Canon Alberic's Scrapbook | A Ghost Story by M. R. James | A Bitesized Audiobook

In the decayed Pyrenean town of St Bertrand de Comminges, an English academic stumbles across a unique book, a collection of writings and illustrated manuscripts dating back many centuries. It's incredibly rare, and yet the owner of the book seems surprisingly happy to part with it... The story starts at 00:01:28
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:28 Canon Alberic's Scrapbook
00:36:10 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 Scrapbook' and 'Lost Hearts' (both 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.
'Canon Alberic's Scrapbook' is generally regarded as M. R. James' very first ghost story. In fact it was first heard alongside 'Lost Hearts', when both stories were read aloud by James himself at the Chit Chat Club in Cambridge, on the evening of Saturday, 28 October 1893. It's not known for certain which tale was read first, but 'Canon Alberic' was placed first in the 1904 volume published by James, 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary', and subsequent collected editions have followed the same order.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024.

[@BitesizedAudio]

In the decayed Pyrenean town of St Bertrand de Comminges, an English academic stumbles across a unique book, a collection of writings and illustrated manuscripts dating back many centuries. It's incredibly rare, and yet the owner of the book seems surprisingly happy to part with it... The story starts at 00:01:28 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

[@Shineon83]

Loved the character of the Cambridge scholar……I’ve always felt that it is the relatability/quirkiness of James’ protagonists ( and not merely his frightening supernatural plots ) that have endeared his short stories to so many generations of readers….❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Quite so, and as the first in what was to become a large body of stories, Dennistoun very much sets the standard for other characters (Parkins, Wraxall, Paskins et al) to follow

[@chuzzthefuzz1908]

M R James has developed into my favourite classic ghost story writer, thanks to you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

How wonderful, glad to know that

[@neowise6863]

@@BitesizedAudio and me! Your narration of these stories is fantastic. Thank you ☺️

[@maxgc6413]

Love the subtle horror in this. It creeps up on you in such a matter of fact way. James always convinces me that there is more in this world than we understand. His education with history and churches makes it all the more worthwhile to read over and over. ❤

[@leebennett1821]

I agree modern horror it mostly mindless gore

[@rheinhartsilvento2576]

Right. That's because there is 😅

[@smythharris2635]

"Death is unreal, That's the way I feel. There's more to be revealed. Lovers and friends meet again and again, on the dear old battlefield." [The Incredible String Band]

[@beverlyadams7205]

@@smythharris2635love this ❤

[@smythharris2635]

​@@beverlyadams7205"The Dear Old Battlefield", from their album, "The Liquid Acrobat as Regards the Air"

[@mariameere5807]

This has come exactly when I needed cheering up more than I have needed it in a long time. Thank you so much Simon for a wonderful story performed in such a wonderful way! You are appreciated more than you will ever know, and by so many! 🙏🌺 ❤❤❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad I could help, Maria. I hope things are brighter for you now! All best wishes

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I hope that your situation improves and you can rise above the bad feelings. I hope I'm not seeming rude by butting into your business. I just wanted to wish you well, because I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety, which has at least gifted me with empathy. Best of luck to you.

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Hell yea I just in time to do the dishes right on. Simon has no set time because any time is the right time. cheers from across the pond

[@BitesizedAudio]

Any time is the right time, a very good attitude for life!

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

@@BitesizedAudio I try to think well it always can be worse than what it is😬😂😂

[@malcolmgibson6288]

An evening listening to M. R. James, what could be better?

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Well, that was enough to put the willies up anybody. And you're so good at it, cher Simon. ❤

[@Hablizel]

Mr. Stanhope, you are a superb reader & have the marvelous ability to make a story come to life. Also your choice of subjects are varied and ever interesting. I also like the biographical information of the authors.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for your kind comments, and I'm glad to know the notes are of interest

[@januzzell8631]

My Favourite Ghost Writer - thank you Simon - bliss

[@TheRickie41]

I really enjoy this, every reader brings his very own personal touch to this masterpiece of James’ fine writing. I like your narration very much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Ricky, appreciated. For some reason I'd thought this was one of the less often recorded James stories, I don't know why I thought that, but just as I was in the process of uploading this I did a quick YT search and was rather astonished by how many versions there are already! But as you say, every interpretation brings something different to the table, it's such a wonderful story

[@TheRickie41]

@@BitesizedAudio Yes, indeed. An actor, however, makes it double special; this one, particularly. Now it's you and Hordern I'll repeatedly enjoy...I admit I have a profound admiration for this fine, depictive style that is James'...

[@YvonneWilson312]

What an utter delight - thank you so much for another M.R.James story, Simon. As the song says, nobody does it better!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say, thank you Yvonne

[@patriciajrs46]

Thank you as always Simon.

