Classic Ghost Stories

In a moonlit Victorian mansion, a man delves into his family's mysterious past. As night falls, the line between reality and the supernatural begins to blur. When an unwilling friend is drawn into a late-night escapade, he finds himself caught between loyalty and an unsettling presence that seems to permeate the old house. In this chilling tale of family secrets and spectral mysteries, the true nature of inheritance is called into question. As the night deepens, so too does the sense that some legacies are not easily claimed, and some spirits are not ready to relinquish their hold on the living. Will the secrets of the old house be revealed, or will they remain hidden in the shadows of the past?

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Prepare to be transported to the desolate moorlands of Garside Fell, where the haunting whistle of a train echoes through the mist-shrouded night. In L.T.C. Rolt's chilling tale, "The Garside Fell Disaster," the line between past and present blurs as an unsuspecting railway enthusiast uncovers a tragic history that refuses to stay buried. 

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Prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the dark underbelly of 19th-century Edinburgh, where the pursuit of medical knowledge leads down a treacherous path of moral corruption and supernatural terror. In Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Body Snatcher," you'll follow the descent of a promising young medical student as he becomes entangled in a web of grave robbing, murder, and haunting guilt. As the line between science and sacrilege blurs, and the dead refuse to rest quietly, you'll find yourself questioning the limits of ambition and the price of progress. With each twist of this Gothic tale, the tension mounts, culminating in a heart-stopping climax that will leave you breathless. Are you brave enough to unearth the secrets that lie buried in the night? Listen now, if you dare, but be warned: some truths, once exhumed, can never be laid to rest again.

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On a bitterly cold winter's night in New Hampshire, a delicate young man alights from a train to find his expected transport, a sleigh, is not there. It seems he has been forgotten. A chance encounter with a young man named Frank Rainer leads to an invitation to his uncle's grand, yet eerily quiet home. As George Faxon steps into the opulence of Overdale, he is drawn into an unsettling world where the warmth of hospitality hides chilling secrets. What begins as a simple gesture of kindness soon spirals into a supernatural encounter that will shake him to his core, unraveling hidden motives and exposing the darkness lurking beneath the surface. Prepare yourself for Edith Wharton's haunting tale, "The Triumph of Night," where reality and the supernatural blur, and betrayal is only a shadow away.

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Dive into the shadowy corners of Victorian London with Herbert Stephen’s “No. 11 Welham Square,” a chilling tale that intertwines family secrets with ghostly encounters. When Edward, newly appointed at the British Museum, revisits his ancestral home, he unravels a haunting mystery that has plagued his lineage for generations. Amidst creaking floorboards and whispered legends, each room of the stately mansion might hold the key to spectral apparitions and cursed legacies. Will Edward uncover the truth, or will the ghosts of Welham Square claim another victim? Tune in to the spine-tingling narration of this forgotten classic, where every whisper and shadow could be your last.

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Prepare to be enthralled by Tony Walker's gripping narration of Edgar Wallace's "The Stranger of the Night," a well-crafted supernatural thriller first published on 15 October 1910. Follow the tale of George Thomas, a troubled man armed with a hidden knife, as he encounters a mysterious stranger who seems to understand his deepest fears and desires. This stranger, a seemingly benevolent spirit, guides George through a night of profound psychological and moral turmoil, leading to an unexpected and thought-provoking conclusion. Let Tony Walker's evocative storytelling immerse you in Wallace's world, where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur in this riveting tale.

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On a mist-shrouded night in March, two brave souls, Muriel Fisher and Scotty McCormack, dare to confront the malevolent secrets of a forsaken house with a history steeped in death. As they step into its decaying halls, the oppressive silence of the house breathes life into shadows, whispering of the dark fates that have befallen all who entered before them. As midnight looms, they will face an unspeakable terror that blurs the line between the living and the dead, in a chilling tale where the past refuses to rest.

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Imagine settling into a new home, only to find yourself tormented by a ghostly presence that manifests as a single, sinister hand. In "The Ghost of a Hand," a tale from Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's The House by the Churchyard, the Prosser family faces a haunting that defies explanation and grows ever more terrifying with each passing night. Join me as I narrate this chilling story of suspense and supernatural horror, where the unseen and the unknown create an atmosphere of palpable dread. Prepare to be captivated by a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, yearning to uncover the mystery behind the spectral hand that haunts the Tiled House.

00:00:00 Begins

00:00:22 The Ghost of A Hand by J. S. Le Fanu

00:20:04 Commentary

00:39:50 End

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Imagine receiving a phone call from someone you thought was gone forever. In Mary Treadgold's chilling tale "The Telephone," a young actress finds herself entangled in a haunting mystery when her husband begins receiving calls from his deceased first wife. Set against the eerie backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and the bustling streets of London, this ghostly romance will leave you questioning the boundaries between love and the supernatural. Tune in as we delve into a story where the past refuses to stay silent and every ring of the telephone brings a new twist.

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Step into the quietly unsettling world of A.M. Burrage's "Playmates," where the veil between the seen and unseen is delicately lifted. In a remote English country house, the orphaned Monica, adopted by the reserved historian Stephen Everton, begins to find mysterious companions in the so-called "schoolroom." This ghost story, with its subtle yet pervasive sense of dread, invites you to explore the shadows that linger in lonely halls and the whispers of those long gone. Join me in this eerie tale that delicately intertwines the themes of isolation, companionship, and the enduring presence of the past.

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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 narrative, Benson explores the depths of fate, existence, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. "In the Tube" is a thought-provoking journey that will leave readers questioning the nature of reality and the mysteries that lie just beyond our perception.

Full notes here

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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 presence intensifies, the narrator turns to his ingenious friend, Mr. Square, whose unconventional methods might be the only hope of ending this terrifying ordeal. But what is the true nature of this spectral menace, and what dark secrets does it reveal about the world around us?

It was first published in The Cornhill Magazine, a popular literary periodical of the time, in its January 1902 issue. The story was later included in Baring-Gould’s collection A Book of Ghosts, published by Methuen & Co. in 1904.

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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 spread far and wide, striking fear into the hearts of locals and curiosity in the minds of the brave. As Colvin's narrative unfolds, his listener is drawn into a world where the line between the living and the dead blurs, and the abbey's dark secrets threaten to consume all who dare to uncover them.

Discussion of the story (with spoilers) here

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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's sanity and the true nature of the events that unfold. Is it a case of mental instability, or are there truly otherworldly forces at play? Immerse yourself in this atmospheric masterpiece and unravel the mystery that lies at the heart of "Who Knows?".

Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer who made significant contributions to the development of the short story genre during the latter half of the 19th century. Born on August 5, 1850, in Tourville-sur-Arques, France, Maupassant was influenced by the literary circle of Gustave Flaubert, who became his mentor. He began his literary career in 1880 with the publication of his famous short story, "Boule de Suif." Over the next decade, Maupassant produced a prolific body of work, including over 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and a volume of poetry. His stories, such as "The Horla" (1887) and "Qui Sait?" ("Who Knows?") (1890), often explored themes of madness, the supernatural, and the darker aspects of human nature. However, Maupassant's life was cut short by the effects of syphilis, which he had contracted in his youth. After a suicide attempt in 1892, he was committed to a mental asylum in Paris, where he died on July 6, 1893, at the age of 42.

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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 on an increasingly surreal and desperate edge. Through masterful prose and subtle psychological insight, Jackson weaves a tale that blurs the lines between reality and illusion, exposing the fragility of human relationships and the ways in which societal expectations can shape and distort our perceptions. "The Daemon Lover" is a masterpiece of ambiguity and unease that will leave listeners pondering the nature of identity, desire, and the elusive search for meaning in a world that often feels isolating and uncertain. Join me as we delve into the unsettling depths of Shirley Jackson's unforgettable story.

#ShirleyJackson #TheDaemonLover #PsychologicalHorror #LiteraryFiction #ShortStory #Storytelling #AudioNarration #UncannyTales #SurrealFiction #HumanCondition

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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 unearths one of three legendary crowns believed to protect England from invasion.

The story draws upon a rich tradition of magical artifacts in British folklore, such as the Glastonbury Thorn and the buried head of Bran the Blessed, situating itself within a larger cultural narrative of Britain's magical defenses. James's deep knowledge of East Anglian history and folklore is evident in his vivid descriptions of Seaburgh's landmarks and his reference to the crown of Redwald, an ancient East Anglian king, foreshadowing the 1939 discovery of the Sutton Hoo treasure.

As a work of folk horror, "A Warning to the Curious" explores the clash between modernity and the lingering presence of the past, with Paxton encountering the vengeful ghost of William Ager, the crown's guardian. The story resonates with other works in the genre, such as H.R. Wakefield's "The First Sheaf" (1922), highlighting the dark side of rural traditions and the supernatural.

The story's post-World War I context adds depth to its themes, reflecting the profound impact of the war on British society. Paxton's tragic fate, with his broken jaw and mouth filled with sand, evokes the horrific injuries suffered by soldiers in the trenches, serving as a metaphor for the lost potential and unfulfilled promises of a generation scarred by war.

Derrida's concept of hauntology and Mark Fisher's extension of these ideas provide a compelling lens for analyzing the story. The ancient crown and Ager's spectral presence embody the past's disruption of the present, while the story's pessimistic tone reflects the post-war zeitgeist and the haunting of society by the specters of war and lost futures.

"A Warning to the Curious" showcases James's mastery of the ghost story genre, weaving together folklore, history, and the supernatural to create a haunting tale that continues to resonate with readers, reminding us of the enduring power of the past to shape our present.

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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 contemporary settings. His stories often reflect his academic background, with the protagonist being a scholar or antiquarian.

"Casting the Runes" is a short story by M.R. James, first published in 1911 as part of his collection "More Ghost Stories." The story tells the tale of Edward Dunning, a researcher who crosses paths with a vindictive occultist named Karswell. Karswell seeks revenge by cursing Dunning with a slip of paper containing runic symbols, which will cause his death unless he can pass the curse back to Karswell. The story has been adapted several times for television and film, most notably as the 1957 movie "Night of the Demon" (released in the US as "Curse of the Demon"), directed by Jacques Tourneur and starring Dana Andrews and Niall MacGinnis.

The structure of "Casting the Runes" is somewhat unconventional, with the narrative shifting focus between various characters and events. The story begins with a series of letters, followed by a conversation between the Secretary and his wife about Karswell. The lunch scene where Harrington's death is mentioned serves to introduce the main protagonist, Dunning. The spotlight then shifts to Henry Harrington, the brother of the deceased, as he aids Dunning in understanding the curse. The Secretary makes another appearance before the climactic scene on the train, where Dunning manages to pass the rune back to Karswell. This uneven structure contributes to the story's sense of unease and unpredictability.

Many have noted the similarities between the fictional character Karswell and the real-life occultist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947). Both were deeply involved in the study and practice of the occult, had a reputation for eccentricity and mischief, and authored numerous works on alchemy and magic. While James never explicitly stated that Crowley was the inspiration for Karswell, the physical description of Karswell in the story bears a resemblance to photographs of Crowley from the early 20th century. It has been suggested that James, who was at Cambridge during Crowley's time there, might have met or been aware of the young occultist. Crowley enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1895, during James' tenure at King's College. Although there is no direct evidence of a meeting between the two, it is plausible that James, who was known to interact with students, might have encountered or heard about the flamboyant and controversial Crowley.

At its core, "Casting the Runes" is a story about the consequences of offending a narcissist and the lengths to which such an individual might go to exact revenge. Karswell's fragile ego and vindictive nature are the driving forces behind the curse he places on Dunning, who unknowingly slighted him by criticizing his work. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of crossing those with inflated senses of self-importance and the potential for seemingly minor actions to have far-reaching and deadly consequences. James' masterful storytelling and his ability to create an atmosphere of mounting dread have solidified "Casting the Runes" as a classic of the horror genre, one that continues to resonate with readers over a century after its publication.

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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 most important figures in modern speculative fiction.

"The Smoke Ghost" (1941) is a key example of urban weird fiction, blending horror, fantasy, and social commentary. The story explores themes of urban alienation and the horrors of modernity, as seen in other works like H.F. Arnold's "The Night Wire" (1926) and Leiber's "The Girl with the Hungry Eyes" (1949). These stories tap into the sense of disconnection and vulnerability that people experience in the face of rapid urbanization and technological change.

Leiber's background in psychology and interest in Carl Jung's works are evident in "The Smoke Ghost." The titular entity can be interpreted as a manifestation of the Jungian Shadow archetype, representing the repressed aspects of the protagonist Catesby Wran's psyche and the collective unconscious of modern urban society. The climax of the story, in which Wran accepts the smoke ghost's dominion, can be seen as a twisted individuation process.

"The Smoke Ghost" shares similarities with M.R. James's ghost stories, featuring a protagonist haunted by a supernatural entity embodying his deepest fears and anxieties. Both Leiber and James suggest that even rational individuals are not immune to the lure of the supernatural. However, Leiber's story is firmly rooted in the modern urban landscape, reflecting the anxieties of a rapidly changing world.

Leiber's story also bears the influence of H.P. Lovecraft and cosmic horror. The smoke ghost can be seen as a manifestation of the cosmic horror lurking beneath the surface of modern urban life, defying easy categorization and understanding. The story's bleak ending echoes the cosmic pessimism in Lovecraft's work. However, Leiber brings the horror into the heart of the modern city, creating a kind of urban cosmic horror that transplants Lovecraftian themes into the gritty, mid-20th century metropolis.

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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 Hampstead, the son of architect Alan E. Munby and Ethel Greenhill. He received his education at Clifton College and later attended King's College, Cambridge, where he acquired the nickname "Tim."

