My Adventure on Dartmoor | A. J. Alan | A Bitesized Audiobook

Not so much the Hound of the Baskervilles, more a shaggy dog story related in Alan's typical humorous style, in which he recounts an evening spent in an isolated moorland cottage on a wild and stormy night. He's the only human being for miles around, or so he thinks, when he's disturbed by a sudden, insistent knocking at the door....
Narrated/performed by me, 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:
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
00:00:00 Introduction and biographical notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope
00:04:07 The Story begins
00:31:46 Credits and thanks
About the author: A. J. Alan was the pseudonym of the multi-talented Leslie Harrison Lambert (1883-1941), an English civil servant and intelligence officer whose readings of his own short stories on the fledgling BBC radio service in the early 1920s were incredibly popular with contemporary audiences. Born in Nottingham, he went to school at Rugby and initially trained as a surveyor. At some point he also trained as a magician and was accepted into the Magic Circle. He developed an interest in amateur radio in the years before the First World War which proved pivotal to his life and career: on the outbreak of war in August 1914 he volunteered to work at a coastguard station intercepting German wireless communications, and by the end of that year was working for the British Admiralty in Naval Intelligence Room 40, which was later to become part of what is now known as GCHQ. Lambert remained in the Intelligence service for the rest of his career. He still held a senior role at the outbreak of the Second World War, and transferred to Bletchley Park where he worked in Hut 8 (alongside Alan Turing amongst many others). However by this stage his health was declining, and he died in December 1941 at the age of 58.
Shortly after the foundation of the BBC in 1922, Lambert contacted the Corporation offering to read his own short stories as radio broadcasts, and he began doing so in January 1924. These readings were given under the pseudonym A. J. Alan, and his real identity was kept a closely-guarded secret, although apparently his voice was once recognised by an old school friend. Lambert/Alan's stories were distinctive in tone, with a highly conversational, off-the-cuff style which belied the intense preparation which went into every episode. The broadcasts were hugely popular with contemporary audiences and made "A. J. Alan" into a household name. The stories themselves are typically a blend of humour and suspense, often with a twist. The majority of them were subsequently published in contemporary newspaper or periodicals, as well as published in book form ('Good Evening, Everyone!' in 1928 and 'A. J. Alan's Second Book' in 1933).
If you'd like to hear the voice of the man himself, a couple of his stories are available on the 'Stars of the Wireless' website, from gramophone recordings produced in the 1930s:
rfwilmut.net/wireless/alan.html
This recording © Bitesized Audio 2022.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction and biographical notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope 00:04:07 The Story begins 00:31:46 Credits and thanks If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me: * Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio * Monthly support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio * Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/ Thanks for listening!

[@waningmooncancer9628]

Loved the..." What was the name of the place? Short word, one syllable, begins with 'w'.....Oh! I've got it! Ashburton." I felt right at home with the story; he reminded me of myself.¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@pauliewogmastercertifiedli535]

I am such a fan of the AJ Alan stories. Especially the way you interpret them. You don't miss the humor and the lightness that he inserts into his stories. There is another KZbinr that covered his story The Diver. He just didn't get what AJ Alan was saying. He just stamped over all the soft and subtle little jokes and jabs that AJ Alan had written into his stories. I really appreciate you adding the audio links to the actual recordings of AJ Alan. As an American you have exposed me to so many great writers that I have never heard of and now am ferociously trying to read everything I can find that they've written. Also the BIOS on the writers are so enriching. They are adventure stories in themselves. I can't thank you enough Simon you have truly opened my literary horizons. Finding new and exciting literature has made my life better. No matter what trials and tribulations KZbin puts you through please know that you have so many fans that realize that you provide a one-of-a-kind service. We are all so grateful for your amazing talent and dedication.

[@markvines7308]

A real "blue ribbon" channel Simon. You should be very proud of it.

[@johngalardi]

I’ve never been so happy to see a KZbin ad!!!!

[@Hannahxx1971]

This is my favourite audio book channel so I'm elated that you're back after all the stress & bother you've gone through. Back with a good author too... Looking forward to listening later in bed.

[@poetryjones7946]

Your narration style is both expressive & soothing, hence, addictive ❤️🙏🏼🌹

[@pjeannechild]

The inclusion of author history is something I didn’t even know I wanted. And the photos!! Superb. Thank you for my nightly, in-the-dark entertainment. (I admit it…your voice is perfect for being lulled to sleep. But I DO re-listen in the light of day.)

