Count Magnus | A Ghost Story by M. R. James | A Bitesized Audiobook

‘Are you awake, Count Magnus? Are you asleep, Count Magnus?’ While travelling in Sweden, Mr. Wraxall becomes fascinated by the legend surrounding Count Magnus De la Gardie, a nobleman of evil memory. He soon regrets his curiosity...
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me:
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:12 Count Magnus
00:38:46 Credits, thanks and further listening
Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936) was a medievalist and scholar, and is probably the best known and most celebrated English ghost story writer of the 20th century, although he actually began composing supernatural tales in the late Victorian era, beginning with 'Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book' (1893). He was born in Kent, but spent most of his childhood in Suffolk, a county which features prominently in many of his stories, including 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'. Several of James's protagonists also reflect his own antiquarian interests, with academics and historians featuring regularly. James published four volumes of ghost stories in his lifetime: 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' (1904), 'More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' (1911), 'A Thin Ghost and Others' (1919) and 'A Warning to the Curious and Other Stories' (1925).
During a long academic career which encompassed several positions at King's College, Cambridge, and Eton College, M. R. James developed a tradition of reading his ghost stories aloud to a group of friends, most famously on Christmas eve, and the majority of his published stories were first heard in that setting. 'Count Magnus' was apparently composed and read somewhere between 1900 and 1902; it was first published in 1904 as part of James's first anthology, 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary'.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2022.

[@BitesizedAudio]

One of the most chilling stories from 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' by M. R. James, published in 1904. Story begins at 00:01:12 If you enjoyed this, you may enjoy a selection of my previous readings of M. R. James ghost stories, available here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIvRgK2hoZKNZqc

[@mariameere5807]

We all love you Simon! Thank you and happy Xmas 🎄 ♥️🌟🌹🧚‍♀️✨👑🧚‍♀️🌹🌟♥️

[@waningmooncancer9628]

Be careful what you wish for....it might be the death of you 😉.

[@LazyIRanch]

Did anyone else think of the spooky old Bob dylan song, "The Man in the Long Black Coat"?

[@waningmooncancer9628]

@@LazyIRanch Stephen King has a short story called The Man in the Black Suit. Scared the snot out of me 🤣 Your question made me think of it.

[@catherinedoyle1194]

Love listening to your audio videos, you have a good voice for storytelling, a big fan of m r James Ghost Stories, this one of his is a favourite.

[@elizabethmerriman531]

I have listened to other audio books with the same stories, mostly Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. But I return to your channel. You are very humble, and I appreciate that. Your voice, inflection and pronunciation is a gift to all of us who listen. So very talented and I appreciate you sharing your talent with all of us.

[@spews1973]

One of Monty's best stories read by one of the finest audiobook narrators on the internet. It doesn't get much better than this.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your lovely comment! Best wishes

[@GrandOldMovies]

This really is one of James's most disturbing stories, because the protagonist doesn't escape his fate, which is a grim one. Its details really delve into James's knowledge of esoterica here. Terrific reading and thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

A dark and chilling one indeed... Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@Mdw2424]

OMG SPOILERS 😂

[@hannahreynolds7611]

Yes! I was just re-playing 'The Unseen Hand' earlier this evening because I was missing your very classy, and under-rated content. And what a story to run with. I read the history of the real Count Magnus a couple of months ago - good job you can't slander the dead, or M.R. James would have been in trouble.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes indeed, one can't help wonder what the De la Gardie family made of it! I've been saving this one up for Christmas as it is a particular favourite. I'm still aiming to upload 'Christmas at Thompson Hall' this week, I just need to iron out some technical difficulties behind the scenes

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio we really appreciate your efforts and perfectionism! Can’t wait to hear them! ☮️🤍☮️

[@ca32]

Is there a real Count Magnus ?

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

One of the most outstanding of the stories penned by M.R. James, and that is really saying something! Beautifully read, as always. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Jacqueline, glad to know you enjoyed it

[@SpuktasticAudio]

One of M. R.'s superior stories IMHO and read, to perfection, by the maestro. Who could ask for more? ❤

[@jerrycarter7843]

I was a big fan of The Rocky and Bullwinkle show as a child, Your lyrical voice brings back fond memories of The Mr. Peabody and Sherman time travel adventures.

