A Selection from 'Saki' | H. H. Munro | A Bitesized Audio Production

[@BitesizedAudio]

Story timestamps: 00:01:02 The Open Window 00:10:14 The Lumber Room 00:25:37 The Hounds of Fate 00:45:29 Tobermory 01:06:03 The Story-Teller 01:19:51 Sredni Vashtar 01:34:01 The Music on the Hill 01:50:49 Credits and thanks (Story teasers and more details in the video description)

[@mtmuller]

Thank you. I had a read up oh H H Munroe. What an ironic death he had. I love reading up on all the old authors

[@donblosser8720]

A warped and perverted soul.

[@mariameere5807]

Time stamps are a great convenience. Thank you for the effort! I recognise one of them from your channel before.

[@MariaLopez-i5j1y]

😅

[@crystalclear6864]

2024 anyone?can listen to mr Stanhope over and over. He chooses great authors as well

[@jared1870]

The genius of Saki merged with narrative talents of Simon. It doesn't get better than this.

[@julielevinge266]

It certainly doesn’t!👍✊♥️

[@donyawicken2521]

My late father and I were big fans of Saki. The Story Teller was our favorite. One time nearly 50 years ago for his birthday I bought him a big hooded sweatshirt. I had happened upon a packet of iron-on transfers designed to look like medals. There was also lettering which I used to spell out GOOD MEDALS. He loved that garment and wore it for decades. After he died I reclaimed it and wore it until it was nearly unrecognizable , suitable only for yard work or cleaning the garage. Thanks for reminding me of the happy times I had with my father the bookworm.

[@electrictofumuffins6384]

That sweat shirt sounds awesome

[@glenp3985]

Such a pleasure to be hearing such beautifully pronounced and clearly enunciated English, without sounding overdone. It's something becoming increasingly rare. Delightful stories too, and Saki was a master story-teller. Thank you.

[@CarolWoodhouse-w2s]

Beautiful stories, beautifully read. Thank you

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

I listened to all the stories by Saki on your channel and couldn't get enough. I went to some other places on the Internet but I really couldn't get into their reading and decided I would have to wait until you decided to do some more Saki. I take this as a good omen that the rest of my 2022 will go exactly as I hope! Cheers from Jamaica!

[@julielevinge266]

Me too, enjoy many authors I’ve been introduced to on this channel, but narration just doesn’t compare to Simons??

[@Thirza.]

This collection proves that Simon is not the narrator we deserve, but the narrator we need.

[@maryeckel9682]

I haven't read "Tobermory" since I was a little girl! It was in a collection of animal stories by great authors. Your reading is marvelous and means more now that I'm an adult 😉😼 Whoo, "Sredni Vashtar" had a dark twist!

[@beckerabstracts]

The Open Window is one of my favorites. Thanks!

[@johnburns2940]

The open window is also one of my favorites. May I suggest you listen to The Open Window, brought to life on Alfred Hitchcock's "Ghost Stories for Young People". Please enjoy.

[@dawnrowlands2408]

Still catching up on your wonderful narrations, Simon. I had a cat, a stray that adopted me, that I named Scruffy (because initially he was)!! He could convey the views of Tobermory in a specific 'look', totally withering to be on the receiving end. I just love Saki's writing, this is a delight, have a great day.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I know that look! I have a soft spot for Tobermory... Thanks Dawn

[@julielevinge266]

This is my very favourite collection of SAKI stories, listen to them over & over again. Thank you very much.✊♥️

[@thisisdavid2]

You receive the Victoria Cross for doing this, I ADORE YOU :) wonderful!!!!

[@simone222]

I've always loved his macabre and humorous stories. Thank you so much for this terrific narration of a Saki smorgasbord!

[@emmahardesty4330]

Thank you for this fine reading. Made me realize what a brother he is to Salinger, but more witty and definitely more succinct.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Emma, glad to know you enjoyed it! I'll be doing some more Saki before too long I hope

[@jayanthisrinivasan9055]

Excellent rendition of old favourites , soothing like a beloved blanket. ❤️ Thank you for this effort. Love it. From India.

[@williamfawkes8379]

I am very pleased to see such a giant bunch of Saki, whose only weakness, is that stories must end.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you William. I've several more Sakis I'd like to do, so will put together another compilation at some point

[@PaulFurber]

Saki's gift is that one pleasing word he injects into every sentence.

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

Saki is incomparable. I always remember William Rose playing the part of The Storyteller on television many years ago. Your voice is a perfect match for the reading of these stories. Thank you.😊

[@angelakyle4838]

Terrific writer - with, it seems, a lot of empathy towards and understanding of children. The Lumber Room is one of my absolute favourites.