[@mijiyoon5575]

Woot! Woot! *Simon Stanhope* reading *M.R. James* this will brighten my early evening. Thank You *Simon* I've had such a day w/ household chores I feel like a charwoman. No wonder it's called *chores* & I'm not yet done. Still have to unload the dishwasher, put a cat's blanket into the dryer & fix dinner. The latter will be a frozen meal popped into the oven as I'm too exhausted to cook😵😵‍💫. Now that I think on it I do have the robots to help me out: Washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven🤔🤔 still those dishes don't unload & put themselves away

[@BitesizedAudio]

They certainly don't! I hope you find some time to sit and relax

[@brendangilmore4297]

Your voice was made for M R James - absolutely perfect :)

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@traceyearl9468]

Super Thanks Simon ❤Australia 😊

[@missying1115]

M. R. James is just brilliant and Simon is talented as always - French and Latin!

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I love love love M.R. James, and Mr. Stanhope has the perfect voice and inflection for James's tales. I'd love to hear you tackle "Two Doctors" or The Fenstanton Witch" "Two Doctors" has the benefit of being a quite short tale. Best wishes!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Great suggestions, actually both are already on my wish list (in fact, I'd rather like to do all of them eventually, but that'll take a while...). But those two in particular I'd earmarked, 'Two Doctors' because it's obscure and quite a challenge to make sense of... but I like a challenge; 'The Fenstanton Witch' because it's even more obscure and less well covered - although that's because it's actually still under copyright. James never published it and it was only found after his death, and only published in 1990, so I wouldn't be able to read it for this channel without permission from the copyright holder(s). However, it's on my to-do list to write and ask for permission

[@Boogie_the_cat]

Great to hear that they are on your wish list. I enjoy all of James's work, but I especially love the nebulosity of those two. I hadn't known about "The Fenstanton Witch" being posthumously published. You are a well of knowledge, which just adds to the depth that your narration gives to the stories.

[@caroleastwood9386]

How marvellous Simon!

[@shannondore]

I adore M. R. James, but I adore you reading his stories more. Thanks, Simon, for another good one.❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Shannon

[@simoneclift3155]

Oh the bliss❤ Just what I needed. Thank you. Aaaaaaand relax.😊

[@nickybaker1338]

Oooooh- thrilled & chilled here! Great story, fab narration as always. Thank you so much Simon. 🥰😊

[@ragwortrattle8798]

My, you've been busy! It's great to hear these James stories again. 🌹

[@cindyrhodes]

Perfect intro, perfect music, perfect story, and perfect narration. Thank you! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@thurayya8905]

An M.R. James I have not heard! A wonderful day, indeed.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Excellent. Thanks for listening, and taking the time to comment

[@elisabethroos8418]

This tale is more than horrible scary, it's 12.45 pm, and I am alone in my house. 😮 And Simon is brilliant as always! This is one of the most scary you ever made!

[@christinemarshall1366]

A superb narration, as usual, by Mr Stanhope. Thank you

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Christine, appreciated

[@nickybaker1338]

Just seen this - can't listen immediately, but this afternoon I shall be! Anticipation OVERLOAD! 🤗😍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Nicky, I hope you enjoy it!

[@karljunge]

oh, haunted art works, that's my jam!

[@GradKat]

Fantastic! Thank you Simon!

[@northernlights8126]

Superb, it doesn’t get better than this.As a commentator wrote earlier, you can feel the creeping horror.An academic, steeped in learning and knowledge, living in a rarefied world of ancient books and University life coming face to face with the supernatural makes it even more frightening.This was brilliant.Thank you Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@Thicketworks]

Thank you - just delightful. 😊

[@joea.9969]

Just reading a book of MR James stories. They just have this creepy yet quaint nuance like Edward Gorey art.

[@annagettings4675]

Oh my goodness! I'm in positive M.R.James Heaven Simon! Thank you so so much!

[@karenzak6627]

Creepy and predictable, but it draws you in none the less! (Oddly enough, no matter how often I tried to forwarn the scholar he just ignored me! 😉) Thanks again for a wonderful narration! ❤

[@davehopkins1970]

Took me 3 listens to get my head around this belter Thanks as always Simon I’m sure the author would be pleased with your wonderful narrations of his works

[@BitesizedAudio]

Much appreciated, thanks Dave

[@susanotway7875]

Thanks Simon. So enjoyable. Wonderful narration as always.

[@mngirl5437]

Ty for another great read Simon ❤

[@beverlyadams7205]

Thank you, Simon. Great story with creepy vibes.😱

[@esgravois]

Wonderful narration as aiways!

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much Stephanie

[@grahamwilloughby7091]

A truly spooky story - well read as ever! Loved it!