[@CampingMalvarrosa]

Thank you, Simon, for all your work this year - in spite of the troubles you went through. Please keep going, for all our sakes! Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

[@nancynickerson4341]

Thank you Simon!

[@bonnacon1610]

Just to say that “Count Magnus” is the BBC’s Ghost Story for Christmas this year (2022). So everyone has to listen to Simon first to get up to speed!

[@BitesizedAudio]

It is! I hadn't realised that when I started work on this. I'm looking forward to seeing it, the clips I've seen so far look very promising, good casting etc

[@Bambisgf77]

@@BitesizedAudio I watched it today, it was very well done!

[@lizpride9960]

Oooh! A treat in advance of TV Christmas offering! Thank you!

[@irenabevans3411]

Just what I needed a good spooky tale, as ever enjoyed your narration, thank you for this week's story, look forward to each story

[@rosemarycornwall5162]

Excellent, thank you.

[@januzzell8631]

Delicious - my FAVOUITE ghost author - thank you SO much

[@deniserose8596]

Watched the Mark Gatiss version which was excellent. This narration is absolutely superb. Am a newcomer to this site and am sure it will become a favourite. Many thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Welcome to the channel, thanks for listening and taking the time to comment

[@mariameere5807]

This author has written countless short stories and apparently are as difficult as a long book to write! Always happy to see a story from you on time because of over subscribing I can miss great stories and there’s only a few channels that concentrate on the best oldies and modern ghost stories and I love detective stories too! Thanks again and many blessings!!🦋

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, lovely to hear from you Maria. I hope you enjoy listening whenever you get a moment! I've more Christmas stories in the works, hoping to get them finished in time...

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudio really enjoyed tonight’s! Very funny! Looking forward to more from you but no pressure!! Very much appreciated! 🌟

[@cherispencer3081]

😝 the ll😊😊😊😊

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Happy Holidays Simon and Thank You for the lurid alchemical tracts!💚

[@maxgc6413]

The master delivers once again right before Christmas. Simon, I wish you a merry and ghostly Christmas 😏😁 Lookin forward to the tv adaptation as well this week.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Max, same to you. Yes, I had already decided to do this story for Christmas (it's been requested by multiple listeners) before I found out that it was this year's BBC adaptation... I nearly dropped the idea, thinking it might be Magnus overkill, but then I thought perhaps people might like to revisit the original before or after watching the TV version, which looks excellent judging from the clips I've seen and heard. Looking forward to it!

[@maxgc6413]

You can never have enough James to go around! Mark Gatiss has really brought him to the modern age in his own way. Love his direction/writing in the specials he’s done.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I have heard 4 other narrations of this story. I find your reading to be the most chilling and highest quality out of them all. You did justice to another classic M.R. James story, and if he could hear it, I believe the man himself would approve.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much Kitty, I really appreciate your comments!

[@barbaraprest783]

Thank you for another great story ! 🙏

[@mickho7910]

Poor Mr Wraxhall! One of the best of M R James’s, and you’ve done it justice - greatly enjoyed your reading.

[@maryrichards8086]

Excellent!!! Thank you. 🎄🎄🎄

[@berniethebolt3007]

I've always thought of James as both the greatest ghost story writer in the English language and a masterful short story teller. Wonderfully dramatised reading, much appreciated.

[@malinbunsow9930]

Being swedish I especially enjoy this story! Your impeccable reading and the great M R James make a perfect match. My two favourites are however Lost Hearts and Casting the Runes.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you! Both those stories are very much on my to-do list, I hope to get around to them later this year

[@aliceofspades]

Thank you for bringing my favorite M.R. James story to life! Excellent narration as always!

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know you enjoyed it! Thanks for your kind words

[@wyominghome4857]

I've become a great reader of 19th century travelogues and I found the narrator's characterization of them to be amusing and spot on. Antidotes for a dour world. :)

[@agbobier2657]

It's such a pleasure rto listen to your channel!

[@malcolmgibson6288]

Nothing better, on a winter night, than a story by M.R. James.

[@totmmalaysia1276]

Your voice is absolutely perfect for what you do. Clear, good enunciation, just the right expression, great tone and resonance and fantastic pacing.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly!

[@crazyyoda8721]

Thank you Sir!

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

Thanks for this wonderful adaptation of Count Magnus. Merry Christmas Simon!