Munby's career encompassed various roles in the antiquarian book trade, including positions at Bernard Quaritch Ltd. and Sotheby & Company. During World War II, he served in the British Army and was later held as a prisoner of war. Following the war, he assumed the role of Librarian at King's College, Cambridge, and was subsequently appointed as a fellow. He held esteemed positions such as the J.P.R. Lyell Reader in Bibliography at the University of Oxford and the Sandars Reader in Bibliography at the University of Cambridge. Munby was also a co-founder of the Cambridge Bibliographical Society and served as President of the Bibliographical Society until his passing in 1974.

Munby's scholarly works include a comprehensive study of the eccentric nineteenth-century book collector Sir Thomas Phillipps, as well as a series of Sale Catalogues of Libraries of Eminent Persons. He collaborated posthumously on a union list of British Book Sale Catalogues, 1676–1800, with Lenore Coral.

In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Munby authored a collection of ghost stories titled "The Alabaster Hand." Three of these tales were written during his internment in Oflag VII-B, a German prisoner-of-war camp, and were featured in the prison-camp magazine, Touchstone. The stories, namely "The Topley Place Sale," "The Four Poster," and "The White Sack," received acclaim for their subtle yet chilling narrative style, reminiscent of the tradition established by M. R. James.

"The Alabaster Hand" was published in 1949 by Dennis Dobson Ltd.

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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 storytelling from a young age. He began writing fiction in his teens, and by his early twenties, he had already begun to make a name for himself in the pulp magazine market. Howard's stories were published in a variety of popular magazines of the time, including "Weird Tales," "Strange Tales," and "Fight Stories."

Howard's most famous creation, Conan the Barbarian, first appeared in the story "The Phoenix on the Sword," published in "Weird Tales" in 1932. Conan, a fierce and cunning warrior from the fictional Hyborian Age, quickly captivated readers with his adventures in a world filled with sorcery, monsters, and intrigue. The character's popularity endured long after Howard's death and has inspired countless adaptations in various media, including books, comics, films, and video games.

In addition to Conan, Howard created numerous other memorable characters and settings, such as Solomon Kane, Bran Mak Morn, and the mythical land of Hyperborea. His writing style was characterized by vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and a knack for creating atmospheric settings.

Tragically, Howard's life was cut short when he took his own life at the age of 30. The reasons behind his suicide remain the subject of speculation, but it is widely believed that personal struggles, including his mother's failing health and financial difficulties, contributed to his decision.

Despite his untimely death, Robert E. Howard's legacy endures through his influential body of work. His stories continue to entertain and inspire readers, and his impact on the fantasy genre remains profound, cementing his place as one of the most significant writers of speculative fiction in the 20th century.

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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 eventually made a full recovery and went on to study at Trinity College Dublin, where he excelled in athletics and graduated with honours in Mathematics.

After graduation, Stoker pursued a career in civil service while also working as a freelance journalist and theatre critic. His passion for writing led him to become the manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, where he met and formed a close friendship with the renowned actor Sir Henry Irving. Stoker's association with Irving greatly influenced his literary career and provided inspiration for some of his most famous works.

Although Stoker wrote numerous novels, short stories, and non-fiction works, he is best known for his Gothic horror masterpiece, "Dracula," published in 1897. The novel, which tells the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England in order to spread the undead curse, has become a timeless classic of English literature. "Dracula" introduced many of the vampire conventions still prevalent in contemporary culture, including the portrayal of vampires as charismatic and aristocratic beings with a thirst for blood.

Despite the success of "Dracula," Stoker struggled financially throughout much of his life. He continued to write prolifically, producing several more novels and short stories, but none achieved the same level of success as his iconic vampire tale. Stoker passed away on April 20, 1912, in London, at the age of 64. While he did not live to see the full extent of "Dracula's" enduring legacy, his creation has since become one of the most iconic and influential figures in popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations, sequels, and reimaginings in literature, theatre, film, and television. Bram Stoker's contribution to the horror genre and his enduring legacy as the creator of one of literature's most iconic monsters continue to be celebrated by readers and scholars alike.

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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 Edinburgh in 1815 at the remarkably young age of 19. Polidori's literary talents and connections led him to serve as personal physician to the renowned poet Lord Byron, embarking on a European tour with him in 1816.

During their travels, Polidori found himself in the company of other literary luminaries, including Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley. It was during this time, at the Villa Diodati by Lake Geneva, that the idea for "The Vampyre" took shape. Inspired by a fragment of a story by Lord Byron, Polidori penned his own tale, which would go on to become the first vampire story in English literature. Originally published in April 1819 in the New Monthly Magazine, "The Vampyre" was falsely attributed to Lord Byron, likely to capitalize on his fame. This misattribution persisted for years, causing confusion over the true authorship of the story.

Polidori's "The Vampyre" introduced several key features of the vampire archetype that would influence vampire literature for generations to come. Notably, his portrayal of Lord Ruthven, the titular vampyre, departed from the traditional folkloric depictions of vampires as grotesque creatures. Instead, Polidori's vampyre was an aristocratic figure, seductive and charming, preying on high society. Lord Ruthven's aristocratic allure, coupled with his predatory nature and mysterious aura, set the template for the modern vampire, ushering in a new era of vampire fiction characterized by sophistication and allure.

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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 character studies and keen exploration of human psychology, James's works often delved into themes of social conventions, personal freedom, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Throughout his prolific career, he authored numerous novels, short stories, and essays, earning him recognition as one of the foremost literary figures of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Henry James made a special contribution to the ghost story genre through his unique blend of realism and supernatural elements. His ghost stories are characterized by their vague, psychological qualities, featuring unreliable narrators and a chilling mixture of realism and romantic suggestiveness. James challenged conventional notions of what constitutes a ghost, exploring the haunting power of guilt and remorse alongside more traditional supernatural elements. His works, including "The Turn of the Screw" and "The Ghostly Rental," continue to captivate readers with their rich prose, intricate character portraits, and haunting themes.

"The Ghostly Rental," first published in Scribner's Monthly in September 1876, exemplifies Henry James's exploration of themes within the ghost story genre. This tale revolves around a grad student's fascination with an old soldier who visits an abandoned mansion to collect rent from his supposed ghostly daughter. Themes of guilt, redemption, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination permeate the narrative, as James challenges readers to ponder the nature of truth and the power of perception. Through its atmospheric setting and complex characters, "The Ghostly Rental" remains a timeless exploration of the human psyche and the haunting effects of past misdeeds.

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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 prolific figure in the pulp publishing industry. Despite his scientific background, Glasby's literary ambitions led him to explore a wide array of genres, from speculative fiction and romance to westerns and spy thrillers. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres showcased his versatility as a writer, earning him a dedicated readership across various literary circles.

Throughout his career, Glasby's output was characterized by both quantity and quality. Under numerous pseudonyms and house names, including "A. J. Merak," "John E. Muller," and "Chuck Adams," Glasby penned over 300 novels and short stories. His imaginative storytelling and attention to detail captivated readers, while his scientific acumen lent authenticity to his speculative works. Notably, Glasby's foray into speculative fiction produced enduring classics such as "Project Jove," showcasing his ability to blend scientific concepts with compelling narrative arcs. Additionally, his contributions to genres like westerns, romance, and espionage underscored his versatility and adaptability as an author, cementing his reputation as a multifaceted literary talent.

Despite the commercial constraints of the pulp publishing industry, Glasby's literary legacy endured beyond his prolific output. His works continue to be celebrated for their enduring appeal and cultural significance, reflecting the diverse interests and talents of a writer who defied categorization. Beyond his literary contributions, Glasby's dedication to both scientific inquiry and creative expression left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike. With a career spanning decades and genres, John Stephen Glasby remains a revered figure in British literature, remembered for his prolific output, imaginative storytelling, and enduring impact on the world of letters.

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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, television, and film. He was brought up in Barrow-in-Furness.

His breakthrough came in the early 1950s with the BBC television series "The Quatermass Experiment," which introduced audiences to the brilliant and enigmatic scientist Professor Bernard Quatermass. This character, portrayed as a determined and sometimes morally conflicted scientist, became an enduring figure in British popular culture.

Kneale continued to develop the Quatermass character in subsequent television series, including "Quatermass II" (1955) and "Quatermass and the Pit" (1958-1959), each exploring themes of science, technology, and the supernatural. These productions were praised for their intelligent storytelling and social commentary, earning Kneale a reputation as a master of speculative fiction.

In addition to his work on Quatermass, Kneale penned numerous other scripts for television, including adaptations of classic novels and original dramas. He also wrote several acclaimed novels and contributed to feature films.

Throughout his career, Kneale's writing was characterized by its thought-provoking themes, sharp dialogue, and innovative storytelling techniques. He was a key figure in establishing science fiction as a serious genre in British television and film.

Nigel Kneale passed away on October 29, 2006, leaving behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking work that continues to influence writers and filmmakers to this day.

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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 culture has led to the assumption that Strauss might be an American author.

"The Shadow on The Moor" is a tale that first appeared in the February 1928 issue of "Weird Tales." Its republication in the 2023 British Library anthology "Circles of Stone: Weird Tales of Pagan Sites and Ancient Rites," edited by Katy Soar, attests to the lasting intrigue and relevance of Strauss's work. The story captures a sense of foreboding in the British countryside, with standing stones taking on a malevolent presence.

Strauss's work, including "The Shadow on The Moor," reflects thematic elements akin to the cosmic horror pioneered by H.P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft's influence is discernible in the eerie atmospheres and otherworldly entities that often pervade Strauss's narratives. Additionally, Strauss, like Lovecraft, explores the theme of ancient cults in remote villages, inhabited by seemingly backward rural characters. The fusion of cosmic horror and folk-horror themes creates an unsettling and atmospheric reading experience.

The thematic exploration of ancient cults in Strauss's work aligns with Margaret Murray's witch-cult hypothesis, a theory that suggests accusations against witches in Europe were rooted in a clandestine pagan religion. Published in Murray's "The Witch-Cult in Western Europe" (1921), the hypothesis posits the existence of a pre-Christian religion centered around a horned god, symbolizing the cycle of seasons and harvests. The horned god's representation on Earth through chosen individuals, ritual sacrifices, and the preservation of this religion through secret covens are central elements of Murray's theory.

Strauss's incorporation of such themes in "The Shadow on The Moor" aligns with the broader cultural fascination with ancient rites and mysterious practices. The narrative, enveloped in cosmic horror and folk-horror, echoes the anxieties of a bygone era, reflecting the convergence of literary imagination and anthropological speculation.

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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 various pursuits, including writing tragedies and delivering sermons. Later, he settled in Berlin in 1824, dedicating the remainder of his life to writing for the stage. Raupach's impact on Prussian theatre during the early-to-mid 19th century solidified his place in German literary history. He passed away in Berlin on March 18, 1852.

"Wake Not The Dead" ("Laßt die Todten ruhen"), a short story by Ernst Raupach, published in Minerva magazine in 1823, stands as one of the earliest contributions to vampire literature. This tale, exploring the macabre theme of the undead, showcases Raupach's ability to evoke suspense and mystery. The story follows the Gothic tradition, intertwining elements of horror with a narrative that predates the popularization of vampire motifs in the English-speaking world. Despite its significance, "Wake Not The Dead" faced misattribution, being erroneously credited to Ludwig Tieck in English translations.

Raupach's work emerged during a period of heightened interest in Gothic literature and vampire themes in Europe. In the early 19th century, vampire hysteria and fascination with the supernatural were prevalent. This context, coupled with Raupach's travels and exposure to different cultures, likely influenced the creation of "Wake Not The Dead." The 18th-century vampire hysteria, marked by incidents in the Habsburg Monarchy and Eastern Europe, played a role in shaping the Gothic atmosphere of the story. The publication of the story in 1823 places it within a historical continuum of the exploration and popularization of vampire narratives in European literature, contributing to the broader evolution of the Gothic genre.

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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 June 1918 in The Vagrant, a publication similar to today's well-edited fanzines.

It's essential to note that this tale is considered part of Lovecraft's early works, often referred to as juvenilia, which means it was written during his youth. In the 1930s, Lovecraft would sometimes share a copy of the story's typescript with his promising young correspondents. He did this to showcase what he had accomplished at their age and to provide them with an initial exercise in rewriting. This served as a way for him to assess their creativity and potential.

I came to read this story because I was contacted by Todd Thyberg of angelbomb.com who is a fine press producer. He's a graphic designer and artist who produces high-quality editions of his own work, but also that of classics in the sci-fi and horror genres such as you might have found in the pulp magazines of the early to mid 20th Century. Todd produces such finely crafted work that when he sent me a copy of his chapbook of The Beast In The Cave, I was minded to read it and interview him too.

The second part of this episode is my interview with Todd Thyberg.

His work can be accessed at his website: Angel Bomb, a Book Arts Studio

https://www.angelbomb.com/

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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 saga, 'The Cazalet Chronicles.' Her narrative prowess was not confined to family sagas, as exemplified by her collaboration with Robert Aickman on the collection 'We Are For The Dark: Six Ghost Stories,' published in 1951. Although she gained widespread recognition for her family sagas, Howard's foray into the supernatural, as evidenced by 'Three Miles Up' and other stories, showcased her ability to masterfully blend genres and explore the complexities of human relationships.

Elizabeth Jane Howard was secretary of the Inland Waterways Association. Ghost stories and the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) share a curious connection, intertwining literature and the preservation of Britain's canal 

heritage. This connection is particularly evident through notable figures such as Robert Aickman, L. T. C. Rolt, and Elizabeth Jane Howard, each leaving a unique mark on both realms.

