All Hallows by Walter de la Mare

[@rohanquinby3188]

Oh my god. This is one of my favourite stories in the world. First I read it, then listened to a BBC reading a few years ago. I cannot wait to listen to your reading of this story later this evening!

[@cbpstarling]

Agreed!

[@ClassicGhost]

Hope you enjoyed it?

[@rohanquinby3188]

@@ClassicGhost I DID!!! I was going to ask you if your version is somehow unexpurgated. I think your reading is more complete and extensive than the BBC version that I loved. When I have time I will compare the two readings. But yours is so much more subtle and more frightening thereby.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@rohanquinby3188 If it's the BBC version I remember - one of a series they did of De La Mare stories - they were all abridged. Good readings though (not a patch on Tony's).

[@debbieramsey8933]

Why do you feel you have to blaspheme our Creators sacred name to express yourself?! One of the deadly sins.

[@MartiWilliams-r2z]

Gripping narration, thought-provoking commentary, also this time. Thank you. Tony.

[@kmyoung3956]

I’m quite thrilled with finding your channel! This short story is one of my favorites & your narration of it is just over the moon. Seeing your library of other stories has made me incredibly happy. Thank you. ❤😊

[@ClassicGhost]

Welcome aboard!

[@catherinedoyle1194]

One of my favourite radio drama ghost stories, thanks Tony for your version of this brilliant ghost story 🎉

[@The.Pickle]

I agree with your comments at the end. Even though I am not religious, it deeply grieves me to see our heritage disapearing and the churches being used for different things. Religous or not, it did unify us, we were a people. It hurts to see our culture and identity dissolving, I guess that's just the way life is. I try not to think about it or feel attached to anything anymore. I really enjyed the story; you have a lovely voice. The writing holds a sense of mystery, not revealing or spelling out the books central concept.

[@ClassicGhost]

I agree with everything you’ve said here and am very glad you like my voice which i can take little credit for . My parents deserve the credit for that

[@shelleymarquis2887]

I agree. I'm in the US, but my sense of belonging to my country and vice versa is eroding faster and faster. I'm dismayed and confused all the time. I can't find a community. No one wants my kind. Not a team player. This used to be a land of individuals. Seems we're supposed to have a community now. I'm old, so I still think in terms of citizenship, rather than little warring camps of special interests. It's just my opinion that when we abandoned space (the final frontier) we began to unravel faster and faster. I know we stole this continent from indigenous peoples in cruel and inhuman ways. It was the European descended world's zeitgeist. Americans began as pioneers and we did a big job. In 150 yrs we caught up with our old homelands and kept going. We've learned some care and inclusiveness but I feel we've lost our national identity and crash around like bulls in china shops. It's less productive but just as destructive as the early years. Just my opinion, again, and I'm tribal enough for the family to be listed in the rolls of the eastern band of the Cherokee. Our family's men have answered every call to defend our nation and our allies. And we have no idea what we're doing. I'm glad I won't live to see the complete collapse under the weight of globalism.

[@arbrady535]

U bring me to another time. A little escape. U hav a great voice. Thank you for what you do

[@shelleymarquis2887]

You're the finest narrator for this story. I don't really think of it as a story, but as a painting, or a person in his own right. All Hallows Lives. Thank you. ❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Wow, thank you!

[@Boogie_the_cat]

Beautiful. Now I have something to help me wind down before bedtime. Thank you, Mr. Walker. I'm a poor man, but I will be enriched by your narrative skill and a good story.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you very much thanks 🙏

[@MartiWilliams-r2z]

I love the ornate language!! You are a master, Tony! Thank you!!

[@JasonJason210]

Nice to get a quality, unabridged version of this...finally! Thank you.

[@jenmagnus-rm6nz]

What a wonderful, mysterious, lyrical, and romantic tale. ❤ Loved your reading of this. The pictures formed in my head of the two on the roof and the nature of the transformation of the stone guardians of the cathedral is just magical.