[@lizday8140]

I listened to another narration of this one this past year...and wish that I had waited for this upload! Your version was far superior, Mr. Stanhope!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say Liz, thank you! Best wishes

[@jrock8089]

Thanks Simon 😊

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thank you, Simon. Happy Christmas to you and yours.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Tammy, same to you

[@simoneclift3155]

Another beautiful reading. Thank you. X

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thank you Simon. 😊

[@nickybaker1338]

Thank you! As usual, faultless & fabulous narration. A pleasure to listen to the stories that you choose to share with us

[@elizabethstewart12]

Your voice is a rare gift for listeners.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@christinethornhill]

📖📚👍🏼 Thank you 🙏🏼 💞✨🌟✨🎄✨♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, thank you Christine! Best wishes for Christmas

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Happy Christmas, Simon. Thank you for all of your hard work throughout the year.

[@jackloveshisangelo]

Just in time for Christmas, thanks as always for your dedication and time bitesize, very merry chrimbo to you ❤ 🎄

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks JC, same to you

[@trixtrix3387]

Terrific reading voice many thanks.

[@kathyputnam84]

💯 Thank you, loved it!❤

[@jamesblahut5008]

It's hard to say if I have a favorite M.R. James tale, but this is the one I recommend to people.

[@ritawing1064]

One of my favourites! I often find myself quoting it out loud...perhaps I should get out more.😂😂😂

[@evelanpatton]

This is my wishing you all the light desired to come your way, after this Winter’s Solstice, our darkest night of this passing year. Blessings to you & yours.✨🎄

[@GradKat]

Ah! Love this one! Thank you Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

@GradKat Yes indeed, I had this marked down as one of your requests! Sorry it's taken me so long to get around to it...

[@exileinderby51]

A brilliant narration of the work of my favourite author and just in time for Christmas. Thank you Simon

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're very welcome! Best wishes for Christmas

[@lindaloe]

A Chilling Story!!😢😮

[@tobyaldis5766]

Wonderful voice my friend.

[@divine.damage]

One of my very favorites! Thanks Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome! Best wishes

[@chancest.thomas5160]

10:49 Lol "Phoenameonally Ugly Man" He was seriously throwin' shade.

[@cheesburgr]

Every time I hear/read some M. R. James, I think of your great reading, and I'm thankful that you exposed me to his work. Thank you so much. Purchases at your bandcamp have been money quite well spent.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for your support on Bandcamp, it's really appreciated and helps me to keep going

[@Austrian_blood]

Exceptional

[@lyndaa7560]

That just shows how dangerous being nosy is, I would’ve run past the graveyard at night, during the day I’d be ok but not at night. Lovely narration, so soothing but with a touch of menace, great. Many thanks Simon xx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Soothing with menace, I like that! Thanks Lynda

[@lyndaa7560]

@@BitesizedAudio Hope you have a great Christmas & next year is much calmer than this year has been xx

[@cathydoyle8804]

Always look forward to you telling my favourite M. R. James Classic Collected Ghost Stories, like a lot of other fans of yours, we appreciate your talent of being of of the best talented storytellers on KZbin, your well thought of and kindly Always like a true top youtuber finds time to answer back to some of us Faithfull followers of your channel, take care and thank you for giving us much happiness 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your kind comment Cathy, best wishes to you

[@MacMcCaskill]

For UK subscribers, I've just spotted that there's a TV version of this tale on BBC2 tomorrow (Fri 23/12/22) at 22.00.

[@snippycutwell9878]

That count Magnus was quite a jerk! Great story thank you

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm sure he was a lovely fellow in private...

[@lorenheard2561]

When he saw the first padlock opened- he should have fled pronto!! Don't play with Evil!!!😱

[@eliasblum753]

I like the adaptations of Mark Gatiss, but you can't beat the original!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Indeed. I think the adaptation looks rather promising based on the snippets I've seen so far, looking forward to watching it

[@populuxe1]

Bravo!!

[@kellygnow1]

Thank you

[@judithl.morton9178]

I love love love your stories I listen to them before I go to sleep because I don't sleep well and I love your voice all of your videos are great!

[@laylaawest5292]

Ha haaa, always wondered what you look like. I really enjoy listening to your narrations. Thank you!

[@margarethevontater]

Poor Mr. Wraxall. I wonder if he is the spiritual ancestor of all those poor saps meeting a cursed fate in Scandinavia in our contemporary horror movies! (The Ritual, Midsommar, I'm sure there are plenty more...)