[@annagettings4675]

Could you read it's sister story 'The Mezzotint' for us? Not that we're a picky and demanding lot, or anything! We just love the stories you pick, and the way you read them. Then we want to hear all our favourite stories read by you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Anna, appreciated. I take it you didn't see my post on the community tab recently about MRJ... yes, 'The Mezzotint' is next on my list for when I return to him, and I'm also hoping to do 'The Ash Tree' before the end of this year too. In December it'll be 120 years since 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' was first published in book form, so I'm aiming to complete the volume by then and upload the compilation as a complete video

[@annagettings4675]

@@BitesizedAudio Yay! Simon you are a marvel and a treasure, and the best audiobook reader on the planet! Stephen Fry pales in comparison and Martin Jarvis weeps with envy!

[@tonyeden8381]

A trifecta of terror….how lucky are we 😊😊👍

[@leebennett1821]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Lee 🙏

[@petercalderwood2876]

There you are. Right on time.

[@cheriestolze]

I know this area!

[@marisadallavalle393]

Thank you

[@smythharris2635]

If you are in the forest, on a deserted beach, at an ancient site or in your garden and you sense you're being watched; maybe you think you see something or sense something. You have been M. R. Jamesed.😅

[@BitesizedAudio]

It's a creepy feeling...

[@donnavorce8856]

Hi Simon!

[@4362mont]

So this was M.R. James' first supernatural story? And though I've heard of stuffed crocodiles hanging in apoyhecary shops, I find in this story one hanging over the font in a church! I wonder why, and will have fun trying yo find out.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I seem to recall Mark Gatiss presented a documentary on MRJ a few years ago, where he visited this church and we saw the crocodile... I'd love to visit in person some day

[@stephaniealeman8522]

🙏🏽 and a bit more Latin for you…et paulo plus Latin tibi💚

[@BitesizedAudio]

Gratias tibi 🙏

[@SholaT39]

@BitesizeAudio, dear Simon, unless it is a condition of funding supporters, how come no adverts at beginning of your videos? I’d gladly watch an advert video/s if it means funding that will get more of your wonderful readings on here I like before I listen, but I know this is going to be amazing again; thank you

[@BitesizedAudio]

I think there are adverts at the beginning of the videos... not the middle though, I've switched those off. However, I believe that if you watch quite a few KZbin videos in succession it does sometimes skip the ads and lets you watch ad-free occasionally; perhaps that's happened here? Thanks so much for your kind support, I hope you enjoyed the story

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@possumaintdead]

Wonderful reading as usual. You have a perfect voice for James. This is one of the first James stories I read, and I always wished I could ask him questions about it. How did the sacristan come by the book? Why was he compelled to keep it in his home? Everyone in town seemed to know about it. And the entity seemed to hang out in the church. Did it follow the scrapbook when Denniston left the town? Fascinating things to chew over while I listen! ❤❤❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know you enjoyed it. And these are all great questions, which I must confess have always made me ponder too. [Spoiler alert for what follows, for anyone who hasn't listened yet.] As I see it, the entity haunts the sacristan rather than the book, but only because he *owns* the book. Hence, as you say he's hanging around in the church while the book is locked up at the house. But when Dennistoun takes ownership of the book, the sacristan seems immediately relieved, even though they're still all in the same room together, and very soon it's Dennistoun who senses someone standing behind him. I think what puzzled me most is that destroying one particular page/picture seems to free Densistoun from the worst effects of it... and yet taking and keeping a photograph of it is apparently OK! Which brings me to a wider question I have about the James canon: why do some protagonists "get away with it", e.g. Dennistoun here by destroying the page, or Parkins by throwing the whistle into the sea, or Somerton by returning Abbot Thomas's treasure to the well, whereas others like Mr Wraxall in Count Magnus, or Paxton in 'A Warning to the Curious', are never forgiven and are pursued to the end? It all seems rather unfair... But fascinating to debate and swap theories!

[@thurayya8905]

I think the entity is a Jinn that Canon Alberic came into contact with by trying to contact the dead (the way we might with an ouija board) looking for answers to his future. He may have made a pact with it, then found he could not rid himself of it. He may have prayed to King Solomon (considered a Saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church) and looked to him for answers to his problem, even drawing and painting a picture. The verger may have been the one who found and read Alberic's psalter.

[@possumaintdead]

@@BitesizedAudio Maybe it depends on the type of entity that is involved? It’s lucky that whatever it was could be laid by burning the picture. Remember in Casting the Runes the burning of the strip of runes guaranteed the death of the recipient. Puzzles, puzzles!

[@possumaintdead]

@@thurayya8905 Interesting theory. I don’t know much about Jinn, but it makes sense that the owner of the book was stuck with the entity. I wonder if a person with proper knowledge could have controlled and used the entity for his own ends.

[@traceyearl9468]

Thanks