001 its all about the voice, the tone etc of the narrator - it is the most comforting.
Yep,they’re wonderful stories,love this narrator as well,his best ghost story I’d Nut Bush Farm, highly recommend it if you haven’t heard it yet? One of my all time favourites😁specially the description of the very masculine Miss Gostock😂😂👍
@@julielevinge266 indeedy, have listened to all of them and got the collection on Audible too. Can listen to them again and again, do enjoy a binge!
I love the old fashioned ghost stories where you can use your imagination unlike a lot of modern ghost stories. Many thanks for a great few hours entertainment.
The beauty of this reading. I can listen to it again and again!
Extremely kind of you to say so, thank you!
I really can’t wait, but I will have to. I am saving this one until Christmas when I shall listen to it whilst sipping a brandy after having had a fine dinner. I shall also have all the house lights turned off as my lounge will be illuminated by the flickering flames on my TV that are provided by one of the many log fire videos on RUclips.
That sounds very atmospheric. I hope you enjoy whenever you're able to listen
@@BitesizedAudioIt is the ideal way to appreciate your wonderful content.
Two stories in so far, I'm already becoming fond of the heroine. Intelligent, brave and genre-savvy!
P.S. That poor old woman in the last one. Please, folks, however pickled you fancy getting, don't drink formaldehyde.
Just found your channel, been looking for another channel who reads Victorian ghost stories like Encrypted does as well..honestly im hooked n looking forward to continuing to go thru the back catalog of episodes! Thank u for doing this Sir! It is dec 23rd 2023 currently, so Merry Christmas everyone 🎅!
Good stories, excellently narrated.
Just brilliant in every way!! From all of us who appreciate all u do, thank you sir!!
I love these! Old houses, ghosts, great reading…perfect for a day of cleaning house! Thanks!
These keep me happy during my long slow terminal illness. Thank you so much,keep it up!
Sorry for your troubles
Here's to a happier time, Sir John.
Perhaps a journal of your pleasant recollections, trials & lessons garnered
from your time to date.
It is emotionally tasking, thou extremely rewarding, as 3 generations of my
paternal keepsakes have undertaken.
I'm in the midst of mine.
All the best 🍻
I'm so sorry...may you experience love and peace during these times.
God bless you!
"God bless you john 'and also your family "
Fantastic! This has been one of my favorite series that you've done. Love having all the stories back to back. And the music is lovely.
Thanks Shannon, appreciated
Mine too, hadn’t heard of it till I subscribed to this channel.
Is as near perfect collection of ghost stories from that era as you can get. Narrator is superb.
But my absolute favourite is NutBush farm, must have listened to it a dozen times & will listen to it a dozen more!
Another gem is Loveday Brooks,another only discovered through
BITESIZE✊♥️
When I come down with the dreaded, Covid, back in November, I listened to, Nutbush farm, over and over. Having that to concentrate on, helped to get me through. Now I have to listen to, Nut Bush farm, every night as I go off to sleep. I'm sure I know every word. Strangely, that story has become a friend and comfort to me.
I think what really sets the
Victorian and Edwardian stories apart from newer is detail to character development and you do a fine job of bringing the characters to life and giving them personality also, you were building a fine collection of stories for everyone to enjoy please keep the stories coming listening to your stories has become a part of my nightly routine many thanks friend Simon
I love this series. Listened in many times. Never gets old, the end is simply charming.
Simon Stanhope is a marvelous narrator for these stories. His voice reminds me a great deal of Edward Everett Horton... a pleasant similarity which adds to the feeling of being told these ghost stories by a trusted, happy old uncle. 🥰
Why, thank you Kara! I remember Edward Everett Horton from the old Astaire and Rogers films from the 30s, which were regularly shown on television when I was growing up. (Funnily enough I caught part of 'Top Hat' just the other day, as the BBC were showing some of them for Christmas, and EEH was in the scene I saw.) Thank you for your kind words!
Yes, that how I know his work, too! 🙂 Best wishes!
@@BitesizedAudio When I first heard your voice, I thought " Is that EEH, from 'Fractured Fairy Tales' ?" From the Rocky & Bullwinkle show. lol
Simon is great!!!
