"The Alchemist" is a short story by American author H. P. Lovecraft, written in 1908. The tale, which first appeared in the magazine, United Amateur, in 1916, centres around a man’s quest for answers with regards to the mysterious deaths of his ancestors, all of whom died at approximately thirty-two years of age. Chapters: 00:16 - Introduction 00:54 - The Alchemist 24:04 - Further Listening Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/album/the-alchemist Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble Music and production by Ian Gordon & Jennifer Gill Image by Evelyn_Chai: pixabay.com/users/evelyn_chai-8705727 Support us on Bandcamp or Patreon: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com www.patreon.com/horrorbabble HorrorBabble MERCH: teespring.com/stores/horrorbabble-merch Search HORRORBABBLE to find us on: AUDIBLE / ITUNES / SPOTIFY Home: www.horrorbabble.com Rue Morgue: www.rue-morgue.com Social Media: facebook.com/HorrorBabble instagram.com/horrorbabble twitter.com/HorrorBabble
@Tralman19654 жыл бұрын
Impressive in that this was written by an 18 year old. H. P. Was so gifted!
@billl29034 жыл бұрын
I swear every time I listen to your videos, I hum right along with those piano notes in the intro like a tone deaf fool. I can’t be alone in doing it lol.
@HorrorBabble4 жыл бұрын
Ha!
@scottwalton8294 жыл бұрын
I think his real surname is Le Saucier. Down there making sauces for 600 years. You didn’t think Pierre did the cooking did you?
@Gorboduc4 жыл бұрын
He did 'em in with his killer bechamel.
@judclark73763 жыл бұрын
Lost in the sauce
@jopenope4574 жыл бұрын
Always great to find a narrator that doesn't go crazy with voices. Loved it, you are a great narrator!
@markuscriticus82784 жыл бұрын
So, the curse was just... Him killing them normally?
@rachweatherilll694 жыл бұрын
Lol and living for 600 years
@markuscriticus82784 жыл бұрын
@@rachweatherilll69 Okay, but that's not a curse on somebody else, that's just a thing you do. Was the guy actually a really crappy wizard who who only knew one spell?
@atrocious_pr0xy4 жыл бұрын
@@markuscriticus8278 a 600 year old troll, fam.
@rachweatherilll694 жыл бұрын
You're being too critical Markus Criticus lol
@rachweatherilll694 жыл бұрын
P.s I wish I knew that one spell but look like I'm age 25 for 600 yrs hahaha
@jamiecameron76154 жыл бұрын
You spoil us again with more H.P!!! Thank you very much!!
@kimnorth70604 жыл бұрын
My favourite Lovecraft story perhaps because I study alchemy
@zama4224 жыл бұрын
kim north so, ignorant chemistry?
@TsukiumisGuy2 жыл бұрын
In 2020, the American Rock Band BLUE OYSYER CULT, turned this into a song on their new Album THE SYMBOL REMAINS.
@appiusverus4796 Жыл бұрын
the moment I saw your comment, I had to check it out. Amazing! Thanks for that!
@TsukiumisGuy Жыл бұрын
@@appiusverus4796 Glad I could help.
@joemo10334 жыл бұрын
And here I am. And there you are. All at 8 o'clock.
@XRAY200003 жыл бұрын
Hh- ... How?
@joemo10333 жыл бұрын
@@XRAY20000 How indeed.
@barryg5284 жыл бұрын
You can really see Poe’s influence in this one
@erra94904 жыл бұрын
I so appreciate you and your crews' work. Thank you for sharing it with us, and thanks to those who support the site. Y'all have helped alot of people get thru many a long night.
@billsummy24124 жыл бұрын
I have been waiting for this one ..... AWESOME ! Thank you HorrorBabble :-)
@williamcarroll93803 жыл бұрын
I wish I had a collection of CD 's . The way you read is surely poetry. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Thank you. Ian
@guyyatsu2 жыл бұрын
I wish you had a collection of CD's nutz
@litaholic45723 жыл бұрын
Wonderful reading! I just started to delve into the works of Lovecraft and am deeply entrenched in his gripping and vividly chilling prose. Your voice is a perfect fit for his tales and I am excited to listen to more.
@donaldmccleary90159 ай бұрын
I absolutely love this story. The narration is excellent. Thanks for narrating this. This story was in the first book of Lovecraft stories I read and I have a great fondness for it. The description of the ruined architecture is awesome. This one never gets old! You did a great job with Charles' words at the end.
@serendipity_hunter39744 жыл бұрын
Yes!!!! I’ve been waiting for this one. Think I suggested this n the very beginning of my discovery of you. Thanks Ian.
@markmccullough69214 жыл бұрын
Thank you for another magnificent Lovecraft reading. Utterly addicted to HorrorBabble and loving revisiting these fabulous tales.
