Lost Hearts | A Ghost Story by M. R. James | A Bitesized Audiobook
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- Опубликовано: 27 июн 2024
- Newly orphaned Stephen Elliot arrives to live under the care of his much older cousin, Mr. Abney, at his house in Lincolnshire. But Stephen soon discovers that he's not the first young person to have been given a home at Aswarby Hall...
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:
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:12 Lost Hearts
00:29:01 Credits, thanks and further listening
Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936) was a medievalist and scholar, and is probably the best known and most celebrated English ghost story writer of the 20th century, although he actually began composing supernatural tales in the late Victorian era, beginning with 'Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book' (1893). He was born in Kent, but spent most of his childhood in Suffolk, a county which features prominently in many of his stories, including 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'. Several of James's protagonists also reflect his own antiquarian interests, with academics and historians featuring regularly. James published four volumes of ghost stories in his lifetime: 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' (1904), 'More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' (1911), 'A Thin Ghost and Others' (1919) and 'A Warning to the Curious and Other Stories' (1925).
During a long academic career which encompassed several positions at King's College, Cambridge, and Eton College, M. R. James developed a tradition of reading his ghost stories aloud to a group of friends, most famously on Christmas eve, and the majority of his published stories were first heard in that setting. It's believed that James performed an early draft of 'Lost Hearts' to the gathering in October 1893, alongside 'Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book'; it subsequently appeared in its present form in the December 1895 issue of the Pall Mall Magazine. It was later published in book form as the second story in James's first anthology, 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' (1904).
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023. 
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An early work by the master of the English ghost story, M. R. James, dating from 1895. Story begins at 00:01:12
If you enjoyed this, you may enjoy a selection of my previous readings of M. R. James ghost stories, available here: ruclips.net/video/fZnOzkl-Z0E/видео.html
It’s always so satisfying when the “evil-doers” get their just desserts in a story, possibly because it seems to happen so seldom in real life! Thank you Simon. I/we all enjoy your uploads immensely, I find a smile on my face as soon as I see a notification from your channel every time! ♥️😎🇦🇺✌️
Yes indeed, and it doesn't always end well for the protagonist in these stories either, so altogether rather refreshing. Thanks Jackalina
another truly classic ghost story by the master ghost writer read by the best audio narrator, thank you Simon, this is a gem
Very kind of you to say, thank you!
A sinister story indeed!
I marvel at the way James wrote his stories. Drawing you into a seemingly quiet English countryside setting, only to reveal its dark secrets within a manor, school, town, ect His historical background really added to the quality of these tales.
Another fine entry from the master himself.
Thank you, Simon ….another wonderful Goodnight time story! 🌹❤️🌹
I lost my heart to you long ago, cher Simon. Seems fitting - in a macabre sort of way. 🤭 ❤
You always say the loveliest things, Bob!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ excellent & proper tone as always
Thank you so much! I love listening to these tales while I'm busy drawing, gathering ideas, or sleeping.
That's lovely to know! Thanks and best wishes to you
@@BitesizedAudio thank you!!🥹
What do you draw? People or scenery?
@Patricia Slocum both but in a semi anime/manga art style.
I am a huge fan of James and have heard many readings of this story. This reading, however, is the best. Thank you Simon for a very enjoyable performance.
That's extremely kind of you to say, thank you so much. Actually, while I was in the process of uploading it to YT I did a quick search out of interest to see how popular the story is (it's probably been the most requested one I've done after 'Oh Whistle'), and I was rather astonished to see how many versions of this one are already out there; I must admit it caused me to wonder if people would want to listen to yet another rendition... So I really appreciate your comment!
@@BitesizedAudio YOUR version of it is very much appreciated!! Thank you so much for all you do for us! ❤
Thank you so much Simon🙏
Hope you are well!? Blessings 😇
I'm well thank you Maria, I hope you are too? Lovely to hear from you
Thank you Simon, you never disappoint.
I can’t thank you enough for your magical narrations and for reviving tales that might otherwise have been lost to time. The authors of these stories must be smiling down on you for the role you’ve played in bringing their stories to life. Your characterisations, tone and pacing of narration is comparable to none.