Wonderful stories, beautifully told - as always
Thank you for all the hard work and talent you put into these audio books. They are truly enjoyable!
The readers voice is perfect for these stories.
Your voice is so smooth & comforting. Thank you.
Kind of you to say, thank you Evelan!
I downloaded this one!! I have a road trip next week and this will make the hours fly by.
You are a gem, Simon, and I count you among my blessings.
That's very kind of you to say Tammy, thank you! Have a good road trip
How brilliant to have these fantastic stories all together. I feel a binge listen coming on!! Thank you Simon. x
Me too! Binge watch!🤩✨🤩
So completely agree, bed, hot lemon an whisky and an Allen upward binge, sounds like a plan lol xx
@@mariameere5807 absolutely!! 🥰
@@paeganshadow Love the sound of hot lemon & whisky, but trying to get organised & begin writing Christmas cards! xx
@@SueCooke your more organised than me sue lol xx
I love the stodgy yet steadfast
Mr. Hargreaves and sparkling,
brave Miss Sargent! Beautifully brought to life by you, Simon.
Wish Mr. Upward had seen fit
to write more stories featuring
this couple.
Thanks for your kind comments Robin. Also, this is my first opportunity to say thank you so much for joining as a channel member, I really appreciate your support
@@BitesizedAudio Glad to help support your channel.
I derive so much enjoyment from it.
I loved the stories, and the real estate business connection, and the ending was great too 😀
Excellent victorian ghost stories read by a brilliant narrator...thank you Simon Stanhope.
Kind of you to say so, thank you!
The story selections have been fantastic, and the narration perfect and wonderfully classic. I write ghost stories as well, and I as I read them during editing I use your voice for my mental monologue. Thank you for these.
Thank you so much, that's lovely to know. Are your ghost stories available to read or hear? I'm always interested to discover new authors
Two and a half hours! What a treat!
The narration in the storytelling of these stories are great I love them
Brilliant selection! These old stories really draw one in. Thanks.
Excellent narration voice
Thanks David, appreciated
Very enjoyable stories! I got a kick every time the author said, "the reader won't be interested in..." LOL
A great find and excellent narration, Simon. Thanks for your great channel. 🇦🇺👻😎
loved this series, thanks as always bitesize!
You're welcome, thanks J C!
A great writer and a wonderful performance, as always. I enjoyed these independently just a week or so earlier, but couldn't stop myself hearing them all again! Thank you!!
Lovely to hear from you @kirpalani-griffin, I hope you're well
These are my absolute favourite stories. Thanks for putting them all in one video!
New subscriber, very impressed with your delivery! I've always loved the vintage stories narrated with a British accent. They just demand them read so and you do a marvelous job! I'll be enjoying your work often! Thankyou!
Thanks so much for subscribing Angie, glad to know you enjoy them!
God sent you to me and everyone. Your voice is wonderful. Wishing you good health and luck to bring readers more wonderful works like this. Thank you!
Thanks for listening, and for your kind comments!
I so enjoy your recordings. Your voice is excellent and I appreciate the sound quality so much.
Appreciated, thank you Heather - thanks for your support
Simon! 🥳 Thank you!
You're most welcome as always! Thanks Felene
Thank you so much I was wondering what I was going to listen to and there you were have an awsome day
Very interesting and very enjoyable. I thought how modern the stories were and how relatable. I feel sure Mr Upward was a member of,or had some experience of, the Society of Psychical Research as I can hear familiar terminology and a scientific attitude. Also, the fact that he was a labour supporter and seemingly quite a forward thinking man, I suspect he was also a supporter of the Suffrage movement as indicated by the strong minded heroine, Alayne. Thank you very much for this treat, brilliantly read as usual.
Very enjoyable, very well narrated and sound quality very good.
Thank you for making my day, I love ghost stories
So glad to know that, thank you Catherine. More to come...
Truly delightful. Wonderful narration. Thank you so much ❤
This is a masterly work using some hautings as the background for an enjoyable discourse about expectations of the relation between the estate agent and his lady assistant. Wonderful.