Elizabeth Jane Howard's creative collaboration with Robert Aickman resulted in the publication of 'We Are For The Dark,' a collection that marked a significant departure from both authors' conventional works. Released in 1951, the anthology features six ghost stories, three contributed by each author. Notably, the book was published during their romantic relationship.

Robert Aickman describes her as “one of the most brilliant [of women]” and a bit of a looker “so beautiful that continuous problems arose, especially when, at a later date, she joined the Association’s Council. Little in the way of completely normal business was possible or sensible, when she was in the room. … By merely existing, she promoted loves and hates which, through no fault of hers, left some who felt them, fevered and wasted”.

My reading of Three Miles Up is that it is a modern fairy story where Sharon represents one of the fae and leads them into The Perilous Realm. Fairyland is not always a beautiful alluring place, it can be a place of horror and strangeness. We cannot trust the Good People, no matter how fair they seem.

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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 collecting historic films. Notably, he established the Tunbridge Wells Vintage Film Society and actively participated in esteemed film organizations in London. Basil Copper spent a significant portion of his life in Sevenoaks, Kent, and he was survived by his wife Annie, with whom he entered matrimony in 1960.

Basil Copper's literary journey embarked with his inaugural short story, "The Curse," published at the age of 14. His professionally published debut, "The Spider," emerged in the Fifth Pan Book of Horror Stories in 1964. Venturing into novels, Copper made his mark with the Mike Faraday series, beginning with "The Dark Mirror" in 1966. Widely recognized for his series of Solar Pons stories, paying homage to Sherlock Holmes, Copper's association with editor August Derleth resulted in publications through Arkham House. Among his notable works are "Necropolis" (1980), a crossover between Victorian Gothic and detective fiction, and "The Great White Space" (1975), a novel influenced by Edgar Allan Poe and Lovecraft. Copper's macabre tales, including "The Academy of Pain" and "Beyond the Reef," underscored his mastery in horror fiction. His significant contributions earned him a Locus Award nomination in 1981, and in 2009, "Basil Copper: A Life in Books," a biographical work, received the British Fantasy Award for Best Non-Fiction. Basil Copper's literary impact endures, resonating through the realms of horror and detective fiction.

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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 listeners would be interested in the story and then in him telling us about the project, so seven months after our first contact, we managed to record an interview. The delay was solely down to me, I should say.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story and the interview afterwards: The Premonition by Lewis Darley

Here are some links to Lewis's work

Here's some links to my social pages and website:

Website: https://www.lewisdarleyillustration.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darleymakesart/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Darleymakesart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darleymakesart

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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 exhibited a broad range of talents, achieving second-class honours in Modern History while excelling in sports such as cricket, golf, hockey, and football. His World War I service with the Royal Scots Fusiliers, where he attained the rank of captain, and advocacy for the use of Chinese workers reflected his engagement with global issues. Wakefield's life encompassed roles as a secretary, publisher, and civil servant, and he navigated the complexities of relationships, experiencing divorce and entering into a second marriage with Jessica Sidney Davey.

H. R. Wakefield's literary legacy is particularly distinguished by his mastery of ghost stories. As a short-story writer, novelist, and publisher, Wakefield crafted tales that often drew inspiration from his experiences, notably his tenure as chief editor for William Collins, Sons and Co. One of his notable works, "Messrs Turkes and Talbot," exemplifies his ability to infuse the mundane with eerie elements, drawing from the peculiarities of the publishing world. Wakefield's stories, characterized by their atmospheric prose and psychological depth, remain enduring contributions to the supernatural fiction genre.

"The Red Lodge," a captivating story by H. R. Wakefield, was featured in his debut short story collection, "They Return at Evening" (1928). Set in a somewhat jaunty 1920s style, the narrative follows a protagonist who rents The Red Lodge, a seemingly charming country house, with his family. Wakefield expertly weaves an unconventional tale, blending social commentary with supernatural elements. The story takes unexpected turns as the protagonist, discontented with the landlord, resolves to expose the house's sinister nature through a consumer complaint. The inclusion of psychic perception, strange occurrences, and a dark history adds depth to the narrative. "The Red Lodge" stands as a testament to Wakefield's ability to transcend conventional ghost story tropes.

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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 her first novel, "The Visits of Elizabeth," in 1899. However, she gained widespread recognition and success with her scandalous and sensational novel, "Three Weeks," published in 1907. The book, which depicted a passionate love affair between a young English aristocrat and an exotic Balkan queen, caused a considerable stir and established Glyn as a controversial figure in literary circles.

Throughout her career, Elinor Glyn continued to write novels that explored themes of love, romance, and societal expectations. Some of her other notable works include "Beyond the Rocks" (1906), "Man and Maid" (1922), and "It" (1927). Her writing often delved into the complexities of human relationships, and her characters were known for their sophistication and sensuality.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Glyn ventured into Hollywood, where she found success as a screenwriter during the silent film era. She worked on several film adaptations of her own novels, collaborating with renowned actors of the time.

Elinor Glyn's impact on popular culture extended beyond her literary achievements. She was recognized as a style icon and a socialite, known for her wit and charm. Despite facing criticism for the perceived risqué content in her novels, Glyn remained a popular and influential figure, contributing to the changing landscape of literature and entertainment during the early 20th century.

Elinor Glyn passed away on September 23, 1943, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing novelist who challenged societal norms and captured the imaginations of readers with her provocative and romantic storytelling. Her works continue to be studied and appreciated for their contribution to the literary and cultural landscape of her time.

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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 solitude.

One Christmas Eve, while digging a grave in the churchyard, Gabriel encounters a group of goblins who emerge from the ground. The goblins, led by their king, force Gabriel to join them in their underworld festivities. In this fantastical realm, Gabriel witnesses scenes from his past and present, highlighting his callous behavior and the impact it has had on those around him.

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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 pseudonym F. G. Trafford. Her early works demonstrated a keen interest in the mysterious and the macabre, drawing inspiration from the popular Gothic tradition of the time. One of her notable early works is "The Moors and the Fens," a collection of supernatural tales published in 1879.

However, it was under her own name that Riddell gained widespread recognition. Her most well-known works include novels such as "George Geith of Fen Court" (1864) and "The Race for Wealth" (1865). These novels explored themes of finance, social class, and the changing landscape of Victorian society.

Riddell's literary career was not limited to novels; she was also a prolific short story writer. Her short stories often delved into the eerie and uncanny, earning her a reputation as a skilled writer of ghost stories. Notable collections of her short stories include "Weird Stories" (1882) and "The Uninhabited House" (1875).

Beyond her success as a writer, Charlotte Riddell faced the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated literary world. Despite these obstacles, she managed to establish herself as a respected author and editor. Riddell's contributions to the literary landscape of her time were acknowledged, and she became a notable figure in the Victorian literary scene.

In addition to her writing, Riddell was involved in editorial work. She co-edited the St. James's Magazine, demonstrating her commitment to fostering literary talent and contributing to the cultural discourse of the era.

Charlotte Riddell's literary career spanned several decades, and her works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars of Victorian literature. Her exploration of the supernatural, combined with astute observations of society, has left a lasting legacy in the realm of 19th-century British literature.

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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 as a curate in Camberwell before assuming the role of chaplain at King's College, Cambridge, alongside the notable scholar and author M. R. James. The two shared living quarters within the college, fostering a collegial relationship that extended beyond their professional roles. Swain's duties included teaching at the college's choir school, showcasing his multifaceted engagement in academic life. His literary legacy reached a notable point with the 1912 publication of "The Stoneground Ghost Tales," a collection that demonstrated his skill in the supernatural and positioned him as an early imitator of James, leaving a lasting imprint on the genre.

Within the collection, "Bone to His Bone" stands out as a quietly intriguing narrative. Set on a Christmas Eve, the story follows Reverend Bachtel, seeking matches in the dark, only to encounter a mysterious book on gardening. This spectral tome, once owned by a long-departed rector, subtly guides him to a specific spot in the garden. The unfolding events, marked by an understated approach to bibliomancy, reflect Swain's ability to handle hauntings without sensationalism. "Bone to His Bone" quietly underscores Swain's finesse, blending a touch of gentle humor with the supernatural, presenting a nuanced exploration of the ghostly that avoids overstatement.

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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 her prowess in weaving tales of the supernatural.

"Couching at the Door," although reprinted numerous times, may not be considered her magnum opus by some. Instead, stories like "Clairvoyance," "The Window," and "From the Abyss" are hailed as hidden gems, overlooked yet deserving of greater recognition. These tales, according to enthusiasts, have stood the test of time, maintaining their eerie allure even in the present day.

Born in England in 1877, D.K. Broster led a multifaceted life. Her experiences as a Red Cross nurse during World War I added depth to her writing, and she gained acclaim for her historical novels. However, it is her foray into the supernatural short story genre that captivates readers seeking tales of the macabre.

"Couching at the Door" (1933) unfolds the unsettling narrative of a poet haunted by a mysterious fur boa, a spectre from his past misdeeds. The story delves into the psychological realm, employing dream imagery to enhance the eerie atmosphere. The protagonist's desperate attempts to transfer this spectral presence to another add a layer of suspense and intrigue.

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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 messages from an entity calling himself "the gardener." 

He announces a desire to enter the main house, catapulting the Graingers into disturbing events. 

The empty cottage is not so empty after all, and the gardener's unseen presence brings terror to the once-idyllic home. 

Through the planchette, Margaret has unlocked a portal between worlds, allowing a malevolent spirit access into the realm of the living. Now the Graingers must confront the implications of meddling with forces beyond their understanding.

I was sent the anthology The Dead of Winter

https://profilebooks.com/work/the-dead-of-winter/

By profile books. The Gardener by E F Benson is one of ten classic winter ghost stories in that anthology edited by Cecily Gayford. 

Thanks to Profile Books for the copy they sent me.

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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 Mines, as well as cinematic marvels such as "Earth versus the Flying Saucers" and the original "Classics Illustrated War of the Worlds," and the works of Algernon Blackwood, Lovecraft, and Dennis Wheatley, he developed a deep-rooted love for the extraordinary.

Adrian Cole's literary journey began when he discovered "The Lord of the Rings" while working in a public library in Birmingham. This masterpiece inspired him to craft his own epic, the "Dream Lords" trilogy. His writing career expanded to encompass ghost stories, horror, and fantasy, leading to the publication of four novels in England. Notably, his captivating tales received recognition in prestigious collections, and his editorial talents shone through in curations. Beyond his literary pursuits, he held various professional roles, including that of a librarian and an educational administrator.

Among his many literary contributions, one particularly intriguing story, "The Horror Under Penmire" (1974), stands out. In this chilling tale, the protagonist, Phil, embarks on a quest to locate the mythical town of Penmire in remote Cornwall, following a plea for help from his friend Roy. However, upon his arrival, he finds Roy missing, and the locals deny any knowledge of his whereabouts. Unfazed, Phil stumbles upon Roy's mysterious notations, one of which alludes to the ominous name "Dagon," a reference that resonates profoundly with fans of H.P. Lovecraft's work. This narrative weaves a web of suspense and Lovecraftian intrigue, adding another layer to Adrian Cole's multifaceted literary career.

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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 extensive body of work in this area, including numerous publications, established him as an authority in British non-marine malacology. From 1919 to 1961, he also demonstrated his passion for botany by contributing specimens of spermatophytes to various herbariums in Britain. His scientific pursuits reflected his deep appreciation for the natural world and his commitment to preserving its biodiversity.

On the other hand, Arthur Erskine Ellis showcased his creative talents as an author, specializing in ghost stories. Notably, one of his notable works, "The Haunted Haven," delves into the supernatural with a chilling narrative set in Ticlas Haven, a fishing village off St. Brides Bay. This story revolves around three surly brothers who commit a heinous act – drowning their parsimonious uncle during a storm at sea in the hopes of inheriting his fortune. However, their plan takes a sinister turn as, within three months of the murder, each brother meets a tragic end. Subsequently, their vengeful, zombie-like spectres terrorize the villagers by embarking on eerie, ghostly journeys in their wrecked fishing smack after dark. The village doctor and innkeeper are compelled to intervene and put an end to the ghostly capers, but the spectres, resentful of interference, continue to haunt the South Haven, creating a chilling and suspenseful tale that is a testament to Ellis's prowess as a writer in the realm of the supernatural.

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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 Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest," are celebrated for their clever dialogue, social satire, and exploration of the human condition. Wilde's unique blend of comedy, satire, and poignant commentary on Victorian society made him one of the most influential figures of his time. Unfortunately, his career took a tragic turn when he was convicted of "gross indecency" for his homosexuality, leading to his imprisonment and eventual death in Paris.

"The Canterville Ghost" is a classic novella penned by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1887. This humorous and haunting tale tells the story of the Otis family, Americans who move into Canterville Chase, a grand old English manor said to be haunted by Sir Simon, a ghost from centuries past. The novella is an exemplary demonstration of Wilde's wit and comedic genius, as he contrasts American pragmatism with British aristocracy and tradition. Wilde's sharp observations and clever humor in "The Canterville Ghost" provide a refreshing take on the traditional ghost story genre, injecting it with a delightful blend of satire and hilarity.

Published during Wilde's literary peak, the novella garnered critical acclaim for its innovation and wit, positioning it as a unique departure from the conventional ghost stories of its era. Its humorous exploration of the clash between the Old World and the New World captivated readers. While it did not receive as much attention as some of Wilde's other works, "The Canterville Ghost" remains a cherished piece of literature and a testament to his enduring influence on the literary world.

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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 himself in the world of storytelling. In the 1950s and 1960s, he made a significant impact in the speculative fiction realm with his supernatural and psychologically gripping tales.