One of M R James' best (i.e. most chilling) stories, narrated with your unfailing elegant precision. Thank you, Simon.
Great reading! I love this story.
Simon that was truly a horrifying story. You narrated it tremendously well. Glad I listened in the daytime. That kind would have kept me awake. 😮. Well done 😊
Thank you, Simon. Lovely narration of an excellent story by MR James.
Thanks Nancy, glad you enjoyed it!
I love this story, thank you Simon for narrating it so well.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thankyou Sir Simon! Wonderful story&brilliant as always story telling&narration👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍! And once again thankyou! From all of us the Stanhopeien Society!🥂
Thank you, Simon, for another wonderful performance. I enjoy listening to your expressive voice. I hope all is well with you. Peace and blessings.
Thank you. Same to you!
Simon love your narration of this classic and thanks a million for your channel Micky F. N London 😎✨☯️🙏
Simon I love your choice of music that begins the Whole Bitesize experience ...it fits in perfectly and sets the mood!
Thankyou for All Your Stories
Your Narrarion is Superb!
Thanks Lesley, appreciated
I love this story. Thank you!
Marvellous, your voice lends an air of just the right amount of menace, sending a few chills down my spine. Many thanks Simon xx
You're welcome, thanks Lynda!
Yes! Thank you, Simon.
One of my favorites ... an excellent BBC movie was made of this...scary, good & so sad too & your narration only makes it better as a tie in *Thank You so much kind sir named Simon*
I thought the ITV version that came out in 66 was much scarier. This story stands out amongst James stories and seems quite different in style to his his other stories,it’s shorter than the others and has more punch and less waffle. I sometimes wonder if someone else wrote it.
Ah yes, I've heard of that version but sadly it seems to have been lost along with so many great programmes of that pre-video era. Regarding the story itself, I agree it is very different in style and tone to many of MRJ's others. I think he probably did write it though, if only because he apparently disliked it in later life, regarding it as one of his worst stories (somewhat contrary to the popular opinion of it these days); if he wasn't the true author I'd've thought he'd be glad of a reason to be able to disown it!
@@BitesizedAudio Only the soundtrack of that ITV version survives.l wonder why he came to dislike the story ? I never heard that before and most of my chums say Lost Hearts is by far the scariest of his stories.l liked The Casting of the Runes but after reading H.R. Wakefield,s shameless,rollicking,very adult plagiarism of it in his story“He Cometh and he Passeth by“ , l find it a bit wish washy.
A spring equinox story - bravo kind sir. Always love Monte. Thanks be.
Yes indeed, thanks Ramey Zamora. I hope you're keeping well
Perfect Equinox tale. This was one of MRJs more troubling reads but then in their own way, they ALL are. Thank you for posting this.
Just scrumptious ❤
Thank you.
My pleasure 😊 Thanks Simone
I am glad #3 survived. I was listening to this around 1:15 AM. A wonderful time for this story.
Please keep up the good work.
An M.R. James classic, what a perfect addition to such an excellent collection.👍♥️
At the risk of repeating myself, here again is one of Monty's finest stories read by one of the finest audiobook narrators on the internet. It doesn't get much better than this.
Much appreciated, thanks Simon
Chilling! I can see the influence of this story on many horror stories and movies thereafter. Thanks for sharing this with us Simon. I wonder if you can share your thoughts as well on the accompanying picture you picked for this tale?
Ah yes. I gave quite a lot of thought to the cover picture for this one, I didn't really want anything that gave away the story. The image I chose is actually a detail from a 1737 engraving called "The Hurdy-Gurdy Player": www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/YM0366434/The-Hurdy-Gurdy-Player
Fantastic! I wasn’t familiar with the instrument so your explanation was really helpful. It makes the tale more poignant.
Thank you for all your effort to make our listening experience as wonderful as possible!
This is one of my favourite narrations and stories on this channel. Thanks Simon
A great read, Simon ❣️
I've read this story & first reading it was so short I thought some of it was missing🤔 silly me ... *MR James* has an economy of words
Just caught up on a load of ghost stories to arrive at this creepy one. M. R. James is pure class, many thanks.
