Best A Podcast To The Curious The M R James Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
In The Tube by E. F. Benson 1:21:38

1h ago1:21:38

1:21:38

Delve into the enigmatic realm of E.F. Benson's "In the Tube," a haunting tale where the boundaries of time, reality, and the supernatural blur. Anthony Carling, a man gifted with clairvoyance, shares his unsettling experience on the London Underground, where a spectral presence emerges, growing more vivid with each encounter. Through Carling's nar…

1
A Dead Finger by Sabine Baring Gould 1:21:38

6d ago1:21:38

1:21:38

In Sabine Baring-Gould's haunting tale, "A Dead Finger," an ordinary visit to the National Gallery in London spirals into a chilling encounter with the supernatural. Our unnamed narrator is tormented by the appearance of a disembodied finger, which leads to increasingly eerie and life-draining occurrences. As his health declines and the sinister pr…

1
Thurnley Abbey by Perceval Landon 1:01:58

21m ago1:01:58

1:01:58

In the darkness of a Mediterranean night, the _Osiris_ slices through the waves, carrying with it a passenger burdened by a haunting tale. Alastair Colvin, a man with a shadowed past, reluctantly shares his story of Thurnley Abbey, a Gothic estate nestled in the heart of rural England. Whispered to be cursed and haunted, the abbey's notoriety has s…

1
Who Knows? by Guy du Maupassant 49:20

2h ago49:20

49:20

Prepare to delve into the haunting world of Guy de Maupassant's "Who Knows?", a chilling tale that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. Join the narrator as he recounts his unsettling experiences with his beloved furniture, which seems to take on a life of its own. As the story unfolds, you'll find yourself questioning the narrator…

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The Daemon Lover by Shirley Jackson 1:10:15

2d ago1:10:15

1:10:15

In this haunting and enigmatic short story by Shirley Jackson, an unnamed woman eagerly awaits her wedding day, only to find herself plunged into a nightmarish search for her missing fiancé, Jamie Harris. As she navigates the city streets and encounters a cast of indifferent, jaded characters, the protagonist's quest for love and connection takes o…

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A Warning To The Curious by M. R. James 1:17:52

10d ago1:17:52

1:17:52

M.R. James's "A Warning to the Curious" (1925) is a seminal ghost story that explores the consequences of disturbing ancient artifacts and the enduring power of folklore. Set in the fictional coastal town of Seaburgh, based on Aldeburgh, Suffolk, where James had strong personal connections, the story follows Paxton, an amateur archaeologist who une…

1
Casting The Runes by M. R. James 1:17:05

1M ago1:17:05

1:17:05

M.R. James (1862-1936) was an English author, medievalist scholar, and provost of King's College, Cambridge. Best known for his ghost stories, which are widely regarded as among the finest in the genre, James redefined the traditional ghost story by abandoning many of the formal Gothic clichés of his predecessors and using more realistic contempora…

1
The Smoke Ghost by Fritz Leiber 55:24

1M ago55:24

55:24

Fritz Leiber (1910-1992) was an influential American writer of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He is best known for his sword-and-sorcery stories and his novel "Conjure Wife" (1943). Leiber's works often combined elements of fantasy, horror, and science fiction, and he coined the term "sword and sorcery." He is widely regarded as one of the m…

1
The Topley Place Sale by A. N. L. Munby 38:45

1M ago38:45

38:45

Alan Noel Latimer Munby (25 December 1913 – 26 December 1974) was a distinguished English librarian, bibliographical scholar, and book collector, noted for his contributions to the study of rare books and manuscripts. Additionally, he gained recognition as an author of ghost stories, influenced by the style of M. R. James. Munby was born in Hampste…

1
The Cairn on The Headland by Robert E. Howard 1:19:11

1M ago1:19:11

1:19:11

Robert E. Howard (1906–1936) was an influential American author primarily known for his contributions to the genres of fantasy, horror, and adventure fiction. He is best remembered as the creator of Conan the Barbarian, a character who has become an iconic figure in popular culture. Born in Peaster, Texas, Howard demonstrated a keen interest in sto…