[@veronicafullford1697]

Saki is brilliant and this is wonderfully read. Especially my favourite story, Tobermory, who speaks so exactly as a cat would speak. So sad that the humans did not want him once he could speak. I wish he was my cat.

[@ilanawallach1302]

Marvelous Saki, marvelously read! Thank you for being the messenger of the text, your fine voice and knack for children's and women's voices always in character and not forced. Your delivery never calls attention to itself but communicates the essentials. I'm not a Brit, but I really appreciated the rustic dialect in "Hounds of Fate." It reminded me of some of the country speech in "The Secret Garden."

[@snippycutwell9878]

Now here's a happy Snippy! My favorite audiobook narrator is reading me to sleep tonight! I hope you are well, and thank you for all the lovely stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I am well, thank you Snippy. I hope you are too!

[@thehobbyzoo6124]

I am saving this for my bedtime but I already gave it a thumbs up because Simon you’re always good

[@SpuktasticAudio]

1hr 50mins worth from the maestro. Quantity and quality - the perfect combo. ❤

[@Bambisgf77]

Here I am again at 4am unable to sleep and searching for your soothing voice to help me unwind. Thanks Simon, you are the best! Hope your holiday is going well.

[@dodiekoehler5256]

Hi Simon, these stories by Saki are some of my favorites you've done. I first have to listen to all of your work in the daytime to enjoy it to the fullest. Only then can I listen to them to fall asleep. Thank you for your exquisite presentation!

[@adriennedunne1748]

These were really enjoyable. I lost myself in them. That last one oooooh scary re Pan. She should have left the grapes alone!!!! and Tobermaury. Could just imagine him selling his gossip to the press for suitable cat titbits. I loved that bit about one of the men trying to procure snacks as hush money to shut the puss up. Fantastic!! Thank you, Simon. You never disappoint. 😊

[@maryann3671]

Doggie and I tried to listen to other story narrators, but…Simon, you have spoiled us. We always come back to you. And now to be able to listen to a Saki collection! Why, Doggie is wriggling with contentment, because he knows I can now relax before I sleep. Heartfelt thanks to you.

[@Not00]

For some reason, I always think Saki is the run-up to Christmas listening no matter what the subject. I think it's because I first listened to a Saki story during this period and it's kind of lodged that way in my thoughts.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Funnily enough, the one Saki I've recorded which I didn't include in this compilation is 'Reginald's Christmas Revel', because its so specific to the season. He did a few festive-themed stories and I'll aim to do some more around December

[@merlapittman5034]

I love the stories of Saki, and these are told wonderfully. I'm so glad I discovered this channel!

[@lizpride9960]

I love these! I can't help wondering if the wonderful "Lumber Room" provided the inspiration for the "Just William" stories. Such similarity in the very funny, childlike cunning of the two boys cleverly winning freedoms from adult control.

[@TrooBlud34]

Thank you sir. Excellent!

[@cindyrhodes]

Thank you so much! ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 Saki is onenof my favorites, and I am so pleased thatbyou included SREDNI VASHTAR!!! ❤❤❤❤❤ I lovebyour voice and presentation and have subscribed. Thank you again.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for subscribing. I've done a few more Saki since this video, available on this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZK56kN9KtP2_S_Q2O092tP7

[@cindyrhodes]

@@BitesizedAudio Oh my goodness!!!!!! This is better than my birthday! 🎂 🥳 🎉 Thank you!!!!!

[@januzzell8631]

Poor Tobermory! Deserved better - would have loved to have heard that he and the Stable Puss had escaped and were sending brutally honest pieces of information to a variety of newspapers :D

[@sandraelder1101]

This is my first exposure to Saki. Have meant to read him for years. I feel like I got the best possible introduction. Thanks for all your great readings, esp. the Loveday stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Sandra. I have more Loveday Brooke and Saki in the pipeline....

[@sandraelder1101]

@@BitesizedAudio Yay! I will stay tuned.

[@shannondore]

Hello Simon, I hope you're well. I finally found the time to listen to this highly entertaining collection of Saki short stories. The Open Window has always been a favorite of mine but tonight I added others to that list. Great job dear Simon as always. ❤😊

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

Mr.Stanhope, I just want to thank you for not giving up on KZbin since I so enjoy your tales. Your narrations are beyond wonderful!

[@nagoldfulness]

You are a marvelous reader. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly

[@harrymananus5380]

I LOVE Saki. His stories are blunt, hilarious, and just plain entertaining.

[@vmm5163]

We read The Lumber Room at college in 1990 so it was lovely to hear it again! I was really surprised to see the title! How lovely 👍

[@timd4524]

Wow. What a great collection of stories. Wonderful work Simon. Shame the author only lived until 44. I believe World War one was when they realized if you lit three cigarettes off one match, it gave the snipers time to aim. Yes, you can see where much of his background leaked into his storytelling. Absolutely fantastic narration. Short story anthologies is one of my favorite forms of book reading. So..., now I'm off to keep an eye on my cat. Stay well and thank you again.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Tim. Yes indeed, be careful what you say in front of the cat...