[@michaelfearon4793]

What an absolute disgrace that KZbin refuse to recognise what Simon adds to these stories - the research, the editing, all the background info etc. If, in any other business almost, you had 30,000+ customers, you'd be making a decent living, and deservedly so. Good luck, Simon. I hope you get the recognition you deserve. Thank you for all that you do. M

[@sugarfalls1]

Just wanted to tell you that under the "Community" section on Simon's channel, you'll see his entry from five days ago (the most recent) that says KZbin is going to monetize his channel! I'm very happy about that and of course, I'm sure you are too! I love every aspect of his productions, right down to the rondo by Joel Cummings. Well done, Simon!

[@1bullu]

By by by by

[@beverlyadams7205]

I love the bio of the author. History fascinates me. Thank you for this delightful story as well. No one else brings as much talent as you do to KZbin. Thank you so much. Beverly

[@mariameere5807]

I am so happy to see you back! Can’t wait to hear this this is exactly what I need right now! I absolutely love that you have given the history of the writer at the beginning, it’s absolutely fascinating! Many thanks and best wishes!🌟

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

I thought this was hilarious! I love the new improved format. I'm glad things are looking up, and we have you back.

[@heidimartin5070]

Simon, Simon! Long time listener, first time commenter. I cannot thank you enough for this excellent performance. You have brightened my day more than I can say. The tale itself is so enjoyable and you’ve added the exact tone needed to bring it over the top. Your talent is just remarkable! Again, thanks, this truly has made a significant positive impact!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much for listening, and taking the time to comment. So glad to know you enjoyed it

[@David-Gerard]

As a retired CTO and one who has always viewed Alan Turing as one of my heroes, I greatly appreciate the expanded comments you’ve recently added. I’ve followed Turing since High School and later from the “Imitation Game” but unfortunately I was unaware of A.J.Alan. Although he was a great engineer and a humorous writer and radio personality, the secrecy at Bletchley Park made sure Alan was unknown by his real name. Such a shame. However the ruination of Turing’s name and reputation bears little equal. He was driven to suicide long before the public knew who he was. Computers would not have existed for another decade without his invention of the Turing Machine. His contribution to cracking the Enigma Machine definitely shortened the war. Don’t mean to give short shrift to the other geniuses at Bletchley. They all contributed.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening David, I appreciate your thoughtful comments

[@bluegreenglue6565]

My goodness, I am so spoiled these days with such delightful stories! Thanks so much, and have a wonderful day.

[@scoutrifle6827]

While I don't like that you've been forced to add to the work each piece requires, Simon, I do thoroughly enjoy your background and notes. Also nice to see the person who's read me a bunch of stories!

[@beesflowers4359]

What a charming story and your telling had me chuckling, so glad to have you back Simon.

[@peterchaloner2877]

Three cheers for Simon. Three boos for the KZbin persecutors of Simon.

[@ted-b]

Now with added "value" to the sheer class of this channel.

[@holymags2495]

AJ Alan is one of my favorites. What a interesting life he had.

[@shannondore]

This was wonderful Simon. I love how he describes everything around him. It was a fun one. Welcome back!😊

[@taliabee8661]

I love this so much! This was the one I was laughing so hard, whilst driving, that I thought I’d have to pull over. You do him justice, Simon 😀♥️

[@ladyjuliette8004]

Welcome back Simon, how happy I am to see you! And hear you. It's so interesting to hear about the authors you are reading! And then the story itself, it's gives me a great time of pleasure to hear it! As always read in a professional way. You have the most beautiful voice, and make the English language most beautiful. I'm not English myself, so I learn a lot of new words, by your exactly prognozed English 😘 First time I found you on KZbin, I almost couldn't believe that a audio channel like yours existed. I never heard anything like it on KZbin before, I love audio and old radio theatre, just to listen makes my imagination wander. How people look, their personality, what clothes they are wearing, colour of the eyes and hair, one can imagine and decide all this. Go into another word and experience what the person's are experiencing. This channel, together with some old radio theatre I have found, is absolutely the bes! Guess if I'm happy you are back ❤️

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

From my point of view i think this is kind of a good ancient story by listening to your story I could actually enjoy my free time properly thank you for your exclusive video sir !

