A Warning to the Curious | A Ghost Story by M. R. James | A Bitesized Audiobook

[@BitesizedAudio]

A visitor to Seaburgh is fascinated by the local legend of an Anglo-Saxon crown buried nearby, guarding against invaders. He follows the clues to see where they lead, but soon finds himself wishing he'd left well alone... The story starts at 00:01:28 See the video description for background notes on the author and the story. Note for returning listeners who think you may have heard this one before: you probably have; it was previously uploaded in 2020, but this version has been re-edited and re-mastered to clean up some slightly muddy or boxy audio, and fix some processing errors. This is one of a series of the ghost stories of M. R. James I've narrated for this channel; you can hear the others on this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZJNKedIOCTyWlvJTmG0ku2o Or for a selection of Victorian ghost stories by various authors, including Charles Dickens, Amelia Edwards, Edith Nesbit, H. G. Wells, and many more: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZISCGdeBUtYxynNFtZCeRrv A note on the text: I've opted to use a specific date, April 1920, in dating this reading, whereas in the text it is rendered as "April 19--". I chose 1920 to give the story context, because the modern-day narrator is recounting events which happened to him a few years previously (it was first published in 1925), but to me the story has a post-Great War feel about it. William Ager is said to have died "quite recently", aged 28, after spending many nights staying up out of doors... presumably guarding the crown - successfully - during the First World War. Also, there is mention of Ager's father acting as guardian during the South African War (1899-1901) and his grandfather during the War of 1870 (i.e. the Franco-Prussian War) so this timeline seemed to make sense. That's my interpretation anyway; if you disagree, or agree, or have other thoughts on it, do let me know in the comments!

[@er6730]

Thanks for adding the date that seemed appropriate to you. It always takes me out of the story on confusion when those coy blanks come into a story.

[@JulieLevinge]

Had noticed you put a date in, much better that way & your right that appears to fit the time line just right.👍❤️

[@DreadArkive]

I always liked how these two guys were such good friends to Paxton in such a short time.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes indeed, I really like the structure of this story: narratives nestled within narrative, with several points of view

[@Lemma01]

I've felt the same: gentlemen behaving like gentlemen. The product of a society where a chap could be trusted in proportion to the quality of his tailoring (even if the tailor's account had yet to be settled...). I expect it had its drawbacks, but seems almost halcyon.

[@nickybaker1338]

​@@Lemma01 Yes indeed! Politeness & chivalry. I'm not daft enough to think that things were perfect in times gone by-far from it of course, but.....wistful is how I'd describe my current mood

[@Lemma01]

@nickybaker1338 Accommodation. I'm English, and was brought up to believe one had an obligation to shuffle along a bit to accommodate The Other, however obstreperous. Rather than take offence.

[@nickybaker1338]

@@Lemma01 Plain old decency and good manners. I think that many of us remember such days when we did what we "were ruddy well told and that's all there is to it" There was no such thing as a "naughty step"-we just rushed all the way up the stairs like lightning- without needing to be told! 😆

[@JulieLevinge]

Every M R James story on this channel has been superbly narrated, can’t beat these original creepy stories✊❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Julie, much appreciated

[@JulieLevinge]

Been back to this story least half a dozen times, my favourite M.R. James story & best narrations I ever heard👍❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much, Julie, very kind of you to say. I think this is possibly my favourite MRJ story too, but it's difficult to choose!

[@DaveCoulthard]

One of my favorite narrators reading one of my favorite stories, it's my lucky day! 😊 Thank you Simon

[@SpuktasticAudio]

What a wonderful homage to the J.R. Dullard classic. You spoil us, maestro. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

An affectionate parody, as you might say! Thanks Bob, for your work in unearthing the forgotten talents of the great JRD

[@allegrapicone9490]

Thankyou Simon, yesterday listening to this story and 'The Violin', was the happiest part of my day. I always know how lucky I am to be able to listen to a story from your selection. 🙋‍♀️💗

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much

[@jaidebrooke5946]

Thoroughly enjoyed 😊 Your readings always have me feeling like I'm in the story. A person standing in the street, someone looking out of the window as the main characters walk by.

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you

[@jaidebrooke5946]

You're most welcome.

[@katyvdb5993]

Beautifully told, thank you. One of sadder stories by that great master of the eerie: Paxton meant no harm and really didn't deserve his fate.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes I agree. I'm always struck that Paxton gets rather a raw deal compared with some earlier James protagonists... the whistle (in 'Oh Whistle') is simply thrown back into the sea, and Abbot Thomas's treasure is returned to its hiding place, and in both cases that's apparently enough to get the ghosts to lay off!

[@jackiemcculla4928]

Wonderfully spooky and brilliantly performed! Thank you so much!

[@mariannwolf4889]

Another enchanting story, thank you Mr. Stanhope

[@pattynielsen5506]

Your reading with such emotion...well, it makes for a riveting narration.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much

[@carlstevens4981]

Amazing narration as always ❤

[@Wombats555]

M R James is always welcome. Thank you!

[@kayi9236]

Excellent performance Simon, I love this story, really creepy too, thank you so much!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Kay, appreciated

[@marianaoz4150]

Thank you Simon, I love this story.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Mariana, it's one of my personal favourites too

[@BreckGirl1]

Great narration of classic stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly!

[@mariameere5807]

Thank you Simon, you are spoiling us ❤

[@nickjames205]

You are the best! You just made my night

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@raissadevereux6762]

Thank you! This is one of my favorites.

[@januzzell8631]

Wonderfully read - thank you again for more M R James

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome

[@ShirleyPearl-n9z]

I think i give it a miss getting a metal dectector thanks simon ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Possibly very wise! Although detecting is a fascinating hobby, I had great fun with it years ago... never found a Saxon crown though

[@ShirleyPearl-n9z]

@@BitesizedAudio yes it sounds much fun .

[@nielsebbesen7821]

@@BitesizedAudio That was probably for the best, the present story considered ;)

[@GradKat]

One of my favourites!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Mine too... I would find it tricky to single out my absolute favourite M. R. James tale, but this would certainly have to be in my top three I think

[@shelleymarquis2887]

I was a psychologist. Now I'm nothing. Having had two partners in a row, within a 10 year period, commit suicide has led me to believe that some things are determined and somethings aren't. I have spent 45 years attempting to achieve a series of goals with all the determined effort I have in me and having seemingly random variables prevent a single plan work in my life as they do in other peoples, im convinced its all random crap that doesn't count for anything. Re: Saving the Earth or humans or whatever, I have two words to say: ship breaking. Or if you prefer, jack leg gold mining in the congo basin. I can only feel so guilty about my 1000 sq ft shack, tiny 15 yr old car that gets 40 mph and is no old no one I'll fix it. Cosmos grant I die sooner rather than later. 😅

[@ShirleyPearl-n9z]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much

[@lccsd2392]

when did James find time to live? So' prolific. What one can get done with lackies and college servants.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm sure they would be very useful! Although to be fair, he only produced one ghost story per year, on average, in fact slightly less than one a year over the course of almost 40 years... his output of other (academic) writing was quite considerable though

[@josephpearson2230]

Double-frame narrative. A story related within a story within a story …

[@michaelshaw9039]

A much better look without the beard 🥹

[@JennyLane8666]

I adore MR James! Thank you, friend! ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

My pleasure, thank you Jenny

[@clairegreenaway9653]

Me too!