Thanks Simon. Wow, looking forward to this. Simon's audiobooks always make for enjoyable walks. Just have to keep an eye out for the buses. 😉
How is it I failed to give you my enormous thanks for doing one of my favorite stories by one of my favorite authors back when you first published? I'll blame the cats, they are in fact always up to mischief. At least the equinoctial gale which blew up today right on schedule demanded a return to this story and I can do so now. Thank you.
There were elements of this story which made me think of Lovecraft. As always, so beautifully read by our Mr. Simon Stanhope.
Thank you Simon, so well narrated 🙏great bedtime story ❤
Ahhh - another from my favourite ghost writer and my favourite narrator - what's not to love! Thank you Simon
Thank you kindly Jan, much appreciated!
@@BitesizedAudio Very welcome - inspired me to go back and re watch the Mark Gatiss documentary on M R James - fascinating
Another great story with an equally great narration.
Timely for March!💚 The opening paragraph of your reading of The Parasite has another spring feeling that I love to hear you read! Happy Equinox!
Thanks Stephanie, same to you! Yes, this story has been much requested and it occurred to me that the week of the spring equinox would be the perfect time to get around it it
A masterwork masterly read by the master of narration 👏👏
Thank you!
This is an excellent story you have chosen, Simon. As always, I marvel at your characterizations, inflections...you make you listeners a part of the story, drawing us in. You must do The Castng of the Runes. I've read it and listened to it, but I want to hear Simon do it.😊 Thank you very much for this awesome entertainment 😀.
Thanks Nancy. I have both 'Number 13' and 'Runes' next on my list in terms of MRJ, I hope to get around to both of them in the coming weeks and months
@Bitesized Audio Classics Thank you, Simon. No rush, though. It's worth the wait 😊
Thank you very much for an excellent narration.
Thank you Mr. Simon!
Thank you for making these stories available, thoroughly delightful!
You're welcome! Thanks for listening
I really like the gentle piano music at the beginning
Thank you
A superb reading of a classic. I'm absolutely certain M R would have loved it too, knowing him, he probably has.👻
Excellent reading of a great M.R. James story!
Thanks so much Alexandra. Lovely to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well. I've another M. R. James in the pipeline, coming up next week...
Love your channel Simon- just brilliant. Thank you 😊
What's amazing is that James never intended for his work to be published. He originally just wrote short stories to read to his friends. It was a friend and former student of his that convinced him to actually publish.
Yes indeed, no doubt one of the reasons his stories are often especially effective when read aloud
Thank you so much for yet another awesome performance ☺️
I have always enjoyed reading and listening to this story of MR James, and your narration was finely done.
Thank you kindly! Glad to know you enjoyed it
Brilliant, my first visit and most certainly won't be my last .. Really enjoyed it and a great way to take the mind off of the horrors of the real world, looking forward to the next one thank you
Thanks for dropping by, and glad to know you enjoyed it!
This one ended without a clue. I was surprised my friend. So, lets get more to this story ad i was genuinely sitting on yhe edge of my chair, chewing my nails so enthralled in the story, that just droped close. . . Oh, no, no, no, naw, naw... Write its seperation, but lift! Anyway, keep narrating... 🤗
From about the best writer of horror stories, beautifully narrated (better than others I’ve heard).
Thank you, much appreciated
Thank you 😊
Excellent narration. A chilling tale.😊
Thanks for uploading, excellent narration and a very good story.
Spoilers Below:
I'd actually seen an adaptation of this story before listening to this narration. I like how you have all of these little clues that something isn't right and how depraved the villain is shown to be by showing the detached causal manner that they show towards their doings. I mean they act liked somebody calling it murder is being overdramatic.
A very enjoyable ghost story. Well narrated!
Lovely narration.of an interesting story. Thank you.
Thank you kindly❤❤
You're welcome! 😊
MR James’ best, read by a master! Thank you! ❤
I had this down as one of your requests, so glad to know you enjoyed it!
@@BitesizedAudio And thank you, for sharing your talent.
Yikes!!! Scary😮 Beautifully read.
What an amazing voice. Thank you so much.
Very kind of you to say, thank you Helen!
Really great, thank you!
So this story is about 128 years old
Sounds great again, Simon, quite a Penny Dreadful.