Brennan was a prolific writer, known for his association with the Cthulhu Mythos, a shared universe created by H.P. Lovecraft and others. His works, such as "The Slime," "Levitation," and "The Feaster from Afar," showcased his mastery of eerie atmospheres and profound understanding of the human psyche. As an editor, he co-founded the influential magazine "Macabre" and also pursued his talents in poetry. Even after his passing in 1990, Joseph Payne Brennan's legacy endures, as his vivid storytelling and terrifying narratives continue to captivate and inspire fans of horror and fantasy literature.

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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 magazines. He graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1956, all while crafting stories that would earn him recognition as the "best new writer" with his first Hugo Award that same year. Notably, Silverberg's prolific output during the 1950s and 1960s, with an average of five published stories per month, established him as a prominent figure in the genre.

However, in the late 1950s, Silverberg diversified his writing efforts to other genres due to changes in the science fiction market. This period saw him prolifically producing works under various pseudonyms, including a substantial collection of erotic novels published as "Don Elliott." His transition to exploring more literary themes began in the 1960s, a shift marked by his association with the "New Wave" movement and a renewed focus on character development and social depth. Later in his life, after experiencing personal challenges, he retired from writing in 1975 but returned with renewed vigor in 1980 with the acclaimed "Lord Valentine's Castle." In 2005, he received the prestigious title of SFWA Grand Master from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, cementing his legacy in the genre.

During this period, Silverberg produced a string of critically acclaimed novels, including "To Open the Sky," "Downward to the Earth," "To Live Again," "The World Inside," and "Dying Inside." These works showcased his ability to merge profound themes with gripping narratives and garnered him multiple Hugo and Nebula Award nominations and wins. His return to writing in 1980 with "Lord Valentine's Castle" marked the beginning of the beloved Majipoor series, known for its intricate world-building and rich character development.

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"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 intertwining the unsettling presence of abnormally large rats with whispered legends of subterranean, inhuman entities. As readers venture deeper into the story's dark recesses, they are drawn into a world where the boundary between the natural and the supernatural blurs, evoking an eerie sense of foreboding and eldritch horror.

Henry Kuttner, the creative genius behind "The Graveyard Rats," was a prolific American writer celebrated for his contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres during the mid-20th century. Born in 1915 in Los Angeles, California, Kuttner's literary career began in the 1930s, coinciding with the Golden Age of Science Fiction. His versatility as a writer allowed him to excel in a wide range of speculative fiction sub-genres, from space opera to supernatural horror. Kuttner is particularly renowned for his collaborations with his wife, C.L. Moore, under various pseudonyms, producing a remarkable body of work that left a lasting impact on the world of speculative fiction.

While Henry Kuttner's life was tragically cut short at the age of 42 in 1958, his legacy endures through his imaginative storytelling and thought-provoking themes. His work continues to captivate and inspire both fans and scholars, cementing his place as a revered figure in the history of speculative fiction.

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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 Timeus Smith.

- Due to psychological disorders, Smith's formal education was limited, and he was taught at home after attending eight years of grammar school.
- Smith was an insatiable reader with an extraordinary eidetic memory, and he read voraciously, including works by Edgar Allan Poe, Hans Christian Andersen, and others.
- He even read the entire 11th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica twice.

- Smith's early literary efforts included fairy tales and imitations of the Arabian Nights, which he began writing at the age of 11.
- He sold several tales to "The Black Cat," a magazine specializing in unusual stories, at the age of 17.

- Smith's poetic talents blossomed, leading to acclaimed volumes like "The Star-Treader and Other Poems" and "Odes and Sonnets."
- He was mentored by San Francisco poet George Sterling and gained international acclaim for his poetry.

**Weird Fiction Phase: 1926–1935**
- Smith transitioned to weird fiction during this period, possibly influenced by H.P. Lovecraft.
- He created a plethora of imaginative creatures and wrote stories set in various fictional lands like Averoigne, Hyperborea, and Zothique.

**Sculpture Period: 1935–1961**
- Smith's interest in fiction waned, and he turned to sculpture, primarily using soft rock materials like soapstone.

**Notable Literary Friendships:**
- Smith was a part of the Lovecraft circle and had a lasting literary friendship with H.P. Lovecraft.
- He corresponded with fellow writers like Robert E. Howard and E. Hoffmann Price.

**Legacy and Unique Contributions:**
- Clark Ashton Smith's work is celebrated for its rich vocabulary, cosmic perspective, and sardonic humor.
- His weird fiction has been compared to the Dying Earth sequence of Jack Vance.
- Smith's writing style aimed to captivate readers by using a variety of stylistic resources, akin to incantations.

**Later Life and Marriage:**
- In 1954, at the age of 61, Smith married Carol(yn) Jones Dorman, a woman with experience in Hollywood and radio public relations.
- They lived in Pacific Grove, California, and Smith continued sculpting during this period.

**Passing and Legacy:**
- In 1961, Smith passed away quietly in his sleep at the age of 68.
- His ashes were buried near his childhood home, and plaques recognizing his contributions have been erected in Auburn, California.

Clark Ashton Smith's life was marked by a fascinating blend of artistic pursuits, from poetry and weird fiction to sculpture. His imaginative worlds and unique style continue to captivate readers and stand as a testament to his enduring legacy in the realms of literature and art.

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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 education. Her parents, Henry and Fanny, separated when she was just five years old due to her father's infidelity. At the age of ten, her brother Edward Braddon departed for India and later became the Premier of Tasmania. To support herself and her mother, Mary worked as an actress for three years, befriending Clara and Adelaide Biddle during this period. Although they had minor roles, acting provided her with a means of livelihood until her growing interest in writing novels led her away from the stage.

In April 1861, Mary met John Maxwell (1824–1895), a publisher of periodicals, and moved in with him. However, Maxwell was already married to Mary Ann Crowley and had five children with her. While Mary and Maxwell lived together as a couple, Crowley resided with her family. In 1864, Maxwell attempted to legitimize their relationship by publicly claiming they were married, but this was refuted by Richard Brinsley Knowles, Mary's brother-in-law, who revealed that Maxwell's true wife was still alive. Mary acted as a stepmother to Maxwell's children until 1874 when Maxwell's wife passed away, and they were finally able to marry at St. Bride's Church in Fleet Street. Together, they had six children: Gerald, Fanny, Francis, William, Winifred Rosalie, and Edward Herry Harrington.

Fanny Margaret Maxwell, their eldest daughter, married the naturalist Edmund Selous in 1886. In the 1920s, they resided in Wyke Castle, where Fanny established a local branch of the Woman's Institute in 1923 and served as its first president.

The second eldest son, William Babington Maxwell, went on to become a novelist in his own right, leaving his mark in the literary world.

Mary Elizabeth Braddon passed away on 4 February 1915 in Richmond, then in Surrey, and was laid to rest in Richmond Cemetery. Her former residence, Lichfield House, situated in the town center, was replaced by Lichfield Court, a block of flats, in 1936. A plaque in Richmond parish church commemorates her as "Miss Braddon." Additionally, several nearby streets are named after characters from her novels, as her husband was involved in property development in the area.

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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 her book Sacraments for the Unfit, from which collection, The Hand of M. R. James is taken.

You can learn more about Sarah from her website

Sarah Tolmie

http://sarahtolmie.ca/

You can read reviews of the the book Sacraments For The Unfit and find links to buy it via this link

http://sarahtolmie.ca/sacramentsReviews.html

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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 literary style. Despite publishing 22 novels and around a hundred short stories, his work, set predominantly in the early 1700s, reflects a unique blend of Gothic, Decadent, and weird sensibilities.

An Analysis of "The Crimson Weaver" Story Through the Lens of Jungian Archetypal Psychology

"The Crimson Weaver," one of Gilchrist's haunting tales, can be analyzed through the lens of Jungian archetypal psychology, revealing the story's hidden depths. The story's archetypal elements align with Carl Jung's concepts of the collective unconscious and its symbols. The Master and the servant, symbolizing conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche, embark on a journey into the unknown, entering the Domain of the Crimson Weaver. The old woman's warning echoes the archetype of the wise crone, guiding them toward a confrontation with the Shadow—a dark, repressed aspect of the self.

The Crimson Weaver herself embodies the anima archetype, representing the feminine and intuitive aspects of the unconscious. Her seductive allure and her weaving of lives on a loom point to her role as a life-giving and life-taking figure, reflecting the anima's dual nature.

The setting, including the Domain and the enchanted land, symbolizes the liminal space between conscious and unconscious realms, akin to the archetypal threshold where transformation occurs. The strange beasts and grotesque creatures evoke the presence of the Shadow, embodying repressed fears and desires.

The Master's lost love that he keeps as a shrine in his heart appears to be a kind of sacrifice. Is it this hankering that the Crimson Weaver feeds on???

The Master's disappearance and the servant's encounter with the Weaver can be interpreted as a confrontation with the anima's transformative power. The Master's forgotten memory echoes the loss of the conscious ego in the face of the unconscious. The final union with the Weaver and the image of the vulture-legged woman signify a symbolic death and rebirth—a transformation of the ego through embracing the anima's influence.

In "The Crimson Weaver," Gilchrist weaves a narrative that taps into the profound archetypal currents of the human psyche. His story becomes a tapestry of psychological symbols, inviting readers to explore the deeper layers of their own unconscious and engage with the universal themes that lie beneath the surface of the narrative.

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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's Magazine and the New York Saturday Press. He quickly gained popularity for his strange and imaginative stories. His most recognized works include "The Diamond Lens" and "What Was It? A Mystery", both of which are considered early contributions to the science fiction genre.

While O'Brien's literary career was on the rise, the American Civil War broke out. He joined the Union Army in 1861 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Despite his talents as a writer, his military career was short-lived. In February 1862, he was injured in a skirmish and contracted tetanus from his wounds. He died on April 6, 1862, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be admired for its innovative and imaginative qualities.

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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 would avoid this one.

It all starts with a man going walking in the Black Forest in Germany...

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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, traces his ancestry back to the legendary Siegfried. With a unique twist on the traditional werewolf motif, Field's story takes us on a journey through love, curses, and the eerie legacy of lycanthropy.

Meet the creative mind behind "The Werewolf," Eugene Field. 🖋️ Renowned as an American writer, Field's artistic journey flourished from his St. Louis roots. A master of children's poetry and humorous essays, he left an indelible mark on literature. Field's life led him through the realm of journalism, where his wit shone in his articles. His legacy extends beyond his words, with statues, parks, and institutions honoring his influence. Join us in exploring the life of Eugene Field and his captivating tale of "The Werewolf."

#EugeneField #TheWerewolf #LoveTriangle #Lycanthropy #SiegfriedLegacy #AmericanWriter #LiteraryLegacy #CreativeMind #LiteraryTale #LoveAndCurses

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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 Macaulay, a classical scholar, and Grace Mary Conybeare, her upbringing was imbued with a scholarly aura that would lay the foundation for her intellectual pursuits. She attended Oxford High School for Girls before studying Modern History at Somerville College, Oxford University.

Macaulay's literary journey was marked by a remarkable transformation. From her early struggles with depression, she transitioned into a prolific novelist known for her incisive commentary on society and relationships. This transition is especially fascinating when considered alongside her complex relationships, her private life, and her evolving religious and philosophical beliefs.

Macaulay's religious journey was far from linear. Her exploration of faith went beyond the boundaries of traditional Christianity, reflecting a mystical sense of the Divine. While her spiritual convictions evolved, she did not return to the Anglican church until 1953. This complex relationship with religion is reflected in her works, where themes of Christianity often intertwined with skepticism and satire. Her novels, including "Potterism" (1920) and "Keeping Up Appearances," demonstrated her ability to dissect societal norms, often with a satirical edge.

Her personal life was marked by a clandestine affair with Gerald O'Donovan, a lapsed Irish priest and fellow novelist. This intricate relationship spanned over two decades and remained a secret from many, even her closest friends. Macaulay's own ambivalence toward her sexuality added another layer of complexity to her identity, influencing her writing and the themes she explored.

Macaulay's relationships within literary circles were equally captivating. She fostered connections with prominent writers such as Rupert Brooke and Elizabeth Bowen, often leaving her imprint on their narratives. Her role as a patron and supporter of emerging talents showcased her nurturing spirit, even as her own literary prowess continued to grow.

Her impact extended to journalism, where she contributed to magazines like Time & Tide and the Spectator. Her engagement with contemporary issues, including her support for the League of Nations, underscored her commitment to global harmony.

Macaulay's work often grappled with the tension between individual freedom and societal responsibilities. Her novel "The World My Wilderness" (1950) exemplified this theme, as it navigated war-torn landscapes and internal struggles. The contrast between private introspection and public involvement became a defining motif in her literary explorations.

Dame Emilie Rose Macaulay's legacy is a testament to the interplay of faith, identity, and relationships in shaping artistic expression. Her intricate journey through religious and philosophical landscapes, her intricate relationships with other literary figures, and her prolific body of work continue to captivate readers and scholars alike. As a figure who wove threads of complexity into the fabric of literature, she s

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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 his wife's death in 1858, Le Fanu withdrew from society for a period of time. However, during the 1860s and 1870s, he produced his most notable supernatural fiction, including the acclaimed short story collection "In a Glass Darkly" (1872) and the vampire novella "Carmilla" (1871).

Le Fanu's ghost stories, such as "Green Tea," "The Familiar," and "Mr Justice Harbottle," earned him admiration from fellow writers like M.R. James. Although he also wrote novels, journalism, and poetry, Le Fanu's reputation predominantly rests on his chilling tales of the supernatural.