[@RachelWellborn-h6w]

I’ve never heard this. I love the narrator!!!🥳 very relaxing.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gretchenkiley6615]

I enjoyed that very much, thank you. The dogs squabble was hilarious!

[@smoothsailor5101]

A very profound story, brilliantly read and making you a silent participant in the story. Thank you. I even discovered a new author and roused my interest to hear more thanks to your narration. 👍

[@ClassicGhost]

Yes, De La Mare is beautifully poetic

[@amandalee215]

Wonderful way to start the weekend Thank you Tony for all your hard work

[@ClassicGhost]

You are very welcome

[@veronicacobb8691]

I love this guy’s voice. I found his commentary after the story. Very interesting and entertaining. Thank you.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@martiwilliams4592]

Gripping, horrifying tale and narration, also this time around. Love your informative, entertaining, thought-provoking commentary. de la Mare nerver fails to evoke terror in me. Masterful, Tony. Thank you.

[@MaggieatPlay]

Excellent, Tony! Thank you.

[@Bebecat477]

Thank you for the wonderful reading!

[@martiwilliams4592]

Elegant. Listening with "new" insights. Thank you, Tony.

[@mosesmom]

Great Reading. Thanks again. 😊

[@user-Tn2Dn]

First thumbs up and first comment. It’s my lucky day. Thanks for another story Tony!

[@christyhissong7576]

Love Walter de la Mare and your interpretation of this tale. I also appreciate your thoughtful commentary on this one, and believe you are spot on. Our western cultural traditions are worth fighting for!

[@Jason-ng2vf]

Wonderful addition! Keep up the excellent work!

[@DarkLightSwordFight]

This is absolutely incredible. What a story......what a narration......🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks a bunch. Much appreciated

[@emilyduffy1410]

Thank you Tony! I love this story!❤

[@Josephinejefferies]

Enjoyed the atmosphere of this story.

[@nalunoa]

Most excellent. One of my favorites.

[@joanieann6179]

I really do enjoy these classics. Such good writing. And Tony, your intonation and expressiveness bring these stories to life. ❤❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you like them!

[@carolinemiles4528]

I listened to you reading this story very early this morning. I love your voice and expression. Also enjoy listening to you talk about your day to day life and your cheeky dogs. Caroline

[@jeankennedy5445]

The poem, 'The Traveller' by Walter de la Mare is my favourite poem by him, and possibly my favourite poem of all time, since I first heard it at 8 years old.

[@adathomas8604]

hello. Do you mean The Listeners? The Traveller is a poem by Oliver Goldsmith

[@melanieomer9186]

Thanks!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you!

[@carolynlewis9008]

Those dogs are the best!! Can't live without them.

[@roxanavasilakis9435]

Thanks for this one too ,you excel yourself,🌷🌷

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you too!

[@maryeckel9682]

De la Mare's prose is so precise, yet so lyrical, it takes my breath away. He truly deserves to be better known.

[@Wombats555]

Beautiful reading! Thank you:)

[@annicoyne2983]

Bravo, what an exceptional listen that was... Tony you outdid yourself narrating this astounding & moving story.... It made me long for the lost language so rich & so emotive, that we no longer embrace or grace with our glib mouths... As a writer (poetry & song) I found myself lifted & tossed & swept like a leaf in a punishing & also soothing Autumn wind. It felt like a work of art to me & whilst the subject was not really the point for me (as you say "what is that about though?" The beauty of the language & depth of soul searching, meaning mining kept me enthralled - heh, a little intellectual "tripping" carried on your extremely worthy voicing. I do wonder if you underestimate your talent as a narrator... I am hoping that I will get back on my feet financially so I might be able to well reward you financially for your skill & generosity. I might add my perspective re the "widowed daughter", I think it adds another layer of understanding the character's wisdom & depth of understanding (having lost a partner, it rang so clear & true), I did love this... It really was like experiencing the story as a series of artworks (I am also a painter sculptor so another perspective).... Also as a Buddhist, please just ignore that troll guy, don't look into it... save your time soaking up the praise of we, who appreciate you .