[@nozecone]

I've heard that the "three on a match" idea originated with and was promoted, with no basis, by a big manufacturer of matches .....

[@applesandpears9756]

Lush. Discovered Saki far too young, and adored his short stories then and now. Masterful.

[@mirmcnabb]

These are wonderful stories and I have never heard them read as well. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us. I am so, so glad to still have you on KZbin!

[@BitesizedAudio]

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

[@ColleenVargiu-vx7iz]

I have laughed my head off at the lumber room . Hilarious and so clever. Love listening to you very soothing voice thank you 😊

[@anabreppe4475]

I thoroughly enjoyed one of my favourite authors read by a wonderful voice! Thank you!

[@GIBLETTS]

Great , so glad i found Bite size, love your voice,

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you Malcolm

[@donnavorce8856]

The first two were hilarious. Literally laughing out loud. And even better after a second listen. Brilliant job Simon Stanhope. Thank you.

[@flabbybum9562]

It's great when you find a narrator who does full justice to such an excellent writer.

[@thewildbirds6070]

I love love love Saki. I discovered him as a young man (18? 19?) and there is a postcard of him in The Wild Birds' recording studio, Sweet & Low. I have given a copy of the complete stories to everyone as someone, ( probably Chesterton), said it is the greatest compliment to be handed Saki without comment. My favourite? Tobermory, Gabriel-Ernest, Sredni Vastar, but I was always a weirdster. Thank you for this.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad I covered two of your top three here. I've several more of his stories I'd like to record at some point, so will keep Gabriel-Ernest in mind for the next compilation

[@thewildbirds6070]

@@BitesizedAudio Well that's very kind. Saki is inimitable. Ironic yet serious, frothy yet deeply grim. I thoroughly enjoyed these today and shared them with my sister too. Thank you Simon.

[@tinapeters5725]

@@BitesizedAudio just read your reply, Srendi Vastar must have heard our prayers, 🌻

[@thewildbirds6070]

@@tinapeters5725 ...and his thoughts were "read" thoughts 💭

[@saran.4001]

You have a good singing voice, Simon. Figures!

[@julielevinge266]

Thanks for this perfect selection of Saki short stories,each one a classic,perfectly narrated by yourself, now all together✊♥️

[@along5925]

Thank you so much for this! Saki has been one of my very favorites since I was a girl, and you read him so beautifully. There's a certain nuance of diction that his work demands, and I know he would be proud and pleased by your rendering. I enjoyed every moment of it!

[@gabbimurphy687]

A ful narration. Great storiess.n

[@jackalina91]

Great!! I love his stories ♥️♥️♥️♥️✌️

[@GradKat]

Great selection! I love Saki’s stories.

[@snufflinghedgehog8595]

I'm SO happy 🥰 Looking forward to a relaxed day now as your story telling really chills me out Best wishes xxx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that. Best wishes to you

[@danae-rain3019]

Loved these stories. Having had an experience in the wilderness with Pan, I gasped when Sylvia snatches the grapes from the alter.

[@Bambisgf77]

Thank you Simon, I really like the new intro. Nice to see your face 😊

[@beverlyadams7205]

The absolute best collection. Thank you!😎

[@susangordon1157]

Oh Simon! How delightful! Wonderful stories read by my favorite narrator. There is just something so magical about your readings. I close my eyes and am transported to another time and place. I count you among my many blessings. ❤

[@celticnightstar]

What great stories! Thank you!

[@judikingsman6132]

It's been a while since I listened to you. So happy I found you anew. 💗

[@vanillasuncherries]

Love these Saki anthologies!! Tobermory and Seredni Vashtsr. 🎉❤🥂😀

[@JS-ob4oh]

"The Open Window" was and still is my all time favorite when I first read it more than 5 decades ago. I often wonder that it was not made into a Twilight Zone or Suspense episode.

[@mariameere5807]

Simon I have been very busy lately and I am so glad to have seen this one accidentally. I have just discovered Saki through you and I love him! And you- your channel is amazingly entertaining as are you… genuinely! Good luck & best wishes! 🙏

[@TheMrCougarful]

Delightful. Thanks for the anthology, they really do work well as a compilation.