1
The Judge's House by Bram Stoker 1:14:41

2M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born on November 8, 1847, in Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland. He was the third of seven children born to Abraham Stoker and Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley Stoker. Stoker spent much of his early childhood bedridden due to an unknown illness, during which he entertained himself with stories and books. Despite his illness, he ev…

1
The Vampyre by John Polidori 1:16:37

2M ago1:16:37

1:16:37

John William Polidori, an Italian-English physician and writer born in 1795, was a notable figure associated with the Romantic movement. As the eldest son of Gaetano Polidori, an Italian scholar, and Anna Maria Pierce, a governess, Polidori was exposed to intellectual pursuits from a young age. He received his medical degree from the University of …

1
The Ghostly Rental by Henry James 1:48:15

3M ago1:48:15

1:48:15

Henry James (1843–1916) was an American author renowned for his contributions to literature, particularly within the realm of psychological realism. Born in New York City, James spent much of his life traveling between Europe and the United States, which greatly influenced his cosmopolitan worldview and writing style. Known for his intricate charac…

1
The Black Widow by John Glasby 1:07:55

3M ago1:07:55

1:07:55

John Stephen Glasby (23 September 1928 – 5 June 2011) was a British author born in East Retford, Nottinghamshire. Trained as a research chemist and mathematician, Glasby's early career saw him balancing his scientific pursuits with a burgeoning passion for writing. His literary journey began in the 1950s and 1960s, during which he emerged as a prol…

1
The Tarroo-Ushtey by Nigel Kneale 43:48

2M ago43:48

43:48

Nigel Kneale was a highly acclaimed British screenwriter and novelist, best known for his pioneering work in the science fiction genre, particularly the creation of the iconic character Professor Bernard Quatermass. Born on April 28, 1922, in the Isle of Man, Kneale began his career as a journalist before transitioning to writing for radio, televis…

1
The Shadow on The Moor by Stuart Strauss 1:15:17

3M ago1:15:17

1:15:17

Stuart Strauss remains an enigmatic figure in the world of weird fiction, with scant information available about his life. He is known for a limited body of work, including "The Shadow on The Moor" (1928), "The Soul Tube" (1928), and "The Clenched Hand" (1934). The use of a pseudonym and language suggesting potential unfamiliarity with British cult…

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Wake Not The Dead by Ernst Raupach 1:41:33

3M ago1:41:33

1:41:33

Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach, born on May 21, 1784, in Straupitz, Silesia, was a prominent German dramatist of the 19th century. His literary career was marked by a diverse range of works, and his influence extended beyond his homeland. After studying theology in Halle, Raupach ventured to St Petersburg in 1804, where he immersed himself in variou…

1
The Beast In The Cave by H. P. Lovecraft 54:14

3M ago54:14

54:14

This is a reading of H. P. Lovecraft's The Beast In The Cave. "The Beast in the Cave" is a short story written by H. P. Lovecraft, a famous American horror fiction writer. He first came up with the initial version in the Spring of 1904, and by April 1905, at the age of fourteen, he completed the final draft. The story was initially published in Jun…

1
Three Miles Up by Elizabeth Jane Howard 1:06:14

3M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Elizabeth Jane Howard, born on March 26, 1923, in London, England, was a distinguished English novelist known for her versatile literary contributions. Howard began her career as an actress and model before venturing into writing in 1947. Throughout her prolific career, she penned 12 novels, with her most acclaimed work being the five-volume family…

1
The Second Passenger by Basil Copper 39:30

4M ago39:30

39:30

Basil Copper, born on February 5, 1924, in London, and passing away on April 3, 2013, was an English writer who initially pursued a career in journalism and newspaper editing before transitioning to full-time authorship in 1970. Beyond his literary pursuits, Copper cultivated diverse interests, including swimming, gardening, travel, sailing, and co…