He passed away in Dublin in 1873 at the age of 58. Today, Le Fanu is regarded as one of the pioneers and masters of supernatural horror fiction. His work greatly influenced subsequent writers, including Bram Stoker, who drew inspiration from Le Fanu's vampire story, "Carmilla."

Schalken The Painter Analysis

In "Schalken The Painter," Vanderhausen can be seen as a representation of the shadow archetype, embodying the dark, repressed, and sinister aspects of the characters Douw and Schalken. The shadow is a psychological concept in Jungian theory that represents the hidden, suppressed, and often undesirable aspects of the psyche. It holds the unacknowledged fears, desires, and weaknesses that individuals may project onto others.

Full analysis and links here
https://www.ghostpod.org/2023/07/15/schalken-the-painter-by-j-sheridan-le-fanu/

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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 for Literature in 1921. She was also a keen designer, traveler, and a dedicated supporter of French efforts during World War I, for which she was awarded the French Legion of Honor.

The Story and Its Context: "The House of the Dead Hand" was published in 1904, a time when Wharton was beginning to establish herself as a serious writer. This was a period of significant personal and social change for Wharton. She was beginning to question the constraints of her privileged New York society, and these themes of societal constraints and personal freedom are evident in the story. The story also reflects Wharton's love for Italy and her deep knowledge of art and culture.

"The House of the Dead Hand" by Edith Wharton is a compelling exploration of power dynamics, personal freedom, and the enduring influence of the past. The story centers around Miss Lombard, a woman trapped by her father's control and his obsession with a Leonardo da Vinci painting. Even after her father's death, she remains ensnared by his influence, symbolized by the painting she cannot sell. This narrative can be seen as a critique of patriarchal control, reflecting Wharton's own questioning of societal constraints. From a Freudian perspective, Miss Lombard's complex relationship with her father can be interpreted as a manifestation of the Elektra complex. The story also incorporates elements of Jungian psychology, with the painting serving as a powerful symbol of the unconscious. Wharton's narrative structure effectively builds tension, foreshadows dramatic events, and delivers a chilling twist, leaving a lasting impression of Miss Lombard's despair and entrapment.

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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 narrative clarity.

Conan Doyle masterfully employs the theme of revenge, manifest in Burger's calculated plot against his friend and rival Kennedy. It's an example of karma, with Kennedy becoming the victim of the same callous behavior he displayed towards Mary Saunderson, Burger's fiancée. Burger's obsession with his revenge plot, which he meticulously executes under the guise of archaeological discovery, adds another layer of complexity to his character.

Betrayal is a constant undercurrent in this tale. Kennedy's betrayal of Mary Saunderson and, by extension, Burger, sets the stage for the dramatic climax, while Burger's act of leaving Kennedy alone in the catacomb is a striking mirror image of this betrayal. The irony of Kennedy, the heartbreaker, accusing Burger of mistreating Mary Saunderson is not lost on the reader and adds an interesting dynamic to the plot.

The story excels in creating a palpable sense of claustrophobia and tension within the catacomb's dark confines. However, the intricacies of the catacomb's layout can become confusing, causing disorientation and detracting from the overall narrative experience.

One of the strengths of this story lies in the surprising revelation about Mary Saunderson's engagement, which adds a twist to the narrative. This unexpected element of surprise showcases Conan Doyle's ability to keep readers on their toes.

The characterization, however, leaves room for improvement. While Kennedy is convincingly portrayed as an obsessed but callous archaeologist, his motivations remain unclear, making him a less sympathetic protagonist. Similarly, Burger's vengeful rigidness, though compelling, could benefit from additional depth.

The ending, while providing a neat closure with Burger's false newspaper story, also seems to tie the narrative too abruptly. Further exploration of Mary Saunderson's perspective would have added a valuable dimension to the story.

In conclusion, "The New Catacomb," while not Conan Doyle's most nuanced work in terms of character development, remains an engaging short story. Its gripping narrative, marked by an atmospheric setting and a plot filled with revenge, betrayal, and irony, ensures an entertaining read. The story's major strengths lie in its sense of atmosphere and suspense, while its character development and narrative clarity could use some refinement.

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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 upon biblical themes and imagery in his writing.

De La Mare's literary career took off with the publication of his first major work, the poetry collection "Songs of Childhood" in 1902. This collection showcased his romantic sensibilities, emphasizing intuition, deep emotion, and spiritual truths often associated with childhood. His poetic style was marked by rich imagery, lyrical language, and a sense of mystery. De La Mare's work gained recognition for its exploration of the supernatural and the depths of the human psyche.

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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 the apparition of a cruel old man. As the terror escalates, they must confront the sinister legacy that lingers within the house's walls.

Le Fanu's ghost is not a typical Victorian specter seeking justice, but a malevolent entity that continues to inflict harm even after death. This departure from the norm adds a unique twist to the tale, making it a standout in the genre.

Le Fanu's view of the world as chaotic and unpredictable is reflected in his portrayal of the supernatural. In his universe, the supernatural is not a force for justice or equilibrium, but a source of further chaos and violence.

Join us for a captivating narration of one of the most compelling ghost stories of the Victorian era. Will the students escape the horrors of Aungier Street? Tune in to find out.

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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 known as 'Negotium Perambulans.' With elements of Gothic horror and psychological suspense, this atmospheric narrative explores themes of sin, punishment, and the blurred boundaries between the natural and the supernatural. Join us for a spine-tingling reading that will leave you questioning the nature of evil itself. 

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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. Later, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and graduated in 1881.

After completing his medical studies, Conan Doyle worked as a ship's doctor on various voyages, including a whaling expedition to the Arctic. He also served as a surgeon on a British steamship traveling to West Africa. These experiences provided him with a rich source of inspiration for his future writing.

Conan Doyle's career as a writer took off when he began publishing short stories and novels. His most notable creation, Sherlock Holmes, made his first appearance in the novel "A Study in Scarlet" in 1887. The character of Holmes, with his keen powers of observation and deductive reasoning, quickly became immensely popular among readers.

Sherlock Holmes' popularity led Conan Doyle to write numerous stories and novels featuring the detective and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson. The adventures of Sherlock Holmes, including classics like "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," made Conan Doyle one of the most widely read and celebrated authors of his time.

Despite his success with the Sherlock Holmes stories, Conan Doyle felt constrained by the detective's popularity and wished to focus on more serious literary work. In an attempt to distance himself from Holmes, he famously killed off the character in the story "The Final Problem." However, due to public outcry and popular demand, Conan Doyle eventually resurrected Holmes in later stories.

Apart from his detective fiction, Conan Doyle also wrote historical novels, science fiction, plays, and non-fiction works on a variety of subjects. He was a prolific writer, producing over fifty books, countless short stories, and numerous articles throughout his career.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Conan Doyle was deeply interested in spiritualism and the supernatural. He became a prominent advocate for spiritualism, even participating in seances and investigating alleged paranormal phenomena. This interest often brought him into conflict with skeptics and critics.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's contributions to literature and popular culture were widely recognized during his lifetime. In 1902, he was knighted by King Edward VII for his services as a volunteer army doctor during the Boer War. Conan Doyle passed away on July 7, 1930, at the age of 71, leaving behind a rich legacy of detective fiction and captivating storytelling that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

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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, an unnamed young man, is plagued by an eerie recurring nightmare. In his dream, he visits a friend's foreboding home, inhabited by an ever-changing roster of silent and grim figures. Foremost among them is the unsettling Mrs. Stone, who persistently assigns him a room in the tower - a room that fills him with an indescribable dread.

As the characters in the dream grow older and more bizarre over time, the terror continues to twist and turn. But the real question remains: What truly lurks in the room in the tower? Why does it inspire such fear?

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Ted Hughes (1930-1998) was an English poet and writer who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential poets of the 20th century. He was born on August 17, 1930, in Mytholmroyd, Yorkshire, England.

Hughes had a deep connection with nature from an early age, which played a significant role in his poetry. He attended Mexborough Grammar School and later won a scholarship to study English at Pembroke College, Cambridge. During his time at Cambridge, he met fellow poet Sylvia Plath, whom he married in 1956.

In 1957, Hughes' first collection of poetry, "The Hawk in the Rain," was published to critical acclaim. The collection established him as a major poetic voice and set the tone for his subsequent work. His poetry was often marked by its visceral and powerful imagery, exploring themes of nature, myth, and the human experience.

Hughes and Plath had two children together before their marriage ended in separation in 1962 and later in divorce in 1963. Tragically, Plath took her own life in 1963. The events surrounding their relationship and Plath's suicide deeply affected Hughes and became a central theme in his work.

Hughes served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1984 until his death in 1998. Throughout his career, he published numerous collections of poetry, including "Wodwo" (1967), "Crow" (1970), and "Birthday Letters" (1998), which explored his relationship with Plath. His work often drew inspiration from mythology, folklore, and the natural world, and he had a distinctive and powerful voice that resonated with readers and fellow poets.

In addition to his poetry, Hughes also wrote plays, prose, and children's literature. His most famous children's book is "The Iron Man" (1968), which has been adapted into various forms, including a stage play and an animated film.

Ted Hughes received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1974 and the T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry in 1998. His contribution to English literature continues to be celebrated, and his poetry remains influential to this day.

Sadly, Ted Hughes passed away on October 28, 1998, in London, England, but his legacy as one of the most significant poets of the 20th century lives on.

Regenerate response

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David H. Keller was an American author known for his contributions to science fiction and pulp magazines during the early 20th century. He was born on December 23, 1880, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Keller pursued a career in medicine and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a medical degree in 1903. He worked as a general practitioner, specializing in the treatment of mental disorders.

Despite his medical profession, Keller had a strong passion for writing. He began his literary career by submitting stories to various pulp magazines, where he gained recognition for his unique blend of science fiction, horror, and fantasy elements. Keller's writing often explored psychological and sociological themes, displaying his background in medicine and his interest in human behavior.

In 1928, Keller published one of his most famous works, a novella titled "The Revolt of the Pedestrians." The story depicted a future society where automobiles ruled, and pedestrians were marginalized. It was highly regarded for its social commentary and futuristic vision. Keller continued to write and publish numerous short stories, novelettes, and novellas throughout his career, earning him a dedicated following.

One of Keller's notable contributions to the science fiction genre was his series of short stories featuring the character T.H.E. Cat. T.H.E. Cat, an acronym for The Human Electro, was a scientist with the ability to transfer his consciousness into different bodies. These stories often explored ethical and philosophical questions related to identity and consciousness.

Keller's writing career slowed down in the 1940s and 1950s as he faced personal and financial challenges. He struggled with health issues and experienced difficulties in finding publishers for his work. Despite these setbacks, Keller's influence on the science fiction genre remained significant, as his stories often delved into psychological and societal aspects that were ahead of their time.

David H. Keller passed away on July 13, 1966, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy as an early pioneer of science fiction and a writer who explored the human condition through his imaginative tales. While his work may have been overlooked by mainstream literary circles, Keller's contributions to the genre continue to be appreciated by science fiction enthusiasts and scholars who recognize his unique voice and forward-thinking ideas.

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Robert Aickman

Robert Aickman was a British author best known for his highly influential and distinctive contributions to the genre of supernatural fiction. Born on June 27, 1914, in London, England, Aickman spent much of his life exploring his passion for writing and exploring the depths of the human psyche through his unique brand of storytelling.

Aickman's early life was marked by a fascination with the strange and macabre. As a child, he developed an interest in ghost stories and the supernatural, which would later become significant themes in his works. He attended Highgate School in London and went on to study law at Cambridge University, although he eventually chose not to pursue a legal career.

Instead, Aickman became deeply involved in various literary endeavors. He co-founded the Inland Waterways Association, an organization dedicated to preserving Britain's canal systems, and served as its chairman for many years. This passion for the waterways and their mysteries would find its way into some of his stories, where canals often serve as eerie and unsettling settings.

Aickman's writing career began in the late 1940s, and he initially focused on non-fiction. He worked as a critic, reviewer, and editor, writing for magazines such as the London Mercury and the Times Literary Supplement. During this time, he became acquainted with many prominent literary figures, including J.R.R. Tolkien, who became a friend and a source of inspiration.

However, it was in the realm of short stories that Aickman truly made his mark. His first collection, "We Are for the Dark," was published in 1951, followed by several other collections over the years. Aickman's stories are characterized by their atmospheric prose, subtle psychological horror, and an emphasis on the uncanny and the unknown. His tales often feature ordinary characters thrust into extraordinary and unsettling situations, where the line between reality and the supernatural becomes blurred.

Aickman's writing gained critical acclaim and a devoted following, particularly among fellow authors and aficionados of weird fiction. His unique style and narrative approach set him apart from other writers of his time. His works have been praised for their ability to evoke a sense of unease and disquietude, exploring the hidden fears and desires lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.

Although Aickman's writing career was relatively short-lived, spanning roughly three decades, his impact on the genre cannot be overstated. He received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1981. Despite this recognition, Aickman's work remained somewhat underappreciated during his lifetime, but his reputation has grown steadily in the years since his death.

Robert Aickman passed away on February 26, 1981, in London, leaving behind a rich legacy of unsettling and enigmatic tales. His stories continue to captivate readers with their haunting atmosphere, intricate subtleties, and exploration of the strange and inexplicable. Aickman's unique vision and distinctive voice ensure his enduring place as one of the most original and influential authors in the realm of supernatural fiction.

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n this classic ghost story by E.F. Benson, two friends rent an idyllic country house for a month of fishing, only to find themselves haunted by a malevolent presence. As the strange occurrences escalate, they begin to uncover the dark secrets of the house and its former occupants. This eerie tale will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Narrated with audiobook quality, this reading of "The House With The Brick-Kiln" is perfect for fans of classic horror and ghost stories. Sit back, relax, and let the haunting tale unfold in your ears.