Thanks Henrik. Yes, quite a buttoned-up Edwardian discourse, but enjoyable I hope!
How is it possible that this excellent channel has only 23,000 subscribers? I haven't paid much attention to the numbers on this one because I always assumed it was a highly popular channel. It should be. I guess I'll have to tell my friends. Your readings are always well done and it pleases me to no end that you always choose great stories and don't pick them out like a bored ten year old who goes mining along the septum when nobody's looking. When any little bit will do..bite-sized or not.
Thank you for your kind comments, so glad to know you enjoy the readings. Yes indeed, please do share/spread the word, it's very much appreciated!
I'm glad you put these all together. I had missed 2 of them.
Although recently hearing all the tales individually & enjoying them, it was a pleasure therefore to hear the total as a compilation without break, thank you
Glad to know that. Yes, I thought it would be good to provide the option for those who like a longer listen
I had heard all but the last story but I really enjoyed hearing them all together. This series was excellent. Thank you. ♥️
Glad you enjoyed the whole saga, thanks Jackalina
Thank you.
Thank you Simon
Yes, me too! I was a pop star in the seventies and after finishing gigs still wide awake at 2 or 3 in the morning, I used to turn to my portable short wave radio, the world service or on the odd occasion Radio 4 or Local Radio to listen to people and stories. It was enjoyable but hit and miss and its an absolute luxury to be able to delve into youtube and get gems like these....However you are definitely my favourite, if only you and the internet were here 50 years ago!!! Still I suppose there were other benefits in those days
I was unaware of this book and it was a delight to find it and hear it read so very well! Thank you!
I enjoy everything you narrate/relate/perform/share on the channel. Please feel free to read a menu or two, or the assembly instructions of some complicated device. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your support! I'll keep that in mind in case I eventually run out of stories! (I still have a very long list though...)
Great Stories & Narration 😊😊😊
Everything about these stories are just brilliant
Thanks Seamus
this is how it is supposed to be.
no screeching, howling voices or music.
no wailing tearjerkers.
as it is done for american audiences.
they love it like that, let them have it...
i am listening with headphones. so i need a pleasant voice at a constant level.
thank you for reading and downloading such episodes.
therefore thumbs up and subscription
Your voice is truly wonderful. Thank you!
what i'm enjoying about this is the narration. it sounds as if the narrator is reading to us from 1906. quite spot on formality.
Thank you! I'm not quite that old, I would stress, although I do feel a bit like it occasionally... Thanks for listening
A wonderful collection which I have enjoyed twice now.
Some of the descriptive humor in the story, just has me lol all by myself 🤣. Also your delivery sells it as well.
Extraordinary. Exquisite. Dare I hope that some day we might be blessed with a collaboration between Simon Stanhope and Ian Gordon of HorrorBabble? Could our ears even endure such magnificent narration?
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to give some thought to a potentially suitable project...
I would endorse and eagerly await news of such a project. Jasper LeStrange of Encrypted Classic Horror, who gets very much less attention than his talent merits, would complete my dream power trio of youtube narrators. Simon specializing in the victorian strain of ghostly horror, Ian bringing his own versatility and prowess handling Lovecraft and his contemporaries, and Jasper with flat out raw acting talent under any set of circumstances.
Always so very good to hear. 🌟🌟👍🏻👍🏻🌟🌟
Spoilers Below:
Thanks for uploading, excellent narration and I enjoyed the series of stories. It's interesting how there's this subtle (not ever explicitly shown) romance going on in the background as the stories go on. The last story ended up being more brutal than I was expecting, wasn't expecting the mother to have been the murderer.
Thank you 😌
this story help me mitigate from my ISO 9001 Remote Risk Audit, and Enviromental Management
I’m noticing common themes in many of the writings of this era: Someone reports a haunting to the protagonist who then experiences it for themselves. Then, there is some exit/tragedy or resolve.