[@myvibe3893]

Nice Story very enjoyable.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you think so!

[@robertdoyle8135]

I am ashamed to say that I skipped forward and fell asleep. It wasn't until I listened to your observations that I realized that I have been affected by the endless pushing to get to the end, to understand the point of... Shame on me. I will listen again and try to savor the story. I can't tell you how much I enjoy listening to your story telling and your observations about the writing and about life. I want to find a way to subscribe that doesn't involve PayPal or sharing card numbers, I spent the last six months getting rid of unauthorized charges and ended up closing the accounts. Right on about the shit stirring troll, you have arrived! Thank you.

[@ClassicGhost]

Well.. Are you familiar with Fiddlers Green? They used to ask for Fiddler's Fare in payment which was or could be in any form - a song, tea, knitting, a packet of pencils. whatever. Lovely idea. Trouble is I have nothing to send you. I wonder if a print magazine of this kind of thing would work?

[@veronicawhite398]

That was brilliant! Thankyou.

[@JimBagby74]

This was the first CGSP upload I listened to. I'm returning to it because I need a refresher. Can't quite remember how it goes. This is a good thing. It's almost like new again. I wish I could go back and listen to many a classic LP again with fresh ears. Oh to experience ELP's "Brain Salad Surgery" again for the first time! It's a bit scary as well.

[@ClassicGhost]

Ha ha! I haven’t heard that song for a long long time

[@lyndabrennan4560]

Thank you Tony 💙 💛

[@StoryVoracious]

Aaah! How gorgeous!!! Ruby playing. I love it! Ah hem... I almost forgot about everything else. Thanks Tony. I read this one a few years ago and it left me a little flat. I'm sure it's because my values are so different and shaped by this future world. It's a florid tounge twister alright. Have a happy day Pup-Daddy.

[@ClassicGhost]

+April Wakefield It’s a strange story but the atmosphere is good . Little Ruby did not please everyone…

[@StoryVoracious]

You do your very best Tony, some people are so tetchy.

[@miladachudickova1096]

Thank you again for your work, Tony! I very much appreciate the way you share your thoughts and wisdom, so true and kind. Greetings from Prague!

[@ClassicGhost]

There's a story called The Witch of Prague that I really want to do, but it's a bit long. I think one day I will though.

[@glosteiger2517]

Had just come in from the garden and hearing the description of his walk was what I felt. Dusty roasted etc. I’m sure I will enjoy the rest of the story. Very descriptive.

[@thurayya8905]

I had not heard this story before. I am so glad that I heard you reading this as it is written more in the expectation of being read aloud, which, I am sure, was the style De La Mare must have been raised with and was the proper way to be introduced to it. Thank you.

[@andrewrollinson7739]

Thank you for posting this. As always, your reading brings the characters to life. What a story! Almost a century ago, de la Mare told us of the hidden realm next to ours; Stranger Things indeed!

[@norayoder3189]

I love this story and his other works. It’s been probably decades since I’ve read it and it was nothing short of sublime to be immersed once again in the tangible atmosphere of this tale through the sound of your voice❣️I must really read his poetry. Thank you Tony as always for the magic💫✨💫

[@deliarealtor]

Tony, you said they didn’t have global warming back then but they did. It just wasn’t called global warming. While studying Environmental Science for my degree, I came across newspaper clippings and stories of global warming type stories from the early 1900s. The end is always coming, 10, 15, 20 years too these people. The changes in weather patterns have always fascinated and frightened man.

[@smoothsailor5101]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I was impressed by the narrator processing disquieting information in a calm and disciplined manner. I was tempted to think that the author wanted to prove his point in a scifi style.

