The Ghost Stories of M. R. James | A Bitesized Audio Anthology

[@BitesizedAudio]

Story timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:32 Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad (1903)
00:55:06 The Treasure of Abbot Thomas (1904)
01:45:58 The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral (1910)
02:31:59 Mr. Humphreys and His Inheritance (1911)
03:42:37 A View from a Hill (1925)
04:33:20 A Warning to the Curious (1925)
(Story teasers and more details in the video description)

[@mayaturnnow9110]

Q

[@samsum3738]

The best reading i have ever heard . Very professional and very enjoyable .

[@javedsultan4830]

Excellent reading Mr Stanhope

[@bobbymarcum772]

Possle forth, i double. The Whistle and I'll Come To You story is perhaps his most memorable if one uses characters and their development as a standard. Mr James is underrated for the familiarity which we are fortunate to share with his characters, and perhaps in that story more than anywhere else it strikes me the knowability of his characters form a stark contrast to the vague, shadowy nature of the ghouls he dreams up.

[@Guts_Punch_Balls_Throwup]

No one expresses my feelings better than Ruth Rendell: "There are some authors one wishes one had never read in order to have the joy of reading them for the first time. For me, M R James is one of these."

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, I've heard that Rendell quotation before. I feel something similar about Sherlock Holmes as well, I think. The memory of first discovering those stories when I was about 9 or 10, it's always stayed with me

[@user-zy2ge2zc4u]

No your rong

[@johnbowles5399]

M.R. James ghost stories are amongst the finest ever written, and your narration is superb. Thank you for this.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks John, appreciated

[@cathydoyle8804]

You couldn't put it better, agree with you 💯

[@amethyst42]

M.R. James, over 100 years in the future, I am wholeheartedly appreciative of your sparing us a description of a golf game.

[@user-ei8eq3yq1f]

Classic British tales from a gifted english author and perfectly narrated by Mr Stanhope what a treat thank you so much.

[@garywait3231]

My favorite ghost story writer read by my favorite reader. I have read James' wonderful stories again and again myself -- sometimes aloud to the delight of friends. Now it is a treat to have Simon Stanhope read them to me!

[@garyhughes1664]

M.R. James’s ghost stories are simply the best and this list contains three of my all time favourites: ‘Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad’; ‘A View from a Hill’; ‘A Warning to the Curious’. The only one missing is ‘Casting the Runes’. Not only a classic story, but also a classic movie (Night of the Demon, 1957), starring Dana Andrews and Peggy Cummins. I only wish there were many more writers who could write and tell a tale like James. I know there were contemporaries of James, and even today there are emulators of his work. But no one ever seems to just get it right. Great readings as per usual. Thx.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Gary. I hope to get around to recording 'Casting the Runes' at some point. I find it hard to choose my absolute favourite James story, I waver between 'Whistle' and 'Warning to the Curious'

[@prince.mushroom]

The short film with Michael Hordern (directed by Jonathan Miller) is an ingenious gem, powerfully creepy, pure theater craft and acting skill. Quite unlike the story though! czcams.com/video/CytrGT4rTXE/video.html

[@elizabethmerriman531]

I cannot express in words my appreciation for you and the work you put forth for our enjoyment. Sublime in every sense. Superb!

[@robertingham6123]

So glad you have uploaded these stories as I am laid up in bed. And fed up with tv 👍

[@amandalee215]

Thank you this is my evening sorted

[@Frenchblue8]

Ah..
I love this comment. I'm wondering if you remember what Friday nights used to mean, LOL it must be something exciting going on or it was no good, haha! Now I wouldn't go within 50 ft of a party of the kind I used to love so much and I would much prefer to spend the evening with Simon and his stories! Think I'll join you if that's all right 👍

[@janetcw9808]

@@Frenchblue8 Same here 👩🏼‍🦯🛌🏼🥘📻🤣🤣👍🏻

[@reneelascala5050]

And we must force ourselves to look away from politics, though briefly. Or we’ll all run mad.