[@jackalina91]

Welcome back. It’s nice to hear your voice once again. I hope you are well

[@maggiemay4388]

So glad your back 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@pb-tf5dj]

Thank you, Simon, for all your hard work. Which you do by yourself as the original creator of the introduction, layout, recording, editing etc, and as magnificent storyteller and voice artist, adding your own unique artistery to this classic. D'You read that, KZbin?! This content is so much more entertaining, educational, and worthwhile than any of those run of the mill makeup or fitness commercial video bull. Sorry, I digress. Great work, Simon 💪😊

[@cruisepaige]

I’ve never felt so happy about watching a video!!!

[@claudiaarjangi4914]

awesome that you're back🏆.. From all who read these common licence stories, I want the choice to listen to yours, as you bring out the humour better than anyone else.. Again, glad you're back

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Claudia, kind of you to say so

[@katiebw53]

So happy to have u back Simon love u and have really missed u xzz

[@lulumoolu7028]

I'm so glad you're back! I've missed hearing your voice which helps keep me centered in a world filled with abbreviations and modern terms I don't understand, nor, indeed, want to understand.

[@janetrocha3584]

How I identify with your problem with abbreviations and modern terms which when translated leave me more bewildered than ever!

[@8739PS]

Great news that you're back on KZbin. Really enjoyed this. More A.J. Alan stories, please! Thank you for continuing to entertain and inform us.

[@frankmcgovern5445]

AJ Alan’s portrait is reminiscent of N. Tesla’s famous portrait. Similar position in the frame, similar expression, and clothes, hair, they even look a fair bit alike. If AJ Alan had a mustache it’d be pretty close. I consider that a good sign.

[@pauliewogmastercertifiedli535]

I thought so too

[@Linnet09]

Another great story. It's always slightly amusing to note what short distances made something terribly isolated in stories of that period - but to be fair, if I visited friends who then left me in charge of a cow and starting the fire (with, or possibly without, the assistance of a boy and a woman) they'd be lucky to find the house standing when they returned! And they really should have given him the procedures for escaped convicts, even though there weren't any! That's nearly as important as knowing how to melt cheese or make sardines on toast! And that poor young woman, being "helped" whether she wanted it or not, like the old lady in the story about the boy scout who was going to help her across the road even if she didn't want to cross the road. I can quite understand the difficulties with her pulse, though. Many years ago I took an exercise class with an instructor who wanted us to check our pulse to see how hard we were working, and there were days I didn't seem to have one! Oddly enough, doctors and nurses seem to find the pulse every time.

[@irenabevans3411]

Enjoyed the biography of the author, made the following story more connected, if you follow, loved the half comedic half serious quality of the story. So glad your back your narration as always superb

[@timd4524]

The cow was amazing.

[@irenabevans3411]

@@timd4524 Absolutely

[@ievalibeka8171]

Glad to see Your work back in monetization, and thank You for another wonderfully narrated story :)

[@toya876smith4]

Thank GOD you're back love your channel very much,

[@tulanzuya]

What a delightful story! No wonder audiences made the author so popular. He clearly has a very entertaining sense of humor, and of course, it was so well read to us:) Thank you!

[@susangordon1153]

This chap was quite an amusing author and of course you added your marvelous flare in the telling! What a perfect recipe for a tale! I really enjoyed this one Simon. Thank you so much! ❤

[@synesthete23]

Thank you Simon for another excellent narration. Your special touches make listening a delight. Many thanks and wishing you and your channel all the best 🎩

[@maj0rsquish]

I do love this story. I think the part with constance is my favorite

[@Jackielocks]

I would never have known this delightful author if it wasn’t for you, Simon. You bring so much into the lives of others and touch us more than you will ever know. I am so grateful. Thank you!

[@timd4524]

Really finding the Author information fascinating. What a great sense of humor he had. Wonderful reading. Thank you Simon.

[@nw133]

KZbin came good!!! I loved the story of the author and the story itself was brilliant. Simon is back!

[@daviddixon1011]

Great to have you back with new stories.Long may you continue Simon.

[@joannewatts6501]

Typical human behavior ~ the girl in the story , just plain ungrateful ✨🐿️🐿️✨ thank-you Simon . By the way your voice sounds like a voice of the 20"s or 30's ~ marvelous .