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The Premonition by Lewis Darley 1:19:29

4M ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Lewis Darley is a copywriter and illustrator living in Nottingham. He contacted me early in 2023 about an animated film he was making for his story The Premonition. This horror story is set in Bristol around 8 years ago. We agreed, I would record the audio and he would then do the long, hard work of animating the film. I said that I thought listene…

1
The Red Lodge by H R Wakefield 51:10

4M ago51:10

51:10

Herbert Russell Wakefield (1888 – 2 August 1964) was a distinguished English writer known for his multifaceted contributions to literature. Born in Sandgate, Kent, he was the third child of Henry Russell Wakefield, a clergyman who later became the bishop of Birmingham. Educated at Marlborough College and University College, Oxford, Wakefield exhibi…

1
The Irtonwood Ghost by Elinor Glyn 1:00:10

4M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Elinor Glyn, born Elinor Sutherland on October 17, 1864, in Jersey, Channel Islands, was a prominent English novelist and scriptwriter during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She belonged to a wealthy and well-connected family, and her early life was marked by privilege and education. Glyn began her literary career with the publication of he…

1
The Story Of The Goblins Who Stole A Sexton by Charles Dickens 32:29

4M ago32:29

32:29

Certainly! "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton" is a short story written by Charles Dickens as part of his collection titled "The Pickwick Papers." The narrative follows Gabriel Grub, a grumpy and ill-tempered sexton (grave digger) in a small village. Gabriel despises Christmas and all its festivities, choosing instead to revel in his soli…

1
A Strange Christmas Game by Charlotte Riddell 49:14

5M ago49:14

49:14

Charlotte Riddell, born Charlotte Cowan in 1832, was a prolific and accomplished British writer during the Victorian era. She was recognized for her contributions to the literary landscape, particularly in the genres of Gothic fiction and supernatural tales. Riddell began her writing career in the mid-19th century, initially publishing under the ps…

1
Bone to His Bone by E. G. Swain 44:26

5M ago44:26

44:26

Edmund Gill Swain, born on the 19th of February 1861 in Stockport, Cheshire, was a respected English cleric and author known for his contributions to the ghost story genre. Educated at Manchester Grammar School and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Swain pursued Natural Sciences. Ordained as a deacon in 1885 and a priest in 1886 at Rochester, he served …

1
Couching At The Door by D K Broster 1:44:00

5M ago1:44:00

1:44:00

Dorothy Kathleen Broster, known by her pen name D.K. Broster, stands as a notable but often overlooked figure in literature, recognized for her exceptional talent in crafting short horror stories. Despite her relative obscurity in contemporary discussions, her contributions to the genre, particularly with works like "Couching at the Door," showcase…

1
The Gardener by E F Benson 54:07

5M ago54:07

54:07

Hugh and Margaret Grainger rent a lovely old house near a golf course. At the bottom of the garden is a mysterious, well-kept thatched cottage that appears unoccupied. However, a visitor senses a strange presence within and occasionally sees lights or figures inside. Margaret, fascinated with communicating via planchette, starts receiving odd messa…

1
The Horror Under Penmire by Adrian Cole 1:17:52

5M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

Adrian Christopher Synnot Cole, the celebrated British author, was born in Plymouth, England, on July 22, 1949. His early years were shaped by a family sojourn in Malaya due to his father's military service, which instilled in him a passion for the fantasy and science fiction genres. Influenced by literary classics like Tarzan and King Solomon's Mi…

1
The Haunted Haven by A. Erskine Ellis 53:04

6M ago53:04

53:04

Arthur Erskine Ellis, born on October 1, 1902, in Bangalore, British India, was a distinguished British biologist and author known for his remarkable contributions in two distinct realms. On the one hand, he was a dedicated scientist who left a lasting legacy in the field of malacology, particularly in the study of non-marine mollusks. His extensiv…