[@Frenchblue8]

@@reneelascala5050 Oh hell you are so right! whether it's the UK or the US or Italy, Russia, Iran... Saturday nights and Sunday mornings.. at the very least.
. I am OUT of there!!
For my own sanity..

[@sacellum2377]

Absolutely superb! Such a treat to hear these lovely old tales read by someone with perfect English diction. A rarity, with the current apparent preference for every kind of distortion of our language in the mainstream media. Please keep this marvellous work!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, appreciated

[@bencarney221]

Language evolves over time get used to it. You go to the United Kingdom people have like seven different accents and use a bunch of different words for different things. Go to Wales and you can't understand a f****** thing they're saying. I just don't understand how you can take a video about Victorian ghost stories and somehow make it political. It's really sad.😢

[@NancyDrewe]

We are all so grateful for the work you do bringing us these tales. Thank you so much. M.R. James is a fave and you’ve chosen the stories well.

[@reneelascala5050]

Aye, Simon. You are ideally suited to MR James’ work. Dickens as well. Likely Edith Wharton too, and Hawthorne.

[@ClareNewtonartist]

Z see

[@maxgc6413]

Thank you for this collection sir
I have to say I enjoy James stories the most of all older ghostly tales. There’s something about it being written so matter of fact that really draws you in, making it seem real.
The horror is quite subtle, yet the payoff is always worth it.
His historian background was his best strength when writing this. Whistle and Stalls are my two favorite entries
Enjoyed the tv adaptations as well.
Got a few stormy days approaching, a perfect compliment.

[@saxophone.4513]

Simons voice and delivery is superb.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@lizpride9960]

Ooooh, Mr Stanhope! Those whispered voices in The Stalls...... Utterly chilling..... Truly very creepy indeed-sudden goose bumps!!! What a master story teller you are....... Thank you for the gift of these performances. X

[@izzylewis3998]

I can’t get enough of all these thank you and keep up providing the most excellent stories

[@suspendeddisbelief401]

I've heard and read these stories many times. However, your narration had me fully absorbed and enjoying them once more. Excellent reading! Thank you.

[@Lemma01]

Well chosen, Simon. While I suspect I know every word, you have a unique interpretation always worth hearing. Many thanks.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you

[@wholeness5871]

I am because of we. You are the BEST!? After you've introduced M.R. James to my I've purchased a few books & cannot get enough of the genius- now I can follow along as you narrate- thank you, again & again!!

[@mspacephal3925]

Most excellent stories for this time of year and read by the best!! Thanks !! ❤❤❤🎉🎉😊

[@thomasswafford250]

James is one of my favorites.

[@januzzell8631]

Ahhh - just in time - thank you - my absolute FAVOURITE ghost story author - delicious

[@djmedina530]

No one reads them better. I enjoy listening very much. Thank you! 📚

[@taliabee8661]

Ooh, with this collection you are spoiling us, sir! 😀🖤

[@ichbifeuertrunk]

Precious.

[@shannondore]

Oh! Fantastic! M.R. James is one of my favorite writers. Thanks Simon for the time stamps, now I can comeback and listen to my favorites over again. I'll be back on Sunday to listen to all of it.

[@adellajones9887]

I didn't really like short stories until I found your CZcams channel. I never heard of most of the authors that you have introduced....M.R. James being one of those authors. I love these stories and enjoy finding the works of "new" authors. Thank you so much.

[@michaelfearon4793]

Even before I listen to this I know it's going to be superb.

[@mariansadowski2878]

Thanks!

[@exileinderby51]

M R James is my favourite author of ghost stories, thank you for narrating them so well.

[@angeladawn2343]

These have quickly become an evening favorite!

[@stewartlancaster6155]

only 2 days ago I was wondering why you had not done an M.R.J playlist ! thanks for this sublime offering.

[@diegoherrera1422]

In keeping with the old English tradition I'll be listening to these. Merry Christmas everyone

[@pariscribe5245]

Horror Babble and others have done some of the same readings as yourself, as you probably know . But as usual you are the best ! No doubt at all ! So thanks again !