[@markrpatterson9717]

Love the new format. So glad you're being given what's rightfully you'rs.

[@irenabevans3411]

The part with regards to his cooking skills or lack thereof!, had me howling with laughter & I felt sorry for the poor dog having difficulty chewing the discarded offerings, then the loss of part of the second attempt left me wondering if the cat got that or the fire. Pause came into play when Connie got into the house & the ensuing antics to return her to her quarters over a potato path, all combined to make a mental image of complete hilarity, with tears of laughter rolling down my face, I missed most of the second part but it gave the impressions that the poor man was a complete innocent who attracted misadventure, just by being alone, wonderfully read as ever, thank you for this tale it certainly lifted my spirits, as the weather tonight is exactly like that portrayed,

[@dandare6865]

Yet another beautiful reading

[@cantonhag]

Such talent, thank you for sharing it💖🇺🇲

[@lyndaa7560]

Some people are so ungrateful & ungracious, loved the story & your narration just gets better, Many thanks xx

[@snufflinghedgehog8595]

So glad you're back 🌞

[@sonnetlikely]

Your delivery of this was so spot on, I’m not sure the author himself could have done better. You’re a gem; thank you for continuing on in spite of the frustrations. 🙏 🖤

[@grammy325]

Awesome, so glad that you’re back on.

[@jdsteppenzyde]

Yeah!!! I’ve just caught a cold and can’t sleep. What better way to spend a wakeful night? So glad you’re back.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you. I hope you feel better soon!

[@dianen407]

Welcome back i have missed you!

[@barbaraprest783]

As good as ever - thank you

[@carrie-ann8121]

Just wonderful so pleased you are still with us, on KZbin I mean , A very humorous story read perfectly as always , cannot wait for the next one 👍

[@rosainecalmeyer4428]

That is one of the funniest stories I've ever heard. And narrated so perfectly. Thank you so much.

[@SpuktasticAudio]

So lovely to have you back doing what you do best. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Bob! 😊

[@snippycutwell9878]

I really enjoyed that, thank you.

[@lauraJP76]

It was interesting listening too the author speak, thank you for posting the link to his recordings. And of course you for the reading of his story, always a pleasure listening to you 😀

[@mjrchapin]

Wonderful story and thank you for the link to the surviving recordings. Those two stories are the ancestors of many such, including Monty Python, I suspect.

[@evelanpatton]

Amen!🕳🐇🦩🦚🦢🦍🦐🐟💙

[@alanfaulkner6329]

One of the greatest channels on these means. Along with the Sherlock (Magpie) and HP Lovecraft channels. Wonderful.

[@brianherbert2061]

Welsh RABBIT, yes!! From a time before tv chefs. Took me back to my grandparents' farm in Devon in the fifties with open fires, tilly lamps, deep, dark shadows and the pervading smell of damp from autumn to early spring.

[@possumaintdead]

Marvelous as always! Glad you are back. The music added so much to this, and loved the biography.

[@ImCarolB]

What an entertaining story and you did it beautifully!

[@nancynickerson4341]

Very enjoyable, Simon, and I appreciated your commentary at the beginning. Thank you, and welcome back!

[@TheMrCougarful]

What a charming story.

[@pamills66]

Good PG Wodehouse-esque story perfect narrative.

[@lizday8140]

The wit of the author makes me laugh enough, but your lively reading of it has me in stitches!

[@Thirza.]

I'm looking forward to seeing Simon in full evening dress when he reads the next AJ Alan story...

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

I know you were sort of forced by youtube to add all this extra content, such as the biographical information etc, but it really has added some genuine extra value to your videos. It's a pity that it happened under duress, and I know it was a stressful time for you, but it really does round out the experience.

[@mijiyoon5575]

Yes, I just recently re~listened to" *The Norfolk Adventure* & so of course I had to go from here to: *Chislehurst Adventure* & the latter is a truly good one ... my favorite 👍😁 as always *THX Simon* the enjoyment you bring to these readings is obvious

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Miji Yoon. I think my personal favourite is probably 'Norfolk', but I do like The Hair as well. They're all good fun though

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@BitesizedAudio Agree

[@KiKiabout]

Love and adore... :)