1
The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde 1:17:54

6M ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a renowned Irish playwright, poet, and author known for his exceptional wit, flamboyant style, and profound contributions to late 19th-century literature. Born in Dublin, Wilde attended Oxford University and soon established himself as a prominent figure in London's literary and social circles. His works, including "The …

1
The Horror at Chilton Castle 59:28

7M ago59:28

59:28

Joseph Payne Brennan (1918-1990) was an American writer renowned for his contributions to horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he nurtured his passion for writing from a young age and later pursued his love for literature at Yale University. Brennan's career as a librarian and researcher allowed him to immerse hims…

1
Back From The Grave by Robert Silverberg 59:16

6M ago59:16

59:16

Robert Silverberg, born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 15, 1935, is a highly esteemed author known for his significant contributions to the world of speculative fiction. With a career spanning several decades, Silverberg's journey into the literary world began in his early teenage years when he started submitting stories to science fiction magaz…

1
The Graveyard Rats by Henry Kuttner 35:15

7M ago35:15

35:15

"The Graveyard Rats" stands as a testament to Henry Kuttner's exceptional storytelling prowess. This eerie tale, originally published in the March 1936 issue of Weird Tales, immerses readers in the haunting atmosphere of ancient Salem cemeteries. Kuttner expertly crafts a narrative that blends elements of horror and the supernatural, skillfully int…

1
The Beast of Averoigne by Clark Ashton Smith 46:40

8M ago46:40

46:40

Clark Ashton Smith (1893–1961) was an American writer and artist known for his unique contributions to literature and art. - Born on January 13, 1893, in Long Valley, California, Smith came from a family of English and New England heritage. - He spent most of his life in Auburn, California, where he lived in a cabin built by his parents, Fanny and …

1
Good Lady Ducayne by M E Braddon 1:26:09

8M ago1:26:09

1:26:09

Mary Elizabeth Braddon (4 October 1835 – 4 February 1915) was a renowned English novelist of the Victorian era, celebrated for her sensational works. Her most famous creation, "Lady Audley's Secret," published in 1862, achieved both literary acclaim and multiple adaptations on stage and screen. Born in Soho, London, Braddon received a private educa…

1
The Hand of M R James by Sarah Tolmie 1:39:17

8M ago1:39:17

1:39:17

It's been a long time since I’ve read a story by a living author. This story, “The Hand of M. R. James,” was written by Canadian author Sarah Tolmie, and it deals with a very strange occurrence—you may call it a haunting—that happens to an academic during the COVID pandemic. After the story, I ask Sarah about herself, about this story, and about he…

1
The Crimson Weaver by R. Murray Gilchrist 39:32

8M ago39:32

39:32

Robert Murray Gilchrist, born on November 29, 1867, in Sheffield, England, was a Victorian writer whose literary contributions remain an intriguing enigma within the realm of Gothic and Decadent fiction. Educated at Sheffield Royal Grammar School and privately tutored, Gilchrist's inclination toward reclusiveness and introspection shaped his litera…

1
The Lost Room by Fitz James O'Brien 1:16:16

8M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Fitz James O'Brien (1828 – April 6, 1862) was an Irish-American writer, best known for his works in the genre of science fiction and fantasy. Born in Cork, Ireland, he migrated to the United States in 1852 after squandering his inheritance. O'Brien settled in New York City and began his writing career which took off with his contributions to Harper…

1
The Struwwelpeter by Tony Walker 1:02:11

9M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

People have been asking for more of my own stories, so here's one. However, I have to warn you that I use the f-word in it and it is rather dark. It's possibly as dark as my Whitehaven Bodysnatcher, plus it has swearing (though it is necessary for the character I feel). So, if you prefer my sweeter stories, or don't like that word being used, I wou…