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say, thank you! I do try to cover a good range of less well-known stories and authors, but James is much requested. Of course, we all bring different things to our individual readings, even with the same text

[@Thicketworks]

Thank you, Simon. What a treat!

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

I really enjoy your introductions and profiles of the authors.

[@possumaintdead]

I always hit like before hearing a word. I know your selections and reading will be inspired! And of course James is the best. Perfect for the spooky season. Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Nancy, much appreciated!

[@cressidapotter6331]

Me too 😊

[@brendangilmore4297]

An early Christmas prezzie from Simon - over 5 hours of M. R. James - what could be nicer! :)

[@Boogie_the_cat]

M.R. James is a favorite of mine. Nice 'rock block' of stories to relax with while walking my cat (she walks me, actually).

[@dixienormouse1441]

You deserve more views. Bring much joy to people

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@janislohman8125]

Brilliant reading , I've stopped watching tv and am hooked on audio books now thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@adrianogonzalez3066]

I’m a new English speaker, it’s he speaking in a Irish accent? I love spooky stories and hunted tales that’s what’ve brought me here

[@BitesizedAudio]

I don't have an Irish accent, although I do attempt one in some stories (not any of the ones in this compilation though). Glad to know you enjoy the stories, thanks for listening!

[@zachfoster1847]

I am a recent fan of M. R. James and your voice will forever be linked to his ghost stories, even when I read them from the collection of stories I recently ordered. Thank you for what you do and please keep them coming!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for subscribing Zach, glad to know you enjoy them!

[@MichelleMm-sw2fi]

Who is on the way of speaking that's the interest of a good professor

[@MichelleMm-sw2fi]

It's like you can't mess with your table home setting trillions of people figure of speech and they want to get to the nitty-gritty of an outfit

[@MichelleMm-sw2fi]

Or buy something someone's there and crossing the street with an old friend of a family from figurative speech that way not be transforming and then the others make a hole environment of the family with no environment while the other ones are home steady work 3 days home 4 days but they tend to make us three ghost story that sometimes it doesn't pay to even help this is today's not 10% is back writing you know poetry I was told by a professor is an everyday you can't depend so much but depending is great because you know there's a home phrase talk phrase not going for a ticket that they can fly you know they do that it's kind of terrible because they're making fun of already then what is even given a try to study intelligence

[@RockyRacoon123]

You introduced me to M. R. James & I’m so very happy! This is awesome! 5 hrs! Should last me a couple of nights! Thanks also for the time stamps. I appreciate your hard work, you bring joy to many! ❤ Happy Halloween!🎃

[@benhuether5474]

If it wasn’t for M. R. James we wouldn’t have stories like The Conjuring, Insidious, The Ring, The Grudge, The Fog, Poltergeist, The Shining, The Amityville Horror, The Haunting of Hill House, and countless other ghost stories by multiple authors from around the world.

[@katyvdb5993]

A wonderful compendium of the best ghost story writer by the best narrator...Simon, I'm running out of new ways of expressing my enjoyment of and admiration for your channel!

[@JD-cw4qg]

cant tell you how pleased I am that you've done this anthology Simon, thank you so much. M R James truly is the absolute best of the best and this is awesome

[@judithl.morton9178]

Thank you thank you thank you!

[@TheRedDevil-1968]

You portrayed "Parkins" vocally perfectly in this. Arrogant, over self-assured, over confidant just as James wrote him in the original story.

[@jackalina91]

Excellent I was just wondering what to listen to! It’s 7am here in Oz! ♥️♥️♥️♥️😎🇦🇺✌️😊

[@janetcw9808]

Good morning to you, and goodnight from me in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿xxx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Good morning! I'm about to go to bed....

[@RachelElizabeth79]

So appreciative of the beautiful work you do telling these stories. You bring a cozy spirit to chilly days on my delivery route.

[@OnceTheyNamedMeiWasnt]

You are the Stanhope of the good ship Washington. There aren't many truly amazing people in this world, but you are one of them. The last of the summer wine of men. The good life of voices. The king of my heart.
M R James is the scariest thing ever to happen to humanity with the exception of the appearance of humanity itself. Punch and Judy shows eternally play out in my nightmares. One day you will do that one, and my life will be complete in its disintegration. Thanks again! 👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, the Story of a Disappearance and an Appearance... it's on the to-do list

[@donnasmall2172]

Amazing, thank you so much

[@chrishack7467]

Brilliant as always! Please keep up the amazing work!