[@Berti_Memes]

Yum. Adore Saki. Excellent reading. Thanks so much. Inexplicably can't sleep at the moment and my brother, who my children call 'Biggie' although his name is Stephen, shared this with me... Happy insomnia ensures

[@BitesizedAudio]

As an occasional sufferer from insomnia myself, I sympathise. Glad to help! Thanks for listening, and taking the time to comment

[@tobyjack9608]

What a treat! Thank you! I especially love 'The Story-Teller. I can imagine being one of the kids on the train and you telling all these stories :)

[@70schild420]

Mr.Stanhope,you are a light in my life☯️☮️❤️

[@annielakshmi]

Thank you for your high quality narrations. Appreciate the info about the author, music and and the time stamps. bravo!

[@Linnet09]

Love Saki, love your reading!

[@markhevenor]

Great. Again. Thanks, Simon.

[@Lee0nie]

Thank you so much. Saki wrote such extraordinary stories!

[@Rick_Riff]

Great work again! I'd love to hear anything from the great Ambrose Bierce.

[@tomcurran8470]

How about "Chickamauga"? We use this at our community college in conjunction with Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried."

[@Rick_Riff]

@@tomcurran8470 great story! Theres so many good ones. I love the twisted stories within the "Parenticide Club" but his most universally recognized stories are probably An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and Moxons Master. But they're all good, can't go wrong with Ambrose.

[@tomcurran8470]

@@Rick_Riff Of course, the Twilight Zone version of "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a classic.

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

A very nice selection of Saki's stories. Thank you!

[@martiwilliams4592]

Thank you! Macabre with charm. Delightful presentation,👍👍👍

[@susanotway7875]

Loved these! Thank you Simon. Your channel is brilliant.

[@sugarfalls1]

Wow, this is great! Thanks Simon! All my best from across the pond! Btw, love the piano music! Saki's dry humor is hilarious! lol

[@johnburns2940]

Such a fantastic voice you have sir! I am hopelessly hooked beyond redemption.

[@Phorquieu]

Wonderful selection of short stories by a true master, narrated by another true master. Thank you for this KZbin posting! Very well done!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening, and for your very kind comments!

[@annetteeggett]

Dear Simon you are an angel in times of trouble x

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you!

[@gabriellecunningham7196]

Many Thanks. Absolutely Splendid 🇦🇺 🌹🖤🌹

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Thank you for the additions to the Saki collection! 💚🐸

[@wyominghome4857]

I love these. Witty and clever. Always with a twist, but you won’t see it coming. More Saki please. There are so many detective stories and ghost stories on KZbin. We could use more charm and sentiment, and surprise. Stories that leave you thinking. :)

[@BitesizedAudio]

Definitely more Saki to come in the new year. I'm also hoping to upload a non-ghost and non-detective story before Christmas, by Anthony Trollope, so do look out for that.

[@KiKiabout]

Adore... Thank you!

[@brendangilmore4297]

Thank you, Simon - superlative as ever :)

[@jacquidempsey4928]

Superb narration

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you

[@Kit-vb5rm]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RENDERING OF THE SAKI STORIES SIMON, EXPECIALLY SREDNI VASHTAR. I LAUGHED SO MUCH WHEN THE GOVERNESS WAS GIVEN HER CUMMUPANCE. PLEASE CARRY ON WITH YOUR NARRATIONS. 😅

[@mw33213]

Thank you so much for this. Pls pls more Saki? I love your performances of him! 😁🙏

[@nigelbarker1859]

Wonderful

[@Lakeslover1]

Beautifully read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@robertbrown6930]

This is your best one yet, so good!!

[@thewildbirds6070]

Totally agree. This made my day.

[@Therealbababoi1]

Thanks!

[@KiKiabout]

I love to see this... Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for your support Susan

[@cheesburgr]

That's a nicely varied selection! Getting a feel for Saki's sense of humor was rewarding indeed.

[@shirleypearl2166]

Thank u Simon 💓

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thank you for sharing, Simon. Happy Holidays! 🌲😊

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

You, Mr. Stanhope, could play H.H. Minor in a movie about him. The resemblance is amazing!

[@tinapeters5725]

Thank you for the reading of these wonderful stories, 💐I discovered stories of Saki, many years ago, I stil have the Penguin copy, yellowed pages, it is a treasure. Your voice is perfect for these stories.Thank you once again 💐💐may I make a wish? Please could there be an upload of more Saki🌻

[@feralbluee]

mmm - everyone got a "star" but me. humph! I'm not speaking to you! :) 🌹😜 what an odd sense of humor he had. and you read these stories with a wonderful droll wit. the only one i didn’t get was the wandering young man they thought was Tom. that one seemed just plain mean to me. my favorite story is the one about the boy and the gooseberry garden. very clever lad. thanks much :) 🌷🌱

[@wordjunkys]

hello from across the ocean in nashville, tennessee usa.😄thank you for your uploads! i am enjoying these very much! well done!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you like them, thanks for listening!

[@wordjunkys]

haha, I read your comment in my mind with yr voice! 😀