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

[@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

[@ers5072]

I am living in a traditional Japanese house sitting on a tatami mat, legs under a kotatsu trying to stay warm on a cold and rainy night in rural Japan. I was looking for a reading of this story on KZbin when I came across your channel. I immediately subscribed! Thanks so much for the wonderful narration of a truly horrifying classic ghost story by M.R. James. It is always fun to listen to or read ghost stories in this house. It is large and dark at night and rather isolated. I imagine unknown Yokai outside looking for unwary humans to terrify. What morbid fun.....

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you so much for your interesting comment. Funnily enough I've recently finished recording the last story in 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary', so I've revisited this one (the first in the volume) to put them all together as a single video - aiming to upload in the next few days

[@francesmeyer8478]

A high school boyfriend gave me a copy of "Ghost Stories of an Antiquary" just before our senior year. This would have been 1965. He was killed the following year. I still have the book to remember him by and have read it many times. It has traveled from Alaska to Central Illinois with me. 💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@annabelladebonnay8320]

A meaningful 'Memento Mori' ......Please accept my condolences for your bereavement when so young. ......!

[@johnryan3913]

An extraordinary memory.....

[@francesmeyer8478]

@@annabelladebonnay8320 Thank you. It was hard.

[@dalemaree7022]

The ghost stories were not my favourite, but I now really enjoy M.R. James. Thank you. ❤ from Australia 🇦🇺🦘

[@typacsk]

About 15 years ago, I was working at a nature preserve in the Midwestern US, and stumbled across a collection of ghost stories in the farmhouse where my crewmates and I were staying. It featured this story; I got completely engrossed in it, and when I looked up from the book, the wind was howling down off the prairie, and I was sitting under the only lighted lamp for several miles. I didn't sleep well that night.

[@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😬😂😂

[@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 ☺️

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@mariameere5807]

@@Boogie_the_cat I am so sorry for I have just seen your beautiful comment now! I get so many notifications nowadays! If I am busy for a couple of days I can miss these gifts of replies that make my day! I am SO grateful that you took the time to share this with me! As it happens someone liked my comment which is how my attention was drawn to this…. I have am affirmation; everything I need to know is revealed to me and everything that I need comes when I need it! I think that bc I say these affirmations until I actually start to believe them, they really do work! And I am sure this came to my attention at the perfect time because I am able to say with conviction that I am feeling better than I have in a very long time! Sometimes these experiences grow and expand us, when we truly feel that we’ve had enough…. We either sink or swim, and the harder we fall the higher we bounce back! (And in your case with a lot of compassion that you might otherwise have missed out on.) But only when we take the bounce, ie when we’ve had enough! Please forgive the delay in receiving this and I really hope you get this! We learn from our challenges which are repeated until they are learned and I believe that when we don’t react, we have learned from what we have experienced! Blessings in abundance! Thanks again, much appreciated beautiful soul!🙏 🌟🫶🌟

[@HannaFate]

I love the way Evil in MR James' stories is just laying around, like toxic waste. Leftovers of the doings of evil people, for innocent people to stumble on. And, the people in his stories are sensible. Not a lot of "but there's no such thing as...", but rather. "Hm. Yeah, we gotta burn that."

[@januzzell8631]

My Favourite Ghost Writer - thank you Simon - bliss

[@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.

[@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'...

[@patriciajrs46]

Thank you as always Simon.

[@annagettings4675]

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

[@traceyearl9468]

Thanks

[@malcolmgibson6288]

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

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much Stephanie

[@SpuktasticAudio]

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

[@missying1115]

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

[@brendangilmore4297]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@caroleastwood9386]

How marvellous Simon!

[@simoneclift3155]

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

[@robertbruce7686]

M R James drew me in. The standard of narration held me enthralled. Well done..

[@christinemarshall1366]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Christine, appreciated

[@shannondore]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Shannon

[@traceyearl9468]

Super Thanks Simon ❤Australia 😊

[@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!

[@ragwortrattle8798]

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

[@GradKat]

Fantastic! Thank you Simon!

[@thurayya8905]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

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

[@cindyrhodes]

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

[@polr6311]

Wonderful narration!

[@Thicketworks]

Thank you - just delightful. 😊

[@Pagespinner]

The great M. R. James, with a telling which rises to his genius.

[@karljunge]

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

[@nickyfierybakerRoo]

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

[@tizzieblack3384]

This is my favourite of your audio series. I listen to them frequently. Your narration is very easy on the ear, without being cloying. I appreciate that you have included the whole of the first book of ghost stories of M R James - and have been hoping that you might add the second book - A Thin Ghost and other stories. M R James is one of my favourite authors and your narration adds to my enjoyment. Audio adds a different experience from actually reading.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Tizzie. Actually, I've still got a couple of stories to go to complete the first volume of MRJ... The Mezzotint and The Ash Tree are still to-do, but I aim to do them both before the end of this year. I'm sure I'll get around to the subsequent volumes eventually as well!

[@heathermoulds73]

I’ve been enjoying your work for 3Ish years Simon and I’m rapt; your diction is superb and your occasional drift into dialects and local accent are entirely accurate. I was born in Birmingham, my parents are from Sheffield, which is where I went to University and lived for 12 years. I worked at the Foundry Climbing Centre,before there was a wall in every city. I’ve therefore met and nattered with folks from everywhere 😂 The Foundry was the first dedicated indoor climbing facility, so we had multiple international visitors, of course Sheffield is kinda the gateway to the Peak District, so we had huge numbers of tourists, and many students chose Sheffield for this reason. Anyway, nuff of my gabbling 🤣Warm regards x

[@esgravois]

Wonderful narration as aiways!

[@mngirl5437]

Ty for another great read Simon ❤

[@sonjawells4265]

Thank you❤

[@susanotway7875]

Thanks Simon. So enjoyable. Wonderful narration as always.

[@beverlyadams7205]

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

[@nickyfierybakerRoo]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Nicky, I hope you enjoy it!

[@grahamwilloughby7091]

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

[@petercalderwood2876]

There you are. Right on time.

[@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

[@joea.9969]

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

[@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...

[@tonyeden8381]

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

[@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! ❤

[@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!

[@cheriestl]

I know this area!

[@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

[@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

[@donnavorce8856]

Hi Simon!

[@stephaniealeman8522]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Gratias tibi 🙏

[@sleethmitchell]

a sincerely creepy story. 'tag; you're it... no tag backs.'

[@ann7882]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@leebennett1821]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Lee 🙏

[@JandL748]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your support

[@Staminahorseguitar]

Thanks!