5 wonderful stories beautifully narrated
Thanks for listening Ruth
Most excellent reading. Than you! 💜
Thanks for listening Marianne
An interesting story excellently narrated
An unexpected gift for Christmas! Thank you so much for these great stories, the wonderful narration and all the time and work you've put into sharing these with us. You are so appreciated !! Merry Christmas to you.
Thanks BlueFriend, same to you. More detective stories coming soon...
Wonderful! Thank you.
I've never heard of bite-sized audio but I'll give it a shot.
Thanks for listening!
Wonderful performance. Under the covers in PA. Drifting off...
I am really enjoying this. Coloring at 3.30 a.m. thank you. And of course HAPPY NEW YEAR
Glad to know that, Happy New Year to you too
Great stories sir, and excellent narration. Also, the piano music is so fitting
Thank you kindly!
OMG I am so happy I found this channel 😍😍 thank you!!!!
Welcome to the channel, thank you for your lovely comment!
That last story is horrific 😲😣
Thats my corporation,these stories help forget the AUDIT, and RISKY creatures
I loved these stories
Glad to know that, thanks for listening - and subscribing
They should make this into a TV series, I might even buy a TV for it lol, I knew this was going to be exceptional and I wasn't disappointed, listening for the umpteenth time lol. Thank you xx
Thanks Tracy. Yes, a few people have suggested that... perhaps something is in development!
@@BitesizedAudio can't wait to find out lol xx
2 years on and still listening and still my favourite compilation lol x
Yes, really is the home of top class stories from the other world 🌎
I've run out of your stories. God, what shall I ever do?
Wonderful. Thanks for this.
Enjoyed this audiobook!!! Very Intriguing!!!
Wonderful, glad to know that. Thanks for listening!
Please do more ghost stories!!!! 💀👻❤️
Yes... Love 💜 Thank You!
Would love to hear your version of The Midnight Folk.
I reckon you'd nail it.
Ah yes, Masefield. Great suggestion... unfortunately the copyright situation is complicated. I think it's public domain in the USA due to the unique US public domain rules, but it isn't in the UK, or most of the rest of the world, as the author only died in 1967 so it remains under copyright until 2038. Rather frustrating. It's the same with a few other British authors I'd like to read... H. Russell Wakefield, Walter de la Mare, Dorothy L. Sayers, even some early Agatha Christie. If I was US-based I might be able to argue the point, but as things are I need to follow the rules to keep the channel up and running. There may be an option for me to record some of these for a different platform, with more limited distribution, but I really need to investigate that further
The purpose of life is helping each other
This was so enjoyable! I was my bedtime story for last night and it was so good it will be tonight's as well. The screaming woman was very well done by the way. I love when these "lost" writers are reintroduced and turn out to be so good. I always wish I could reach out to them and let them know their work is still being enjoyed in the 21st century. Thanks again.
Brilliant what more can I say lol
LOL, these are great stories!!! 😊
i’ve listened to these stories numerous times, knowing them now almost by heart. your voice keeps me company - also calms me to sleep. i don’t know why these particular stories though. (the only one i really do not like listening to is the story of the roses 🌹. so i skip that part as it is so sad to me for some reason. although i love the way he realizes in the most Victorian English fashion, that he loves his sleeping clairvoyant :) thank you much. 🌷🌿🌼🌱🌷
Hi Alexa, that's lovely to know, thank you. This series seems to have been particularly popular, so I'm looking into options for something similar for the months ahead! Thanks for your support, all best wishes
Thanks!
Thanks for your support 🙏
Absolutely wonderful. We'll read, and the music was perfect for these stories.
Voice sounds a bit like Mister Peabody, however, just a comment, not a criticism, it's the perfect voice for the stories.
Yes, this has been mentioned before, I had to look it up as I wasn't familiar with the show. I can't quite hear it myself, but you're by no means the first person to make the comparison so I'm heavily outnumbered!
@@BitesizedAudio Again, no offense intended, nor implied! Excellent work!
Absolutely Super thankyou very much.
Love this
I found my new favorite channel..📚❤️
Hope this puts me to sleep❤
Isn't there a new TV series based on a real estate company that deals with haunted properties? I think it is called Surreal Estate. No ideas ever die!