1
The Werewolf by Eugene Field 28:35

9M ago28:35

28:35

Step into the mysterious realm of Eugene Field's short story "The Werewolf." 🌕 This narrative unfolds a tale of love and lycanthropy, revolving around a haunting love triangle. The characters of Harold, Alfred, and the captivating Saxon maiden Yseult are entwined in a complex dance of emotions. Harold, cursed to carry the lineage of a werewolf, tra…

1
Whitewash and The Empty Berth by Rose Macauley 56:23

9M ago56:23

56:23

Thank you to Jay Rothermel for suggesting I read these stories. You can read his take on them here: [https://jayrothermel.substack.com/p/two-stories-by-rose-macaulay-1881] Dame Emilie Rose Macaulay, born on August 1, 1881, in Rugby, Warwickshire, England, emerged as a distinctive figure in 20th-century literature. The daughter of George Campbell Ma…

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Schalken The Painter by J Sheridan Le Fanu 1:26:30

9M ago1:26:30

1:26:30

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish writer and one of the leading ghost story writers of the 19th century. Born into a literary family in Dublin, he studied law and became a journalist. Le Fanu's first published story appeared in 1838. In 1844, he married Susanna Bennett and had four children. Following h…

1
The House of The Dead Hand by Edith Wharton 1:34:27

10M ago1:34:27

1:34:27

Edith Wharton was born Edith Newbold Jones on January 24, 1862, into a wealthy New York family. She was a prolific writer, known for her insightful and critical portrayal of the American upper class. Her most famous works include "The Age of Innocence," "Ethan Frome," and "The House of Mirth." Wharton was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize f…

1
The New Catacomb by Arthur Conan Doyle 56:03

10M ago56:03

56:03

Arthur Conan Doyle's "The New Catacomb" is a chilling exploration of the themes of revenge, betrayal, and obsession, all set against the haunting backdrop of Rome's ancient catacombs. With its strong atmospheric build-up and a shocking climax, the story delivers a compelling narrative, though it falls short in terms of character development and nar…

1
All Hallows by Walter de La Mare 1:42:19

10M ago1:42:19

1:42:19

Walter de La Mare (1873-1956) was an English poet, novelist, and short story writer known for his imaginative and evocative works. Born on April 25, 1873, in London, de La Mare began writing poetry and short stories during the 1890s while working as a bookkeeper. Despite not being a regular churchgoer, he held strong cultural Christianity and drew …

1
An Account of Some Strange Disturbances in Aungier Street by J S Le Fanu 1:11:30

11M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Prepare for a chilling journey as we delve into the eerie world of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's "An Account of Some Strange Disturbances in Aungier Street." This Victorian ghost story, set in a haunted house in Dublin, is a masterclass in suspense and terror. Two medical students move into an old house, only to be plagued by nightmares and haunted by …

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Negotium Perambulans by E. F. Benson 1:14:04

11M ago1:14:04

1:14:04

Prepare to be captivated by E.F. Benson's haunting tale, 'Negotium Perambulans.' Join us as we journey into the depths of a mysterious fishing village in West Cornwall, where supernatural forces lurk in the shadows. In this chilling story, a young man's return to his childhood home unearths dark secrets and encounters with a malevolent creature kno…

1
The Horror of The Heights by Arthur Conan Doyle 56:58

11M ago56:58

56:58

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a renowned British writer and physician, best known for creating the famous detective character Sherlock Holmes. He was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Charles Altamont Doyle and Mary Foley Doyle. Doyle's early education took place at the Jesuit preparatory school of Hodder Place and Stonyhurst College. L…

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The Room In The Tower by E F Benson (2023 Recording) 45:10

12M ago45:10

45:10

I've done this terrifying story by E F Benson before, but that was in 2019 and the sound wasn't great. Thanks to my supporters, I have much better sound equpiment now and I hope I'm a better narrator. I hope you like it In this edge-of-your-seat episode, Tony Walker plunges into the sinister world of E.F. Benson's haunting story. Our protagonist, a…

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