[@michaelhicks4196]

Ever since the works of Malthus

[@kpcraftster6580]

Thank you - a fascinating, unfamiliar story well read! I was interested to hear your discussion of Tolkien - he came to mind when the old man was talking about giving "strength and endurance for evil or misguided purposes, would that be time wasted, if such was your aim?" That reminded me of Sauron making the One Ring, among other things - technical and artistic skill misused!

[@eddiereedbigband1]

Good job Lad, such inspired and insightful reading. Too often readers of great literature know little or nothing about what they read, gratefully this is not the case here. As accomplished as this work is, I set you a challenge. Please consider recording the old mans lines again. Your insightful acting and vocal skills makes me think you must be a twenty-first century incarnation of Basil Rathbone. Adding the contrast of age to the old church keepers voice will elevate your performance to greatness. A quick listen to Basil's reading of Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant" will illustrate my point. I'm happy to become a new subscriber. Bravo Tony !

[@ClassicGhost]

I am very flattered . Basil Rathbone. I am going to do some studying to see how I should do the age thing

[@eddiereedbigband1]

@@ClassicGhost I feel certain all you have to do is try Basil. It will come back to you very quickly. Really enjoying your work, just in time for Hollows Eve ! CHEERS !

[@claireclaire0166]

Oh my dear Ruby…. What a sweetheart 😊

[@ClassicGhost]

She is, she is.

[@JasonJason210]

Another brilliant choice for a thumb!

[@cecilijaberg6037]

More Ruby please❤

[@martiwilliams4592]

" "God is dead" Nietzsche" " " "Nietzsche is dead" God" " Gripping. Painful on the edge of physical. Listening with new eyes. As always, you're the best, Tony. Thank you.

[@thurayya8905]

It is interesting that the verger has almost an empathy for the devils or spirits that come through the cathedral, even though he does not want to come across or be perceived by them -- perhaps because they are also of the spirit, although the opposite side of his.

[@walterfechter8080]

Many thanks, Tony, for this stellar reading. It's been years since I have gone through this tale. There's something about a guy named, "Walter."

[@johnwhelan9663]

Thank you for this. The BBC reading is also available on youtube, but is abridged.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks for the info!

[@billdauphine951]

I'm new to this pod...gr8 narration...and ...friendly ??...kind..tone. ❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks and welcome

[@Panthia_Poe]

I love your thoughts on these stories, it really helps me with a language I'm not use to. And by "language" I mean the wording isn't too familiar. Honestly, I have no idea why this is, but I think I understand Shakespeare better, lol. Go figure!! But anyway, your ideas on the piece ring true. Thank you for the time and energy you put forth in your videos, Tony, I greatly appreciate it!!

[@ClassicGhost]

I'm glad 😌

[@atomseahuze2687]

Perfect! Thank you! Now...there is sort of a de la Mare companion piece called "Strangers and Pilgrims" of which i have never heard an audio reading...nudge nudge..hint..hint. Thanks again. Love your channel

[@karensmith2204]

Ruby........do what ever you please 😊 Precious audio of the pups. You are a wonderful story teller Tony, thsnk you

[@goodnightvienna8511]

Richard E Grant made a wonderful BBC Radio 4 version of this classic story . It’s available on KZbin, “ Out of the Deep “ is worth a listen too ! All Hallows’ unabridged version starts with a quote from the great writer Richard Hooker that is most prescient.

[@mijiyoon5575]

Every morning all my cats mob me😻even the yard cats & they are all *fixed* except the 'hood stray that I can't get near. I call him Barnie McFloof, long coated, marbled yellow w/ white tail tip & green eyes😸 & Tuckie & Wild Kitty / Wilder, who is not wild

[@ClassicGhost]

Sounds a good life

[@hangawara]

Well done. 😂some long sentences! I had only heard another abridged version on Tube. Most of the first half lopped off! Too bad because this story is very much- first half, second half. Thanks Tony! Much appreciated.

[@victoriasmith8308]

@Tony do you know what the name of the building represented in the drawing used for this story is please?