[@cr3237]

Thank you very much for another multiple upload. Making recovery at home much more fun!!

[@firecracker187]

Simon. You are terrific

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@reneelascala5050]

V strong work, Simon.

[@mymexicosharon]

Thank you so much.

[@hollywebster6844]

I'm so happy I finally clicked on one of your videos! You've been popping up in my recommendations, but I hesitated to give you a listen. There are some unskilled narrators and I had run into a slew of them. You, however, are quite skilled in the art of narration. Your pace is slow enough to allow the text to be relished, yet you don't drag. Your enunciation is clear without being clipped. I look forward to listening to many stories from you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your comment Holly, and for giving me a try! I appreciate your feedback. More stories to come, and I hope you enjoy some of my other uploads in the meantime

[@jodywho6696]

I'm watching them all. Enjoy them all. My sincere thanks✨🇺🇸✨😊✨💙✨💃✨

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly!

[@johnnyrockabilly4962]

M r James awesome author. Cheers for he stories very well narration

[@john-qy2tk]

Thank you for putting a picture of the voice and everything else.

[@mjclark641]

Wonderfully read. I have felt a bit poorly over Christmas and have listened to these a few times while drifting to sleep.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Sorry to hear you've been unwell, but glad if I was of any help! I hope you feel better now

[@blorac9869]

TYVM!

[@piddlywiddly5214]

love this channel!! Thank you

[@nancynickerson4341]

What a treat to listen to all of these tales again! Thank you Simon.

[@phubblewubbphubblewubb]

Simon, thank you so much for such a gift, your English narration skills are much appreciated.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for subscribing, and for your kind comments

[@AmandaS18]

Thank you Simon!
Brilliant 🎃❤️

[@davidbarron4118]

Thank you for posting simply wonderful to hear I remember listening to the late Michael hording reading James ghost s and I must say your reading is up there with this

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's extremely kind of you to say, thank you David!

[@davidbarron4118]

@@BitesizedAudio no thank you since I was a child I have always loved gothic fiction, Victorian and edwardian ghost stories I also love algernon blackwood, machen & all the early 20th century masters please continue to post these wonderful stories they all deserve to be much better known even the less familiar authors & stories all are worthy of rediscovery by modern audiences 🥰👍

[@mariameere5807]

Fantastic job as per usual Simon they (your performance’s here on this amazing channel have been a comfort and distraction for me lately as I have been going through a family bereavement and I was too depressed to always leave a comment in the beginning as I wasn’t my self at all!) Thank you so much 😊 you really are a perfectionist Simon aren’t you!?! Enjoy your weekend!🫶
🕊🤍🕊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Maria, lovely to have you back. Best wishes to you and your family

[@hanjomorren2678]

Wow, especially "Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad", somehow yor voice and the work of M.R.James, are made for each other.

[@naeemapatel5259]

Thank you so much tomorrow at the beach I'll enjoy listening and I might see a seal or two if I watch the waves attentively blessings and kind regards from Cape Town 🌺

[@susansherlock6934]

Don't dig up any whistles!

[@katewilson9626]

Absolutely wonderful, thankyou.

[@judemorales4U]

My new all time favorite channel❤ Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you Jude!