Hashtags:
#horror #ghoststory #audiobook #classicliterature #EFBenson #hauntedhouse #spooky #creepy #reading #narration #horrorfiction #audiobooks

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Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu was an Irish writer born on August 28, 1814, in Dublin, Ireland. He was the third son of a Protestant family with French origins.

Le Fanu received his early education at Trinity College, Dublin, but left before finishing his degree to pursue a career in journalism. He quickly established himself as a successful writer, publishing stories in various magazines and newspapers.

In the 1840s, Le Fanu began to focus more on fiction writing, and his works began to gain wider recognition. His most famous novel, "Uncle Silas," was published in 1864 and is considered a classic of Victorian Gothic literature. Other notable works include "In a Glass Darkly" and "Carmilla."

Le Fanu's writing style was characterized by a strong sense of atmosphere and suspense, often incorporating supernatural elements. He was known for his ability to create vivid and memorable characters, particularly his strong female protagonists.

Despite his success as a writer, Le Fanu's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and infant daughter to childbirth complications, and his health began to decline in the late 1860s. He died on February 7, 1873, at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy as one of Ireland's most important literary figures.

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This episode features an audiobook reading of William Hope Hodgson's classic horror story, "The Voice in the Night." The story is set on a small sailing vessel in the North Pacific Ocean and centers around a mysterious voice calling out from the darkness. 

The audiobook reading is filled with suspense and tension, as the characters encounter strange and unsettling occurrences on a deserted island.

Listeners will be transported to a world of terror and horror as they follow the story to its chilling conclusion. 

 #TheVoiceInTheNight, #horrorstory, #audiobook, and #WilliamHopeHodgson.

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P. G. Wodehouse

Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse, popularly known as P. G. Wodehouse, was a British humorist and author who was born on October 15, 1881, in Guildford, Surrey, England. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic writers in English literature and is best known for his humorous and cleverly written novels and short stories featuring the characters of Jeeves and Wooster, Psmith, and Blandings Castle.

Wodehouse was the son of a British judge who worked in Hong Kong. His mother was a talented writer who encouraged his love of reading and writing. Wodehouse was educated at Dulwich College and later at the University of Oxford. However, he left the university without completing his degree and decided to pursue a career as a writer.

Wodehouse started his writing career as a journalist and humorist for various magazines and newspapers, including Punch and The Strand Magazine. His first book, The Pothunters, was published in 1902, and he went on to publish over 90 books, including novels, collections of short stories, and plays.

In 1914, Wodehouse moved to the United States, where he continued to write and became a popular figure in the literary and social circles of New York. During World War II, Wodehouse was living in France, and he was taken prisoner by the Germans. He spent several months in a detention camp and was later released, but the controversy surrounding his imprisonment caused him to leave England and move permanently to the United States.

Throughout his career, Wodehouse's writing was celebrated for its wit, humor, and impeccable comic timing. His characters, such as the hapless Bertie Wooster and his valet Jeeves, became iconic figures in popular culture and are still widely recognized today. Wodehouse was awarded numerous honors during his lifetime, including knighthood in 1975, but he is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the world of humorous literature.

Wodehouse continued to write until his death on February 14, 1975, at the age of 93. Today, his works are still beloved by readers around the world and are considered timeless classics of English literature.

Despite his immense popularity as a writer, Wodehouse was not immune to controversy. In particular, his decision to continue writing and publishing works during World War II while living in France was criticized by some as being unpatriotic. This controversy led Wodehouse to leave England and move permanently to the United States. Despite this controversy, Wodehouse continued to write and remained a prolific author throughout his life. He was married twice in his life, first to Ethel Wayman in 1914 and later to Ethel's former secretary, Edith de Selincourt, in 1947.

It's true that P.G. Wodehouse never officially divorced Ethel Wayman, but after they separated in 1921, they essentially lived separate lives. In 1947, Wodehouse married his second wife, Edith de Selincourt. Ethel Wayman was still alive at the time of their marriage, but she had been living in a psychiatric hospital for several years and was reportedly unable to communicate. 

In 1914, Wayman married P.G. Wodehouse, who was working as a lyricist for musicals at the time. The couple had a turbulent marriage, and they separated in 1921, but they never officially divorced. After their separation, Wayman continued to work as an actress, appearing in films and on stage.

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Francis Marion Crawford was an American author and journalist who lived from 1854 to 1909. He was born in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, to a family of art connoisseurs and spent much of his childhood traveling throughout Europe. Crawford attended Harvard University for a year before leaving to pursue a career in writing.

Crawford began his writing career as a journalist, working for several newspapers and magazines such as the New York Tribune and the Boston Evening Transcript. He wrote travel books and essays about his experiences living in Italy, and these early works were well received.

In 1882, Crawford published his first novel, "Mr. Isaacs," which was a critical and commercial success. He went on to write over 40 novels, as well as numerous short stories, essays, and plays. Many of his works were set in Italy and drew on his experiences living there, including some of his best-known novels such as "Saracinesca," "Sant' Ilario," and "Casa Braccio."

Aside from his success as a writer, Crawford was also descended from a long line of artists and writers. His grandfather, William Crawford, was an American portrait painter, and his great-grandfather, Gilbert Stuart, painted George Washington's portrait. Crawford's father, Thomas Crawford, was a successful sculptor who created several prominent public sculptures in the United States, including the statue of Freedom on top of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Crawford's novels explored complex themes such as love, betrayal, and social class, and his characters often struggled with their own personal demons, making them relatable to readers across time and place. Crawford was considered one of the leading writers of his day and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He was awarded several honorary degrees from universities in the United States and Europe.

Despite his success, Crawford was known for his private nature and his avoidance of public appearances. He was married twice and had four children. Crawford died in Sorrento, Italy, on April 9, 1909, at the age of 54. His works continue to be read and enjoyed today for their vivid depictions of Italian society, their engaging characters, and their ability to transport readers to other times and places.

The Upper Berth
"The Upper Berth" is a horror story by F. Marion Crawford, first published in 1886. 

One of the strengths of "The Upper Berth" is Crawford's ability to create a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere. He builds tension throughout the story, gradually revealing more and more about the strange happenings in Brisbane's cabin. The descriptions of the creaking ship, the eerie silence of the night, and the mysterious noises from the upper berth all add to the story's creepy atmosphere.

However, one of the flaws of "The Upper Berth" is its reliance on clichés and stereotypes. The story includes many of the standard tropes of horror stories, such as the lone traveler in a strange place, the creepy sounds in the night, and the mysterious disappearance of previous passengers. Additionally, the story relies on stereotypes of sailors as rough and superstitious, which can be off-putting to modern readers.

Overall, "The Upper Berth" is a well-written horror story that effectively creates a sense of suspense and unease. While it may rely on some clichés and stereotypes, it remains a classic example of the genre and is worth readi

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Step back in time to Victorian Paris, a city of mystery and intrigue, where danger lurks around every corner and secrets are hidden behind every closed door. In this podcast episode, you will be transported to the heart of the City of Lights, where a thrilling tale of suspense and intrigue awaits.

"A Terribly Strange Bed" is a little gem of a story, published in 1852 by the master of suspense himself, Wilkie Collins. The story follows the protagonist, who is bored of his usual respectable haunts and decides to venture into a low down gambling den, where he begins to win, and win, and win.

However, as the night wears on, our protagonist finds himself caught up in a web of danger and intrigue that he could never have imagined. The stakes become higher and higher, until he finds himself in a situation where his very life is at risk.

So, if you're in the mood for a thrilling tale of danger and intrigue, look no further than "A Terribly Strange Bed." This little gem of a story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, and remind you why Wilkie Collins is considered one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era.

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In this episode, we delve into the dark and unsettling world of Robert W. Chambers' short story "The Repairer of Reputations." Join us as we explore the mind of an unreliable narrator, Hildred Castaigne, and his delusional quest for power and revenge. As we uncover the secrets of Castaigne's dystopian world and his belief in a cursed play called "The King in Yellow," we confront the disturbing and thought-provoking themes of madness, manipulation, and the fragility of reality. Buckle up for a journey into the unknown, as we dissect one of Chambers' most iconic and haunting stories.

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ames Hogg (1770-1835) was a Scottish poet, novelist, and essayist known for his work in the Romantic literary movement. He was born in the small village of Ettrick in the Scottish Borders, and his upbringing was marked by poverty and hardship.

Hogg's father was a shepherd, and Hogg himself worked as a shepherd for much of his youth. However, he had a passion for literature and began writing poetry and prose at an early age. Despite his lack of formal education, Hogg was a talented writer, and he began to gain recognition for his work in the early 1800s.

His first major publication was "The Mountain Bard" (1807), a collection of poems that celebrated the rural life and landscape of Scotland. This was followed by his most famous work, "The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner" (1824), a novel that explored themes of good and evil, religious fanaticism, and psychological horror.

In addition to his writing, Hogg was known for his eccentric personality and his love of Scottish folklore and tradition. He was a close friend of other Scottish writers such as Walter Scott and Robert Burns, and he was a frequent visitor to literary salons and gatherings in Edinburgh.

Despite his literary success, Hogg struggled with financial difficulties for much of his life. He continued to write and publish until his death in 1835, and he is remembered as one of Scotland's most important writers of the Romantic period.

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Join The Classic Ghost Stories Podcast for a thrilling reading of 'Our Feathered Friends' by renowned British author Philip MacDonald. 

Originally published in 1931, this haunting tale takes place on a blistering hot summer's day, when a young couple ventures into the cool shade of an isolated forest and encounters an unexpected and terrifying phenomenon. 

The story's unexpected twists and turns are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you experience one of the masters of detective and mystery fiction at work. Don't miss this gripping short story, which hints at something unusual and chilling lurking within the depths of the forest.

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M. R. James's The Tractate Middoth is a classic ghost story  first published in 1911. 

This short story takes place in a library and is about a mysterious book called the Tractate Middoth. The book holds the key to righting a family wrong, but the evil deceased  has made it as difficult as possible to prolong the agony of his heirs.

Follow the main character, a librarian, as he becomes obsessed with finding out the secrets of a book and is pulled deeper and deeper into a dark and scary world. 

Listen to "The Tractate Middoth" audiobook episode today on The Classic. Ghost Stories Podcast and get lost in the creepy atmosphere of this masterful work.

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Join Tony as we explore Edward Bulwer-Lytton's classic short story, 'The House & The Brain'. This captivating tale, first published in 1859, follows a narrator as he investigates the strange occurrences in a haunted house. The story is notable for its suspenseful atmosphere, its examination of the power of the human mind, and its timeless themes. This is an engaging listen for those interested in the Gothic horror genre."

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Rosemary Timperley was born in 1920 in North London and died in November 1988. Her father was an architect and her mother a teacher. Timperley went to her local girls school and became a teacher herself. 

She taught English and History in a state school. Her pupils said she was a very dramatic figure (she ran the drama club) and wore long swirling black dresses with long drop or hoop earrings.

In 33 years, she published 66 novels and several hundred short stories. However, her ghost stories are the ones that people remember the most. 

She was editor of various editions of the Pan Ghost Book, including the 5th. This story The Mistress In Black was taken from that book published 1969.

Many of her short stories were published in magazines such as The New Yorker, Harper's Bazaar, and The Atlantic Monthly. Timperley's work often dealt with supernatural and paranormal themes, and she was considered a master of the ghost story genre. She also wrote several non-fiction books and articles on subjects such as writing and the supernatural. Timperley passed away in 1988.

While she was a teacher she began to submit her stories to magazine and they began to be accepted. She became a staff writer and agony aunt on the magazine Reveille. She lived in Richmond, Surrey  for many years. Many of her stories are set in London.

During the Second World War she worked at the Citizens’ Advice Bureau in Kensington, London. She got married to a Physics teacher in 1952 and they lived in Essex just outside London. They separated in the early 1960s according to some sources, but they appear to have been officially married until his death in 1968.

Timperley managed to travel widely across the world despite her hectic writing schedule, visiting Italy (a number of her works are set in Venice), Morocco, Belgium, Russia, and Greece. 

Timperley's publisher, Robert Hale, stated that her first-hand knowledge of other nations and diversified work experience inspired her novels, plays, and short tales. Indeed, Timperley is believed to have worked as a waitress, a counter assistant in a police canteen, a typewriter, and an artist's model before becoming a freelance writer. Timperley had to spend several months in the hospital in 1964 because of a serious illness. 

Timperley began working as an auxilary nurse in a Surrey hospital shortly after this life-changing encounter. Her time in this industry surely influenced works such as The Tragedy Business (1969), The Haunted Garden (1966), and The Washers-Up (1967). (1968). She was also inspired by her experience as a teacher, as evident by the fact that children play a significant role in most of her work. Furthermore, the background of her first two novels is thought to have been inspired by her own childhood experience at Hornsey High School. 

Timperley spent much of her life in the London suburb of Richmond, and many of her stories are set there. Timperley was well-versed in London, and her novels, in particular, contain numerous references to various locales in the city. Reading her anecdotes, it's clear that Timperley travelled by tube and bus a lot, avoiding the use of a car  and, while being city born and bred, loved open landscapes and desired to live an uncluttered, "carefree" existence.

In 1961 she mentions she is living in an old-fashioned flat and living on coffee, pink-gin and cigarettes. 

She lived a quite, reclusive life until her death

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Edith Wharton's "Afterward" is a haunting and evocative audiobook. It is about a young woman named Mary Boyne, who moves with her husband into an old house at Lyng and jokes about whether or not it has a ghost. It does, her friend admits, but you won't notice it for a long time.