[@ClassicGhost]

+Victoria Smith it is imaginary of course but i qa t to say Chichester Cathedral

[@victoriasmith8308]

@@ClassicGhost thanks 👍

[@martiwilliams4592]

Love your silly dogs

[@ClassicGhost]

Silly Ruby!

[@ClassicGhost]

Silly Jasper!

[@martiwilliams4592]

@@ClassicGhost Thanks for sharing their naughtiness. Delightful!!!Makes our day

[@tobypack6328]

Reading this on All Hallows Eve Eve 🔥🎃🔥

[@afterschok6627]

You sounded reluctant to admit a belief in Christian ideals and spirituality because you don't want to alienate viewers. I personally appreciate that you have those characteristics for what that is worth (if I understood you correctly). Just unabashedly be yourself. I enjoy your channel. Keep up the great content.

[@SaintPatrick1970]

Hello Tony; when do you think we’ll get back around to “unreal city”? It’s a masterpiece. Thanks!

[@ClassicGhost]

+Jimmy Unreal city is done. next one is City of Light but not sure. i’ve got a looong list

[@AND-od5jt]

45:11 I never use this words in vain, but Oh, my (giddy) God!

[@daylehudson6810]

Are thereva y Walter De La Mare movies?

[@daylehudson6810]

Are there any of these as movies google?

[@ottopippenger1590]

Always great to hear more de la mare! Was wondering as an unrelated matter, if Tony or any of the commenters know what's happened to Encrypted Horror with Jasper LeStrange? Seems like he just stopped uploading 7 months ago, very much hope he's okay, does anyone know why he stopped uploading so abruptly?

[@ClassicGhost]

I don’t know. but he put out tons of work. he is a very talented man

[@ottopippenger1590]

@@ClassicGhost One of the best to ever do it! Hope he is well and happy, whatever he's up to or at!

[@Wombats555]

Rude of you to interrupt Ruby's conversation like that with your recording :) Lovely to hear the dogs you should share the out takes more often!

[@ClassicGhost]

+Wombats555 She is funny

[@daylehudson6810]

Do these come in movies?

[@frenchcuff9453]

Ruby! ❤

[@sunflowerhelen9933]

Ruby sounds like an adorable squeaky toy.

[@ClassicGhost]

+SunflowerHelen My darling Rooby-roo!

[@JasonJason210]

Is the background image an actual illustration or is it AI generated? I want to get a copy of it.

[@ClassicGhost]

It's AI, but i can send you a jpeg

[@ClassicGhost]

cdn.midjourney.com/4aa31ded-88a9-45ee-902a-8f8179f91f51/0_1.png

[@JasonJason210]

@@ClassicGhost Thanks very much. Earlier, I tried to do an image search for it and it seems that it's based on Turner's Ely Cathedral. I must say I've seen some really impressive art from Midjourney. I guess your Aungier Street illustration was also Midjourney? I think it would be great if you always made these available on your videos, at least for a limited time. I'm sure I'm not the only one who loves them.

[@CleoHarperReturns]

You read the way Shakespeare should be spoken, and I love it.

[@jonathanpashley4845]

Tony many thanks for yet another great read. With Delamare’s use of language I can appreciate it must have been quite difficult. I am a full time carer and don’t get out much so I listen to a lot of your work and although I don’t always agree with your opinions (it would be unusual if I did) your comments are always interesting and sometimes amusing. Carry on the good work. Cheers Jonathan P😀

[@AND-od5jt]

1:39:58 As a life-long -- well ever since I formed an opinion on it -- Trotzkist, I'd say democracy has to have space for diverging opinions. Before I loose all favours, let me say, I'm not a strict follower, but all surpressed and exploited people should stand together (Be it me2, f4f ea). The constant Revolution should skip the R though... constant Evolution is more to my liking. Sorry the rambling - not really my stage, this one. Peace - xspecially in the 30s eastern longitude! P.s.: Are you sure, Ruby hasn't swallowed a rubber toy... sure sounds like 😄

[@MsMounen]

I do like this story. I think I heard it on a vintage horror podcast. I think the idea might be that God has abandoned this church, or all the believers have gone, and the devil is reshaping and rebuilding it into a home for himself. It does sound like a comment on society as Walter saw it. Did he think we shouldn't have separated from the Vatican? He seems to be suggesting that as the beginnings of a deterioration. We were the very outskirts of the Roman empire, weren't we. He may have been imagining us fading back out into the murky mists of paganism or something.