@benwil60484 жыл бұрын
Perfect timing I thought I would miss it today xD
@Vates1043 жыл бұрын
This is a truly great KZbin channel. My favorite is Edgar Allan Poe. After that Nathaniel Hawthorne and H G Wells. Lovecraft, Kafka, Borges are close behind. I also like Mrs Riddell, Leonid Andreyev, and R Murray Gilchrist.
@robertwalker-smith27393 жыл бұрын
I wonder if this is HPL's first use of the 'uttermost revelation at the very end of the narrative' trope. Other than that, this is like Clark Ashton Smith doing a Dunsany pastiche. Which is to say, completely delightful.
@Nanosuit37 Жыл бұрын
Excellent! Very good! You are a very talented narrator Mr. Gordon. Thank you Mr. Gordon and Horror Babble. Excellent as always. Until next time.
@robber233 Жыл бұрын
Part of me thinks the old alchemist chose to meet his end... after all whats left when all you've lived for will be gone? The last of his cries seem to be in fear of the very thing he tried to do. Render his enemies forgotten.
@katyavolkov40894 жыл бұрын
Hard to get by each night without your daily uploads! So glad you’re back! ❤️
@johnoliva51534 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much.Somehow I missed this story.Glad I found it here.You are the best.
@prolificendangered19554 жыл бұрын
Awsome!Happy belated New Year HB!
@rachweatherilll694 жыл бұрын
That's a long time to hold a grudge lol
@magnushood3896 Жыл бұрын
I’m used to Wayne June but your damn good. A nice mix up. I enjoy your almost fantastical speech makes it genuine fun, which is rare found in lovecraft work
@HorrorBabble Жыл бұрын
Thanks for stopping by!
@kacperx66 Жыл бұрын
The only story that gave me chills and made me truly terryfied. 10/10
@MrsCaranAmy4 жыл бұрын
This was definitely a superb find and tale. Thanks for a great narration.
@olalustig53974 жыл бұрын
Hell yeah,more lovecraft!More cthulu mythos!
@Faladaena3 жыл бұрын
Blimey, narration in _real_ (the Queen's) English *and* HPL pen-fruit galore?? I will have me some more of that, thank you very much! [clicks sub button]
@williamcarroll93803 жыл бұрын
Love your reading. Thank you Ian.
@daanasmr4 жыл бұрын
What a coincidence! I just read this one on my channel today. I'm still listening though! ;)
@clark60504 жыл бұрын
Yay! you finally did my favorite Lovecraft story!
@kenneth83DK4 жыл бұрын
Thx once again for ensuring my entry to the fleeting halls of sleep.
@BeastlyEwok4 жыл бұрын
Kinda saw that ending coming. Still a fantastic tale.
@zama4224 жыл бұрын
Gotta say, just came across your channel recently after I started diving back into lovecraft, and I have to say your voice is perfect for it.
@David_Tomlinson4 жыл бұрын
As always brilliant, and no atmospheric background ambience on this one? Still, a good tale. Lamps staying on tonight. 😁
@HorrorBabble4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mauve. We only occasionally add background music and/or FX.
@lacyhart20434 жыл бұрын
Awesome thanks so much for your nice story Lovecraft is cool
@MacobstonProductions4 жыл бұрын
This made my day :)
@michaelkay51424 жыл бұрын
🌵🐺🇲🇽¡Saludos desde Flagstaff Az!🇺🇸🐺🌵
@Jadguy242 ай бұрын
Chuck the Wizard’s spell of “I kill you!”
@nightmareyes99983 жыл бұрын
“I! I! I! I AM CHARLES LE SORCIER”
@vintagegamesintoxicatedlam1195 Жыл бұрын
Now I want to play some advanced dungeons and dragons......
@danbreeden18014 жыл бұрын
Wonderful story from a young Lovecraft
@Hashtag_Laser4 жыл бұрын
I love your short stories!
@icarusyeen20594 жыл бұрын
Chuck Wizard's curse of 'shoot you in the face'
@robbabcock_ Жыл бұрын
Wonderful tale!
@philippel.90864 жыл бұрын
Charles le sorcier seems like a nice guy!
@Crysomandiaz4 жыл бұрын
I would swipe right.
@philippel.90864 жыл бұрын
Crysomandiaz 😂 anyone who writes that he’s interested in dark magic in his tinder profile is husband material!
@Crysomandiaz4 жыл бұрын
@moonknight 8 and he can prove he can give you a very long life :D
@miiks...5...3...9...4 жыл бұрын
So did he just sit around for 32 years before killing them? For a magicak mastermind that unlocked the gift of immortality he seems rather stupid
@chocolatebunnies63764 жыл бұрын
It does sound silly, but upon reflection I find it to make sense. Having a routine repeat every 32 years may be the perfect way to structure an eternal life. Like a New Year’s/Christmas celebration. Reminds him what life is all about. He doesn’t have to just sit around in the meantime, 32 years gives complete freedom to take on other projects as well.