The narrator's voice will immerse you in the story, adding to the eerie atmosphere, making it an unforgettable listening experience.

Don't miss out on this classic ghost story from the pen of one of America's greatest authors, and experience the story like never before in its audiobook form.

I must admit that ChatGTP wrote the last two paragraphs. It wrote a lot of nonsense about the story being about a ghost of a maid who died in a fire and it got the heroine’s name wrong, but otherwise it was fun.

ChatGTP has my back. It wrote:

"Calling all ghost story enthusiasts! 

Are you looking for a spook-tacular way to support your favorite narrator and gain access to an ad-free library of nearly 200 stories? 

Look no further! By signing up for my Patreon, you'll not only be supporting my work, but you'll also be gaining access to exclusive perks such as a member's only audio story every month, the ability to join the Classic Ghost Stories podcast chatroom on Discord and the chance to talk to me on the fortnightly book club. 

But that's not all, you'll also be joining a community of like-minded ghost story lovers who share your passion. 

Don't miss out on this hauntingly good deal. Sign up for my Patreon today, and thank you to all my supporters who already have!"

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Thank you to Steven Shipman for recommending this story.

The Lonesome Place was published by August Derleth in 1962 in a collection known as Lonesome Places.

You can still find copies but they are expensive.

I read the story and then say how great I thought it was followed by various rambles into barely related subjects.

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The Shadow by E Nesbit is a masterful story of an apparition that signifies death. It is set in a large house with servants in England at the end of the 19th or beginning of the 20th Century.  A Christmas party was held in the old manor house, the men have gone to billiards and left a group of young women to tell ghost stories. Then Miss Eastwich, the housekeeper is invited in and tells a real ghost story of her own.

E. Nesbit was a famous and prolific woman writer for children who had a sideline in creepy ghost stories.

The Shadow is a great story for Christmas or any other time. I really enjoyed reading it for you.

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Dickens's second Christmas story is called "The Chimes." The main character in this story is an old messenger Toby Veck who has lost hope in people. 

He is drawn to a church's bell tower, where he meets the ghosts of the bells and the goblins who help them. He learns through a series of visions why he shouldn't give up hope that people can change for the better.

Though called a Christmas Story, it actually happens on New Year's Eve and a big theme of the story is closing off the business of the New Year and looking forward with hope to the new one.

Again, Dickens's sympathies lie with the impoverished working classes whom he paints (on the whole) as kind to each other and human as opposed to the wealthy who are seen as shallow, hypocritical and cruel.

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Frederick McCarthy Forsyth CBE is an English author and journalist. He was born on August 25, 1938.

A former RAF pilot and investigative journalist, created the modern thriller when he wrote The Day of The Jackal

He is best known for thrillers like The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, The Fourth Protocol, The Dogs of War, The Devil's Alternative, The Fist of God, Icon, The Veteran, Avenger, The Afghan, The Cobra, and The Kill List.

Forsyth's books are often on lists of the best-selling books, and more than a dozen of them have been made into movies. By 2006, more than 70 million copies of his books had been sold in more than 30 languages.

The Shepherd tells the story of a De Havilland Vampire pilot who is going home on Christmas Eve, 1957. On the way from RAF Celle in northern Germany to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England, his plane loses all of its electricity. He gets lost in fog over the North Sea and is almost out of gas when he runs into a De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber that seems to have been sent up to "shepherd" him in.

The main themes of the story are how he is guided to a safe landing and how he tries to find the pilot who saved him.

Forsyth wrote this original piece as a Christmas present for his first wife Carrie, who had asked him to write her a ghost story. The story was written on Christmas Day, 1974, and came out around the same time the next year. The idea came to the author when he was trying to think of a setting that wasn't a haunted house and saw planes flying overhead. Many people have thought that the references were to old RAF stories. Even though Forsyth is a former RAF pilot and could have heard and changed such a story (whether on purpose or not), no references or personal stories have been given to back up such claims.

Since 1979, the story has been told on the Canadian news show As It Happens on CBC Radio One. It is always read by Alan Maitland and is always on the last episode, which is always on or before Christmas Eve. As it Happens had a 50th anniversary special in 2018, and Carol Off, Michael Enright, and Tom Power read lines from The Shepherd to honour the tradition.

On December 14, 2014, in London, at St. Clement Danes, the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, actor Nigel Anthony put on an original version of The Shepherd by Amber Barnfather, complete with music and sound effects. Frederick Forsyth opened the show, which raised money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. David Chilton was in charge of the sound, and the Saint Martin Singers sang a cappella pieces.

John Travolta confirmed in 2022 that he is making a movie version of The Shepherd right now.

Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Audiobook

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One of my own stories, specially written for Christmas 2022. It’s a very personal story, and you may find it a little sentimental, but it is my Christmas present to those listeners who are happy to receive it from me.

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https://amzn.to/3Uu4kGX (affiliate link)

A most wonderful Christmas Ghost story. I know I tend to over-enthuse, but Green Holly by Elizabeth Bowen is, for me, one of the best ghost stories in English from the mid-20th Century.

Bowen removes ghosts from their history of clanking and scaring and contrasts them with the ordinary world or ordinary importance (the war effort in 1944) and suggests that our aspirations for romance and glamour are phantasms, which nevertheless we prefer to real life.

See what you think.

Elizabeth Bowen (1899 to 1973-Dublin). Bowen believed in ghosts and other strange things. Her stories about England during World War I. Bowen did not just sit back and watch the war. She was an air raid warden. When bombs fell, she walked her route to make sure people were in shelters and had turned off their lights. When she was writing her stories, it wasn't at all clear who would win the war. Bowen later said that she had never felt more alive than when the blitz was going on.


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The Ghost of Jerry Bundler by W. W. Jacobs is Jacob's second most famous supernatural fiction short story after The Monkey's Paw. It's a Christmas Ghost story set in the bar of an old coaching inn in an English country town just a few days short of Christmas. A group of travellers find themselves having to stay over Christmas at the haunted inn and begin to entertain and ultimately terrify themselves.

A spooky little story for Christmas ghosts with a twist at the end that deserves its place on any podcast that reads out classic horror audiobooks.


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Remember I have members only stories too!

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A Fall of Snow by James Turner is a beautifully written and poignant story about a childhood visit to his uncle and a mysterious happening that stayed with him for the rest of his life. The story is set in a large house at Christmas, which is situated in the English County of Suffolk. It is a tale about family, loss, love, and friendship, and it is told in Turner's trademark lyrical style. It is an excellent read for anyone who loves atmospheric stories that explore the human condition.

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The Magic Shop by H G Wells was published in 1903. "The Magic Shop" is a fantasy short story about a little English boy named Gip who wanted his father to take him into a magic shop they found while walking. They don't know that what they're about to see in the magic shop will permanently change both of their lives.

A whimsical story on a similar theme to a previous story we read out on The Classic Ghost Stories Podcast: The Door In The Wall. H G Wells is saying that there is a world of magic and wonder that is always present and can be seen with those who have innocent and wondering eyes and hearts. But our ability to see it gets duller as we get tied up with the necessities of modern living and so we may miss our chance at wonder. A perfect bedtime story.

A sweet and lovely audiobook story with only a tiny bit of horror and not much sci fi (science fiction)

#audiobook #magicshop #ToyShop #FullAudiobook #Fantasyfiction

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is the classic Halloween story. It appears to be a ghost story, but is it?

It was published in 1819 and has some classic features of later horror stories and contemporary Gothic tropes.  

In summary, a hapless, awkward, greedy, and self-opinionated schoolmaster fancies he has a chance with the coquettish 18-year-old daughter of a local landowner. He wants to marry her as much for the monetary rewards and food as for her own charms. 

But this Ichabod Crane had to contend with a headless horseman in this earliest of spooky tales.

It's a book in itself, albeit a short one, and the tale is very well written by author Washington Irving, who injects wry humor and who clearly was a great observer of human character and failings. 

It was made into a scary movie by Tim Burton

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The Dead is is the last story, and the longest from James Joyce's 1914 short stories collection: Dubliners. It is longer than the rest, being more like a novella. It is considered one of the classics of Irish literature, and possibly the best literary short fiction in the English language.

Dubliners is a rich and generous story and though Joyce was considered a pioneer of modernist literature, with his 1922 novel Ulysses and especially with Finnegans Wake in 1939.

Joyce left Ireland in 1904 and lived abroad in Trieste, Switzerland and Paris and never really lived in Dublin again but his books and all his writing are set among the people and places he grew up amongst.

See a full analysis and summary here: https://www.ghostpod.org/2022/11/05/the-dead-by-james-joyce-analysis/

This audio book reading is by Tony Walker of The Classic Ghost Stories Podcast.  

It was made into a film in 1987, by John Huston starring Anjelica Huston and Donal McCann. 

Download my narrations of some stories at my Bandcamp site
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https://www.ghostpod.org/2022/11/05/the-dead-by-james-joyce-analysis/

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The Company of Wolves by Angela Carter is a work of genius. There, I've said it.

The Company of Wolves by Angela Carter is a short story from her collection The Bloody Chamber published in 1979 that was made into the 1984 film called, surprisingly The Company of Wolves, by Neil Jordan and starring, amongst others, Angela Lansbury.

In summary, the story is a version of the Little Red Riding Hood folk story or fairy tale but with a modern, possibly feminist, certainly gothic twist. It's no secret that it involves werewolves, the threatening kind not the Kindle book kind, of which no more shall be mentioned. There is also a grandmother who gets eaten. A simmering of a young girl's sexual awakening underlies Angela Carter's story, but it's all done in the best possible taste (unlike the Kindle werewolf books of which I promised I would say nothing)

Here is a short analysis of The Company of Wolves.

The story begins by setting up the milieu: a peasant community in a north European forest that struggles to survive in the winter and has to guard itself against the common predators. Not only are there common predators but there are werewolves too which are the worst combination of the savage wolf and the savage man . The worst wolves are hairy on the inside.

The Little Red Riding Hood avatar, a cocky, spoiled young girl goes walking through the dangerous wood. She is savvy enough to carry a knife and keep to the path. Unlike in the myth of Little Red Riding Hood where the Huntsman and the Wolf are separate figures, in this story they are one. 

The girl is in the cusp of womanhood but still intact. Even so she has an interest in such things as kissing. She has a bet with the Huntsman about who will arrive first at Granny's cottage. If she loses she has to give him a kiss so she dawdles so that she will deliberately lose.

He is a hungry wolf and has already not been able to resist snacking on his pheasant. The old granny is no match for him. An old woman at the edge of death, she cannot seduce him so he eats her.

It is clear that his initial interest in all these women is culinary not sexual: he wants to eat them only.

Red Riding Hood arrives next. She soon guesses that this is the wolf and that he has eaten her granny and that she is in real danger of him doing the same to her.

I think Carter had three options here: 

1. Little Red Riding Hood as weak woman victim who has to be saved by a man. As someone writing feminist literature, it's not surprising Carter didn't choose this.
2. An all men are evil feminist version where the woman kills the wolf herself
3. Or far better ending she did choose. Our Little Red Riding Hood is brave and competent and she knows the power she has over werewolves, which is the power she has over the male part of the beast. She knew she was no one's meat and with her seduction, she charms the violence of the male through the realisation and use of her power as a woman. And so the beast is tamed through the Savage Wedding

In this vision, the best relationship between man and woman is one of partnership, and that violence has no place within their loving and physical relationship.

However, violence might be needed outside the home where it is proper to protect the people and the community.







#AngelaLansbury #NeilJordan #LittleRedRidingHood

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 Ray Bradbury wrote "The Witch Door" in 1995.

The main characters live in a dilapidated New England farmhouse. They've come to escape from the totalitarian Government and collapsing cities. 

One night, one night, they hear a hammering on the Witch Door in their house.

The witch door dates back to 1680 when people used it to hide witches from the Salme Witch Trials.

The noises grow louder and a woman bursts out of the tiny room behind the door and woman dashes out into the night.   Set in the future, The Witch Door is that mixes science fiction and dystopian futures with a witch thrown in to make the point.

A woman friend of theirs who is on the run from the Government, arrives and asks the to hide her.

They put her in the room beyond the Witch Door.


#fullaudiobook #books #bradbury #raybradbury #audiobook

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The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral by M R James was published in 1910. It is one of Montague Rhodes James's most famous and best loved, or most feared, stories. As often with M R James, these are not just comforting cuddly ghosts — the ghost cat is decidedly disturbing — but there is something scary and demonic about the stalls themselves.

Thanks to Gavin Critchley for sponsoring this Halloween 2022 episode of The Classic Ghost Stories Podcast. It's not the first he has sponsored but his kindness has allowed me to do this for all of you. Thank you, Gavin.

The stalls are the wooden seats in a cathedral where the clergy and other officials of the church sit.  Not for the first time either do I see something decidedly folk horror in James's work with reference to the old tree that was used for unspeakable old folk things being the substances of the stalls. 

The BBC did a well-loved ghost story for Christmas of The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral, but this is my audio book version for you.

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Happy Halloween! A disturbing and scary tale that will be performed live in Whitehaven this Halloween as part of our Eerie Cumbria programme.

I hope you will be suitably disturbed by it, even it you don't live in Whitehaven.

You can listen to my version of Dracula free on Bandcamp (you get to play each chapter 3 x before you have to pay a cent) if you need more Halloween vibes.

https://theclassicghoststoriespodcast.bandcamp.com/album/dracula-by-bram-stoker

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Sardonicus by Ray Russell is possibly the best Gothic horror story written in the 20th century.  Ray Russell's mastery of language elevates this piece of genre fiction into literature.  