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Thank you for this so authentic presentation of a favorite of mine- with A. J. Alan and his segues, he reminds me of an Edward Gorey of the air waves- I had no idea what he looked like, just like you! While I am happy to finally "meet" you, I still close my eyes and get lost in another time and place, what a good ghost, macabre tale should accomplish- you are truly a seminal figure on the literary side of KZbin- thank you for many nights and days of superlative entertainment- I started to really delve into the literature I've always loved - but had relegated to "Christmas or Halloween" a huge mistake - through your amazing microphone I've at last acquired my "magic, flying carpet, time machine, ( fringe please, Mr. Gorey, hapless "tinies" will simply have to be more careful when playing with Spot the dog or cat or alligator) - I wish, like Mr. Alan I could wittingly introduce an new train of thought - but, suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this "longest" yet, ludicrous story! I hope all is well with your financial woes of late- no doubt you've heard this: when I win the provincial lottery...Sadly for both of us, I DO live on a very fixed income- one which I would gladly wish upon every politician- Namaste from a Fan in Canada who is in YOUR DEBT- Nanny ( formerly) Edwina Droob-Perishable 4th.

[@evelanpatton]

*Ditto•”lotto”, lot, & literary enticement!

[@janetcw9808]

Great stuff, the introduction and information are so interesting, What a life the author had! As for the story, at first I was gritting my teeth at the snobbish prig of a character, but introduce the coo then 😂😂😂. Your narration is Superb. All good wishes to you, all you love and followers Worldwide 🙏🏻❤️🕊️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@michaelmcgehee1]

Thank goodness for you.

[@nbeasley2]

I needed this! Perfect. Congratulations 🎈🍾🎉

[@pennybuskin9105]

Hello again . You've been missed ,so glad to have you back

[@djkelleher3557]

I could listen to you all day long! 👍👍🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@merlapittman5034]

This story reminds me very much of P. G. Wodehouse, who's a favorite of mine. A really wonderful performance of a fun story!

[@user-jd4hm1fo6g]

I love how the author wrote as if he had called you on the phone to chat about his day..

[@sadiedavenport]

I love the biographical portion! It adds to the enjoyment of the stories

[@JimClelland]

What a delightfully odd and entertaining story. Once again, because of your channel, I have listened to something I would probably have never looked into. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

[@JennyLane8666]

This feels like the perfect precursor to stand-up comedy. I love it!

[@tinaarko6625]

So glad to see all your work is back. Was listening to one of your videos & when it was over went to find another story to listen to & everything was gone, except for the past 2 months. One minute it's all there, & the next, it's all gone. Love your work.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Tina!

[@robinmaclay2661]

I love your A J Alan readings! A bit of wit and humor is so welcome.

[@ruthhase-gutierrez9830]

Oh, please do more of these humorous stories. I couldn't stop laughing, which was well needed today.

[@deloreslowndes762]

This writer had a delicious sense of humor.

[@catmomjewett]

I think Alan is one of my favorites. Thanks, Simon.

[@kimmyrick1950]

And yet once again you give us an excellent history and reading ☺️ Thank you so much

[@diesel4125]

Cheers for adding some information about the author! I truly appreciate you as a narrator.

[@feralbluee]

that was the best ‘moo’ 🐮 i ever heard a human ‘utter’! LOL 🤣

[@jamesblahut5008]

Yay!

[@elizabethmerriman531]

Thank you, thank you so very much for all you do to provide us with classic stories. Love seeing you. You make it seem real by showing yourself, a real person behind the dedication of your passion. An avid fan in TX

[@robertbrown6930]

Really enjoyed this!

[@LadyBronwynn1400]

Yes! A new story. Thank you and congratulations! 👏👏👏

[@mijiyoon5575]

😁👍👍👍👍👍😁 nice clean humor & the animals 🐕🐈🐄 *'on her beam ends'* 🤔 outro music is perfect for this tale 🙃

[@kayi9236]

Enjoyed your wonderful narration of this story Simon, and the background facts about the author's life, what a character he was, without your research we wouldn't know about this exceptional man! Thank you!

[@pauliewogmastercertifiedli535]

Lambert/Alan was a surveyor, a professional magician, and intelligence agent in both world wars. Then ended up working at Bechley Park with Alan Turing, and wrote and performed his wonderful short stories on the BBC all by the age of 58. Any of the rest of you feeling like you're a slacker? To have so many amazing talents and do them all. The only job that he didn't possess, which he would have been perfect at, was a motivational speaker!