Mr. Peabody! His voice is almost identical to that of the dog from the 60's cartoon, Sherman And Peabody!
Thanks Simon, been waiting for a new one 😊 would you ever consider narrating the Lady Molly of Scotland Yard stories?
Thanks for the suggestion, Sam. I do know that series, but I wasn't sure about it only because (if I recall correctly) they're written with a female first person narrator and I thought it might sound a bit strange with my voice! But I'll take another look at them, the Old Man in the Corner stories are certainly good fun to read
Thanks for sharing, Simon. Happy Halloween!
🎃👻🍁😊
Very nicely preformed. Let us not forget that James was wont to entertain young undergraduates in his chambers with port soirees. I wonder how the details of the ritual in this tale came to him.
04:30 - 'a gentleman's magazine' - cough, splutter - one can imagine... 🧐😁
Indeed, the name conjures up different images to modern minds than may have been the case at the time! Perhaps M. R. James was a subscriber, he mentions it in more than one story...
Thanks!
Ghost stories while it rains? Oh yes! Please. Yeah.
a timely release Simon, it being the night of the spring equinox in England, although up here in Cumbria it is still very much winter ! i.e 30 mph wind and driving rain
Indeed so! I thought spring almost sprang a couple of weeks ago down my way, but we also seem to be having a late blast of winter. I'm sure it'll brighten up soon!
Impressive read.
Good, Good. ⭐
M R James writes great stories. More please with your lovely narration. Possibly in band camp so i can keep
Them?
Thanks for asking! It's on Bandcamp, although I moved it from a stand-alone to be part of the M. R. James album the other day, which may have caused some confusion. In case you've not found it, it's available here: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/album/ghost-stories-of-m-r-james-a-collection
I'll add more to this album as and when I get around to more MRJ ...
@@BitesizedAudio yea:) found it! Good idea to format it that way as the stories run on and i listen while doing craftwork:)
🥰
Simon, please think about doing the door in the wall by HG Wells. 🙏👍
I'm glad to say that story is already on my list! Although I did have another Wells in mind to record first ... the Inexperienced Ghost, which I'd actually intended to do before Christmas but events overtook me. So many wonderful stories, so little time, but I'll get around to them all eventually I hope!
#24 LIKE!🦋
7:21PM Texas 03/20/23.
👍😍🥰📕📕
Apologies! Its in bandcamp🤦♀️
Your voice sounds just like Mr. Peabody 🤍
Wonderful, but a bit predictable. Enjoyed it nevertheless.✅
More predictable than the charge of the Light Brigade in 1860's-ish Crimea Russia, Florence Nightingales.
@@huwzebediahthomas9193 Well I,m a pacifist so my version goes like this “half a league, half a league, half a league onwards, into The valley of death rode the…….er, 599…..
Oh, I don't know. The ghost acts like a ghost; the living respond in this way or that. (Maybe even that way or this, if the author gets really creative!)
Happily, until the age of discernment, we are transfixed -- and hold firmly to the edge of our seats.
I think that's why I love these stories. They take me back to when Grandmother told scary stories of trolls and ogres.
What is the suggestive piece of music that precedes the story?
It's a piece from the RUclips creators' music library, entitled 'No. 8 Requiem', by Esther Abrami
www.youtube.com/@estherabrami
❤😢😮😅😊😂
why does the narrator feel the need to show his face. He has totally ruined the illusion of what had hitherto been an inscrutable, era appropriate vocalization.
Showing my face wasn't at all my choice. Frankly, I'd have preferred not to. But you may not be aware I had some difficulties last year when some of my content was re-uploaded by another channel and I needed to provide visual proof that it was me recording these stories, that I am the creator and that I haven't been re-purposing someone else's work... It was an extremely stressful situation and I don't want to go through it again, hence I'm now introducing myself at the start of the videos. I'm sorry if you feel I've ruined your enjoyment, but the situation was unfortunately forced upon me.
@@BitesizedAudio fair enough. I think my use of the word "ruined " was excessive ; it was just that i had pictured a completely differnt visage . Still a fan.
This is horrible story
Thanks!
Thank you so much