@docbrown79164 жыл бұрын
Good read as always Ian !!
@alexeisenhauer587416 күн бұрын
18:56 “Oi ‘as it ben two an tirty yars olraidy then?” 😵🎩
@danbreeden54812 жыл бұрын
Excellent story
@magisterirae3 жыл бұрын
Great book
@constantin55094 жыл бұрын
Great reading. Good story.
@courtschmied4 жыл бұрын
"IT IS I, I ,I THAT HAS LIVED FOR 600 _years_" I heard that sneaky edit lol Still, fantastic reading!
@HorrorBabble4 жыл бұрын
I had to listen to that 6 times in order to figure out what you were referring to! We sometimes add FX to character voices, but in this instance, you're listening to the raw take.
@ChiefSmackahoLLC4 жыл бұрын
Ian really is just _that good_
@snakeseverywhere32564 жыл бұрын
The Demons Head
@The4books2 жыл бұрын
Pretty good maiden voyage story!
@gothicdragonwarriorqueen58194 жыл бұрын
Scary-as-shit cool!!!🙂🖤💀☠👻⚰🦇🕷🕸
@soulreaver19834 жыл бұрын
Excellent video dude! Very well read!☺👍
@kristinacable2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic xoxo :)
@montynelson5033 Жыл бұрын
its literally just- hm a wizard hasplaced a curse on my family that is killing them. how do i stop this curse!! magic?! (panic ensues) meanwhile the wizard is straight up murdering his family
@EricDaMAJ2 жыл бұрын
Back when Lovecraft wrote like a modern Hollywood screenwriter - saying the quiet part aloud and telling rather than showing. Still, pretty good for 18.
@Duchess_Van_Hoof4 жыл бұрын
Oh, it is *that* infamous story.
@Nergal_Slayer3 жыл бұрын
What are you referring too? What is this story known for?
@risker-wx9mw Жыл бұрын
13:52 nothing important, just saving my spot.
@williamcarroll93803 жыл бұрын
I really wish I had CD 's
@mariofan1ish4 жыл бұрын
A Lovecraft story without the word eldritch or tentacles? 5/10
@heatrayzvideo30073 жыл бұрын
I listen to these when I have to sleep at work - I work in residential home for disabled people. I wonder if I'm odd loving the macabre before I sleep.
@Skepticfornow4 жыл бұрын
You can transmute without a circle?!?
@brennacoleman68154 жыл бұрын
The Hardly-Metal Alchemist (he'd be a lot more like Hohenheim, tho)
@yamiyomizuki4 жыл бұрын
I know i asked before but would you consider reading An Offering To The Moon by Clark Ashton Smith? You actually read the sequel thereto The Uncharted Isle.
@HorrorBabble4 жыл бұрын
Would you mind sending your suggestion via our website? That way we can keep track of it. Here's a link: www.horrorbabble.com/contact
@BeautifulEarthJa2 жыл бұрын
.....what happened next? I must know!!!!!
@TWBIAP4 жыл бұрын
Why is it all curses have to rhyme?
@trillcosby43994 жыл бұрын
So the elixir of eternal life is metal af
@Duchess_Van_Hoof4 жыл бұрын
Have you considered doing Carmilla? It is wonderfully creepy at times, and she has a far more vibrant personality than Dracula ever haf.
@HorrorBabble4 жыл бұрын
It's on our working list, DVH. We're hoping to record it eventually. :)
@bittybitty82334 жыл бұрын
💙🙋🏼♀️💙
@bittybitty82334 жыл бұрын
No notification of this...NOT COOL Y.T. ❗❗❗
@HorrorBabble4 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure if this will be of any use to you, KB: support.google.com/youtube/answer/3382248?co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&hl=en
@evancarneal70574 жыл бұрын
I feel like I'm also this petty
@philippel.90864 жыл бұрын
:D
@mauricedavis21603 жыл бұрын
♊✨🙏
@AMTheOcarinaPlayer3 жыл бұрын
Anyone else are because of Full Metal Alchemist? 😏
@architecyudha89044 жыл бұрын
onivia
@FrankMonday2 жыл бұрын
I do a variation of the reading here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/laOcaYeAm8mEb9U
@AndrewLawsonjughead673 жыл бұрын
Amateur ? He was no Amateur Ha
@madderhat58524 жыл бұрын
So many wonderful H.P. stories. What is your H.P. source ? Hahahahahahahaha............um, I'll leave now.
@TheHangedMan4 жыл бұрын
H.P. wrote this when he was 18... and it shows. Honestly not great. lol