[@jodywho6696]

I love this. Enjoy thoroughly. Thank you so much✨🇺🇸✨💙✨😊✨

[@eddiemunster2196]

I am listening to this whole thing in the past at least,
5 to 7 different times.
And what I'm about to say I mean normally I don't say it like this but I mean it vigorously ;
Well,
Mr.. Simon Stanhope,,,
You are more than a quite unique storyteller.
And I really enjoyed when you began to do a video of your face as your speaking. It made it all that more real,
When you're telling a story you put so much emotion suspense or even a tad of fright to keep the listener on the edge of your seat. Now just speaking for myself that's the effect that I get when I listen to so many of your wonderful stories
You video yourself for millions of people, to enjoy,
you and your personality for everyone and rememder...
Another thing,
With some of my family :
I have niece and nephews all the way up to the age of 27 and my oldest nephew Anthony I told him about you at least 3 years ago my niece Brianna and my youngest nephew Mikey they listened to your stories frequently.
As Anthony,
Listens to many and many of your great stories.
Now when the time comes ; with my nephew's son he will do justice the same as I did with Anthony by passing it on and keeping the tradition going !
Well with that said I have 5 hrs : 20 :38 minutes to get started on once again,
Simon,
Thank You,
Again !!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, Eddie, for your very kind comments. Best wishes to you and your family

[@judithl.morton9178]

You have the best stories of all. I truly enjoy listening to you. They are suspenseful scary intriguing, thoughtful. Intelligent Stories I have listened to so far on these channels.
I truly truly enjoyed this channel.😊
And I don't get tired of them or roll my eye. Thank you for what you do. 🎉😊

[@user-xd7dk3oy3q]

Definitely the very best narration of MR James stories ever.✊👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much Julie, very kind of you!

[@user-ei8eq3yq1f]

First class stories with first class narration well done MrStanhope 👏 more power to your elbow!

[@stephenrose1343]

I think you grasp the character of the self regarding, unworldly academic very well. I have read and enjoyed these stories many times and know all the adaptations. Your readings stand up very well

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's very kind of you to say, thank you

[@stephenrose1343]

@@BitesizedAudio You communicate the humour in MR James,it is so easy to miss that. Sir Michael Horden gets it, so does Mark Gatiss. Thank you for your gift and the pleasure you bring.

[@nickybaker1338]

Thank you! When I listen, I'm able to conjure up a vivid picture of the surroundings & the actions- even the expressions on the character's faces. In short, wonderful 🤗

[@crazyyoda8721]

Thank you Simon

[@paulacnote]

Looking for the new one. Will have to relax to this already listened and enjoyed..

[@melissam9656]

Love the piano interlude ❤ eerily tragic

[@cousinsister69]

I find it not unpleasant, the frequency of double negative usage in many of these stories. It seems to add atmosphere and is so British. I love the word luncheon, too.

[@BitesizedAudio]

It's not uncommon for those circumlocutions to trip me up sometimes, when narrating, but I must admit there is something not displeasing about them...

[@highlandjournalart654]

Wonderful, thank you x

[@catherinedoyle1194]

Thnk you for bringing happiness to so many people with your reading my favourite ghost stories 🎉

[@jamc9459]

Aloha from Kapakalua, Maui....its actually a cold night (relativity, recollections may vary)....I'm bundled up & listening to these, and have hot tea.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Aloha and thank you for listening! All best wishes

[@KiKiabout]

Yesss! Thank You!

[@EleanorPeterson]

1:34:44 - Whoa, there... He describes a cross made up of SEVEN eyes - four vertical and three horizontal. But how is that done? I can place four vertically easily enough, but how do I arrange three horizontally to give a total of seven?🤔
👁️
👁️👁️👁️
👁️
👁️
Is this what he means? It's a regular 4 x 3 crucifix, but I can only see SIX eyes. Unless our scholarly friend has counted the one at the intersection twice by mistake, where have 'eye' gone wrong? 👀

[@graememccarthy8963]

Finding these wonderful old stories read so well has become a joy in my life that I look forward every evening Thank you for all your hard work

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you Graeme

[@kenmakozume4478]

Thank you so much for the amazing content

[@mariamcgee4462]

Thank you for this excellent set of stories. You read them beautifully.

[@marisadallavalle393]

Thank you!

[@divine.damage]

Yes!!

[@corneliuscondron8677]

Superb narrative superbly narrated

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Cornelius, much appreciated

[@dranimations7902]

Great!

[@ritawing1064]

Oh how I love M.R.James.

[@TheHappyhorus]

Thank you so much for the great entertainment sir.

[@samsum3738]

An excellent reading . Crisp and clear .

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!