[@mngirl5437]

Thanks for this Simon. Well read!❤️

[@jeffjewett481]

Very good narration and story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening

[@nickstone3113]

Excellent rendition of real terror.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening Nick

[@monkpato]

Great story, thanks!

[@thomasdavies5415]

Absolutely amazing, as usual. Merry Christmas!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Thomas. Merry Christmas to you too

[@shirleystrange9576]

Brilliantly read as always Thank you

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Shirley, appreciated

[@JasonJason210]

As a Brit living in Sweden I can verify that your Swedish accent was quite good!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I've only been to Sweden once, a few days in Stockholm many years ago, and I thought it was beautiful. I hope I'll have another opportunity to visit someday

[@marybenson1583]

THANK YOU!!! fun fun fun

[@EleanorPeterson]

Wonderful as always. It's so nice to have found a channel with such consistent and dependable content. It makes the listening experience all the more pleasurable knowing in advance that there won't be any weird stunts or gimmicks to break the spell. Meanwhile, I hope I won't cause offence if I mention the very funny parody of exactly this kind of presentation to be found on 'John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme' (from BBC Radio 4). On there you will find a wickedly Simon-esque Victorian gentleman who begins each melodramatic sketch with the words: "WELL... Since you ask me for a tale about [insert silly plot here], I believe I have something that will, perchance, serve to chill your bones to the very marrow and cause in your wretched quaking form an horripilation of the most debilitating and distressing kind..." 🤭

[@BitesizedAudio]

I've enjoyed what I've heard of John Finnemore's work, but not sure I've come across that one - I must look it up, it sounds fun!

[@cm9439]

Thank you, Simon, for another brilliant reading of a superb story. I feel that this is one of M.R. James' best. Its a great spooky Christmas treat, disturbing and creepy! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and yours. I wish you peace, good health, happiness and prosperity.🎄🤗

[@BitesizedAudio]

I think it's one of MRJ's best too! Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment

[@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo]

Great story and lovely narrated as always. Though it would have been so funny when you, at the point when the padlocks were off the coffin and the lid opened, you'd go all Kenneth Williams saying: "Owwwhhhh Maaaatrrron!"

[@deehanshaw3046]

Wishing you a merry Xmas and a happy healthy new year and many more stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Dee, merry Christmas to you too

[@josmith2651]

watched this at Xmas 🎄 very good 🥳

[@susanmartin112]

19.28 love your narrations

[@luffypupperstien2706]

Super awesome

[@petere5826]

HP Lovecraft LOVED this story.

[@Scarter63]

Would you consider, The Five Jars, by M.R. James? This story showcases James' imagination in a work of fantasy, rather than horror.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'll put it on my (rather long!) list, thanks for the suggestion

[@CrowSkeleton]

You'd think after all that reading about Count Magnus' short-tempered tendancy to burn down his own peasants and so on, Mr. Wraxhall would have reconsidered inconvieniencing the fellow by dragging him across a continent...silly man.

[@vickimingus9281]

My Grandson is Magnus and he lives in Norway

[@davidbrown5152]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Very well read. I do have one comment, however. I do notice that your voice has a rising inflection in the last word before a comment or before breaths while reading. Sorry to point that out. No matter. I enjoy your selections. Cheers!

[@suitov]

It's quite rude to rouse a gentleman from his sleep, ask if he wouldn't mind seeing you, and then leave before he gets the door open.

[@elisabethroos8418]

Great story for a norwegian, for the moment study in Sweden

[@elisabethroos8418]

Simon is the best! Friendly regards from your new member of your channel!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for listening, and for joining as a channel member, I really appreciate your support. Do check out the membership tab for exclusive stories, only a couple so far but I hope to do more in due course

[@myoboym]

Oooo

[@tashuys]

Commenting for engagement, hope this helps you in some small way

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

SELL!!!!!

[@mijiyoon5575]

1904 tale⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@h.calvert3165]

Horrible! Almost UNBEARABLY horrible! 😱

[@marvwatkins7029]

This voice sounds phony and affected. It just doesn't sound authentic.

[@evelanpatton]

Oh boy, ominous!! 🧾🧐I think I’m ready…but first I’m gonna get my tea! A warm tummy to protect my gut, as it might be scary. 😉

[@BitesizedAudio]

Tea always helps, I think