[@ClassicGhost]

I don't actually know. He might have been 'High Church' indeed.

[@MsMounen]

@@ClassicGhost I actually have no idea what High church is. I'll have to ask my Dad.

[@MrBHayes1]

Vary thoughtful analysis. Also, Ruby not wanting the bone isn't the point. Tormenting brother is the point 😂

[@ClassicGhost]

indeed :)

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@thurayya8905]

I think the daughter is a widow simply because it was after WWI and most men did not come home from the war. I am not reading anything into it more than that.

[@Socratez7]

Very well read! The story itself is 😊A bit too verbose and long winded to be truly exciting but a very good story and lovely prose. Can see why the authors popularity has not stood the test of time but it is a shame nevertheless

[@trumanwalls3668]

Up until the last couple of stories I've listened to, I've been skipping the talk at the end.. And I regret it. I don't know why I just assumed it wouldn't interest me.. I'm gonna need to go back and find the stories I've skipped and finish the videos now...

[@ClassicGhost]

Aww. My endless capacity for talking cr** is my superpower.

[@veradennis7502]

Oh blimey, what a shame about the troll. We (your loyal listeners) all know what a decent bloke you are, so he can do one. Don't let the b*st*rds grind you down, Tony!

[@carolynlewis9008]

Ni all y rhai heb feddwl werthfawrogi stori am yr hyn ydyw, stori.

[@thurayya8905]

The verger had the one encounter with what may have been a spirit. He was able to perceive it right before and went into a side room to avoid it. He hid among stone figures. Now, were these human figures, I wonder, or more of the strange unhuman, pagan symbols as our narrator saw? He was able to evade the spirit, becoming as small as a child. We see the innocence of his grandchild at the end of the story, so he may have been an allusion to the innocence the verger must have cloaked himself with to hide from an unclean spirit.

[@daylehudson6810]

Are there any story like this in a movie form?

[@daylehudson6810]

You didn't answer my question google?

[@daylehudson6810]

Are any of these movies?

[@ClassicGhost]

+Dayle Hudson do you mean is there a movie of me reading the story or has someone made a cinema movie is the story at some time?

[@ropeburnsrussell]

That pup wants walking, she is full of vinegar!!

[@ClassicGhost]

:)

[@thatonesong7945]

Soul and young Ego exploring subconscious mind?

[@ClassicGhost]

+That One Song Talking my language

[@nancyM1313]

💞👻 👻💞

[@LadyEng]

"Not a big fan of totalitarian regimes" either. Cheers! Trolls are insane. Don´t bother about them. Rock ´n roll, indeed.

[@CLCinflorida]

it is sad we live in a World where you have to filter your thoughts and beliefs, even on your own channel...

[@mariameere5807]

Cheers tony! Thank you so much ❤please take payment now while card unlocked! If you don’t see this on time , you will have many opportunities! Crap with technology I am afraid…. Way too Right brain dominant… creative not logical!😢

[@ClassicGhost]

+Maria Meere I don’t take the payment :)) Don’t know who does but it’s not me

[@mariameere5807]

@@ClassicGhost I wanted to support you, forgive me for the hassle!🙏

[@boxfox2945]

A bit long winded, but' interesting some-what'-what'? 😁🕯

[@rezzer7918]

What the hell is he talking about??? 🙄

[@carolynlewis9008]

LOLOL