Russell's reading of character and masterful portrayal of dark nuances are evident. It is such quality even though the author wrote it for Playboy magazine. This tale is perfect for Halloween, but it's captivating all year long. 
It features a castle with a strange master, a beautiful woman in trouble,  individuals, disfigurement, an isolated setting, and a perplexing plot that our protagonist must unravel. 
Ray Russell serves as a link between contemporary masters of the dark like Thomas Ligotti and classic goth favourites like Dracula. 

It was published in 1961 and adapted into the movie Mr Sardonicus the same year, showing that its quality was instantly recognised

Sadly, little this gothic masterpiece is little read now, but Sardonicus deserves to be resurrected!

#audiobook #freeaudiobooks #audiobooksfulllength #audiobooktube #booklover #audible

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Basil Netherby is a masterpiece of brooding supernatural fiction. This unabridged audio book style story narrates a ghost story or a story of possession. 

Basil Netherby has many of the elements of gothic literature. It was written by Arthur or A.C. Benson, the brother of E. F. Benson. It has elements of M. R. James, who was a personal friend of A C Benson and is even reminiscent of H. P. Lovecraft at times in the idea of immense supernatural forces that cannot be beaten. Or can they?

#ClassicHorror #SupernaturalFiction #HorrorAudiobook #ArthurChristopherBenson #GothicHorror #GhostStory #OccultLiterature #shortStory #GothicLiterature

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Brickett Bottom by Amyas Northcote is about a mysterious house deep in the woods that no one but lonely young girls can see. There is a dark secret to this house in the forest, as you will discover.

Amyas Northcote was the son of an English aristocratic family. This story was published in his one collection of ghost stories: "Ghostly Company". Though it was published in 1921, I think there is something genuinely eerie and even scary about the fate of the girl.

Northcote has been compared to M R James but this story reminded me more of Arthur Machen and Algernon Blackwood's The Man Whom The Trees Loved.

Brickett Bottom by Amyas Northcote

Jay Rothermel’s blog Easily Distracted

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This story by Nugent Barker comes from his anthology Written By My Left Hand, which I guess is a pointer to the fact that they deal with things that emerge from the night side of the mind, the subconscious. It is a story about the Devouring Mother told in a dream-like way. It's horror for sure. It's short and leaves you scratching your head, yet it is told in a familiar way from ghost stories where gentlemen are sitting in their study around a blazing fire sipping whiskey toddies while they swap scary stories. The content of the story is less than straightforward though. You have the benefit of my thoughts afterwards.

Just for you, here's a link to this whole book online as a PDF

https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/luminist/EB/B/Barker%20-%20Written%20With%20My%20Left%20Hand.pdf

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#audiobook #horroraudiobook #freeaudiobook #horror #classicghoststories

The story is reminiscent of Robert Aickman or Bruno Schulz for its uncanny unnerving weirdness.

#freeaudiobooks #weirdtales #horror 

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The Birds by Daphne du Maurier was adapted into the 1963 horror thriller movie The Birds by Alfred Hitchcock. Daphne du Maurier wrote horror and mystery and crime stories and the birds can be considered science fiction. She was a master of storytelling and character building in English literature. The Birds concerns a bird attack in a horror story version of the near future when nature has been twisted by humankind – a kind of pandemic. 

Her two other most famous stories which were made into films were Rebecca (also directed by Alfred Hitchcock) and Don't Look Now by Nicolas Roeg

This unabridged audio book version is narrated by Tony Walker of The Classic Ghost Stories Podcast with an analysis and summary at the end. #AudioDrama #RadioDrama #TheBirds 

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The Outcast by E F Benson

First we are introduced to Mrs Bertha Acres through the eyes of Tony and his wife Madge. The initial incident is her husband shooting himself due to detesting her. That is the first sign we have that this lady is to be the subject of the story and it is enough to make us prick up our ears and raise questions about her. 

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We next have the description of the domestic scene in the little home and little village and here we see the wit of the humorist of upper middle-class social situations that came to the fore in the famous Mapp and Lucia series that made his name. 

The theme of reincarnation is set by the brother-in-law Sir Charles Alington, particularly that a reincarnated spirit  can inhabit a male or female body.

Then we are told the evil history of the Gate House and that one brother betrayed his brother for being a Catholic and then repented. Remember the end takes place around Easter, Judas Iscariot is mentioned. Benson’s father was a vicar and his brother a priest. Are these hearkenings to the Easter story: betrayal, sin and reincarnation an intentional inversion?   The body is in the water three days (note three, surely not a coincidence?) and no corruption has come to it.  It’s like an antichrist or Judas figure.    

The end, the purging by fire may represent the expiation of the sin of betrayal by this spirit who was forced to live again and again and wander without rest. The Flying Dutchman, the Wandering Jew.  

In terms of style, it seemed to me that the story is made up of two. There is the witty social commentary (that we also find in The Pallinghurst Barrow by Grant Allen) poking fun at the haut bourgeois, and then a masterfully creepy horror story. Benson is unequalled I think it writing these scenes. First the body in the sack that tumbles over and follows Made (though that was reminiscent of Oh Whistle and I’ll Come to You) 

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Pallinghurst Barrow by Grant Allen

A horror story about spirits who linger in old places in the English countryisde. Published 1892. Suggested by Susan Tudor-Coulson
 
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Grant Allen

Charles Grant Blairfindie Allen was born in 1848 on Wolfe Island in Ontario in Ca nada and died in Haselmere in Surrey aged 51. His father was from Dublin and he was a protestant minister. He was educated at home and then when he was 13, his family moved to the USA, then to France then to Britain. He was educated at King Edward’s School in Birmingham (where Tolkien later went amongst other famous alumni) and then at Merton College in Oxford. He went to teach in Brighton and in Jamaica. He returned to Britain from Jamaica and began to write professionally. He was most famous for his scientific essays. But he also wrote science fiction. 

He was an atheist and socialist. He was married twice. He died of liver cancer in 1899. He was a friend and neighbour of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Chanctonbury Ring, Old Weird Albion

The Old Weird Albion | Justin Hopper || Landscape, Memory & Myth

I mention how much I enjoy the work of Justin Hopper.  Chanctonbury Rings – a spoke word and music album made with folk artist Sharron Kraus and Ghost Box Records co-founder The Belbury Poly (Ghost Box). 

Long Barrows were the product of a late Stone Age civilisation with additions from Bronze Age folk. They are particularly to be found in Wessex and the south and west of England. But of course megalithic structures of similar types can be found all over Atlantic Europe. Nobody would suggest that the so-called Picts created them.

Theosophists & Madam Blavatsky

The Theosophical Society was created mainly by Madame Helena Blavatsky who had a background in Spiritualism. This was a time of religious change with a huge upsurge in Spiritualism. The first lodge was in Scotland. There were influences from western Occultism, but also Hinduism and Buddhism and they talked about the ascended masters. These ascended masters included Abraham, Moses, Solomon, Jesus but also the Buddha, Confucious and Lao Tzu but also Mesmer, Bohme and Cagliostro.  Theosophy has evolved into the New Age.

Mrs Bruce (the esoteric Buddhist) seems to be one of these.

Ghosts

The story reports that we only see the ghosts from periods within our knowledge.  But of course this is not true. Many ghosts are not really identifiable at all. 

Flint and iron

This is an old piece of folklore

Cannabis Indica

Indeed. No wonder he saw visions.

Fiddlers Green, Clint Marsh

Fiddler’s Green Peculiar Parish Magazine

I love this 'zine. As the Clint Marsh says,
*Fiddler’s Green Peculiar Parish Magazine was born of a languid afternoon of conversation on a sunny tavern lawn. Taking its name from the pleasant afterlife dreamed into being by sailors, cavalrymen, and other adventu

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The Doll by Daphne du Maurier

Dame Daphne du Maurier, Lady Browning was born in 1907 in London in 1931 and died in 1989 in Cornwall. She is a famous novelist with such best-sellers as Rebecca, Frenchman’s Creek, The Birds and the novella Don’t Look Now. This story is taken from a collection of short stories written before her famous novels. She was clearly fond of the name Rebecca for the dark-spirited anima-like femme fatale.

I did a recording of Don’t Look Now, which has proved to be my most popular recording on Youtube.

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Her father was an actor and theatre manager who was knighted for her services to the arts.  Her mother Muriel Beaumont was also an actress.   Daphne’s sister Angela was also an author and an actress and her other sister Jeanne who was part of the painter colony in St Ives Cornwall.  Daphne and her sister Jeanne look very like their mother in the photographs on the internet.  Their cousins were the inspiration for the children in J M Barrie’s Peter Pan.  Her great-great-grandmother was mistress of Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany. 

She was born when the family were living in a rather grand house on Cumberland Terrace on the eastern side of Regent’s Park in a house that is now a grade I listed building designed by the famous architect John Nash. Her father’s success made this possible. 

She was born in a house Daphne du Maurier became more reclusive as she got more famous and spent her time n her beloved Cornwall. As she grew, the family had two houses — one in Hampstead, north London ( a grade II listed building from 1720) and a house in Fowey, Cornwall, where they lived exclusively during the Second World War.  She got married to a prominent soldier and had three children, of whom both girls married prominent soldiers. 

The Wiki notes that her marriage was somewhat chilly and she herself could be distant from her children. Her husband died in 1965, when she was 34.  She moved permanently to Kilmarth, Cornwall. She was made a dame (equivalent of a knight) in 1969 but was very reticent about mentioning it and never made much of it. After she died in 1989, biographers discussed whether she was a lesbian. Her sister Jeanne had a close relationship with another woman. She notes that her father always wanted a son and so she was a tomboy. Her children denied that she was a lesbian. When she died of heart failure aged 81, her body was privately cremated.  In her obituary, Kate Kellaway said: “Du Maurier was mistress of calculated irresolution. She did not want to put her readers’ minds at rest. She wanted her riddles to persist. She wanted the novels to continue to haunt us beyond their endings.”

The Doll

This story was published in 1937, that is two years after the death of her husband, and one year before the publication of Rebecca.   Apparently she was only 21 when she wrote The Doll. 

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A Pair of Muddy Shoes by Lennox Robinson

Lennox Robinson was an Irish author, poet, dramatist and theatre produce who was born in Westgrove, County Cork, Ireland in 1886 the son of a Protestant clergyman, who had previously been a stockbroker. Lennox (fully Esme Stuart Lennox Robinson) was often ill as a child and educated by private tutor and at a Church of Ireland (that is the Protestant Anglican Church) School.  He became interested in drama when he saw a production by W B Yeats and Lady Gregory at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin when he was 21.

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His play Cross Roads was produced at the Abbey in 1909 and he became manager there the same year. He resigned in 1914 after a poorly reviewed tour of the USA, but came back in 1919 and was appointed to the theatre’s boar din 1923 and served there until his death in 1958. It is said that he was an alcoholic and often depressed.   

He was Anglo-Irish but was committed to the Irish nationalist cause (like Yeats and Lady Gregory). 

His wife’s mother was a spiritualist. 

A Pair of Muddy Shoes is written in a very naturalistic, conversational style which was fun to read and very different from some of the other things we’ve been reading out recently (Poe, I’m looking at you).  It’s all fun, and I like both styles.

The story is written from an Irish woman’s voice and I read it as an English man. You will know I debate with myself whether I should do accents (which I enjoy) or read a woman ’s voice. The second I have few problems with to be honest, the first is more of a problem because though I enjoy doing the accent there is always someone who’s ear is so finely tuned that it jars and spoils the story.  So, I decided to do this in my native voice. 

The story is about a possession but it’s unusual and fresh in its setting in rural Ireland (I thought of Craggy Island and the big priests’ house looming up from the middle of a bare field, no garden, no path, no nothing leading to it). The spirit of the murderer remains very wicked and his pleasure in the crime infects the shy young woman who is speaking.

There is something about weird juxtapositions like the white cat with the narrator’s face and then when she goes into the house, the victim says that she has the face of a girl, but the hands of a rough man. 

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The Ghost Ship by Richard Barham Middleton

Richard Barham Middleton was born in 1882 in Staines then in Middlesex, but since 1965 part of Surrey. It calls itself Staines upon Thames now.  I checked the 1864 map and then it was a small town surrounded by fields and woods. Even now looking at the satellite, though I see is is a much bigger urbanisation there is still some nice green land around it. But I digress. He died in 1911 in Brussels by suicide

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He was educated at Cranbrook school and then went to work as a bank clerk between 1901 and 1907 but lived, the Wiki says ‘affected’ a Bohemian lifestyle at night and joined a club called The New Bohemians. He knew Arthur Machen who much admired his work and wrote a preface to the collection of stories in which I found The Ghost Ship. It’s available on Gutenberg for free. He became a magazine editor but really wanted to be a poet. He met Raymond Chandler who was put off writing almost because Middleton was so talented and he thought he’d never match it. His most famous poem is The Bathing Boy which is a paean to a beautiful young man swimming. 

He made very little money as a writer and lived in poverty. He moved to Brussels and aged only 29, he killed himself by drinking chloroform just after his birthday. 

We have done his winter ghost story, On Brighton Road which is short but good. The Ghost Ship is his most famous ghost story and, unlike On Brighton Road is humorous.  In his biography by Henry Savage, Middleton is said to have claimed he had a pirate for an ancestor who was hanged at Port Royal. But Savage notes that Middleton was not diligent with facts.

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Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
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Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

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Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

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Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

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Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit us here: www.ghostpod.org
Buy me a coffee if you're glad I do this: https://ko-fi.com/tonywalker
If you really want to help me, become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud
Music by The Heartwood Institute: https://bit.ly/somecomeback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices