Seven 'Saki' Shorts | H. H. Munro | A Bitesized Audio Compilation

Seven classic tales by the Edwardian master of the macabre, Saki. See below for details and timestamps. As Saki's stories are typically very short, I've put together this compilation featuring three stories already available on the channel to listen to individually, plus four new recordings.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:21 The Phantom Luncheon
00:12:02 The Seventh Pullet
00:27:58 The Recessional
00:38:22 Mrs. Packletide's Tiger
00:47:57 The Schartz-Metterklume Method
01:00:36 The Disappearance of Crispina Umberleigh
01:13:04 The Easter Egg
01:24:00 Credits and thanks
(Story teasers and more details below)
If you enjoy Saki, my earlier compilation featuring seven of his best-known stories, including 'The Open Window' and 'Tobermory', can be heard here: • A Selection from 'Saki...
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / 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/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
Saki was the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro, one of the greatest masters of the short story form in English. He was born in 1870 in Burma, then part of British India, where his father was an Inspector General for the Imperial Police, but his life was affected by tragedy when he was just two years old: his mother Mary Munro was charged by a cow while visiting family back in England, and she died as a result of her injuries. Hector and his siblings were sent home to England, to live in Devon with his paternal grandmother and two maiden aunts. The aunts (Augusta and Charlotte) were apparently strict and austere and provided much material for future character studies in Saki's stories. Hector eventually "escaped" to boarding school.
In his early 20s he followed his father's footsteps and enrolled in the Indian Imperial Police, but was invalided home with fever after little over a year. Turning to writing to make his living, Munro began working as a journalist in the late 1890s. He wrote countless pieces for magazine and newspaper publication, and took up the pen name Saki around 1900. His always witty - and sometimes macabre - stories established his reputation as one of the greatest satirists of the Edwardian era.
Despite being officially over-age for military service, turning 44 at the end of 1914, he enlisted in World War I, turning down the offer of a commission and serving as an ordinary trooper in the 2nd King Edward’s Horse regiment. Tragically, he was killed by a sniper while sheltering in a shell hole during the Battle of the Ancre in November 1916. His last words were reported to be “Put that bloody cigarette out”. His resting place is unknown.
The Phantom Luncheon | 00:01:21
They say there's no such thing as a free lunch. When Sir James Drakmanton MP asks his wife to entertain some of his political supporters, she decides to demonstrate the truth behind this cliché...
The Seventh Pullet | 00:12:02
Nothing of interest ever seems to happen to Blenkinthrope, the dull, grey sameness of his life depresses him and bores his friends and acquaintances. So his friend Gorworth suggests a solution: invent something! And the tale of the seventh pullet seems to do the trick.
The Recessional | 00:27:58
Clovis decides to become a published poet in order to prove a point to Loona Bimberton, who has asserted that poetry is strictly the province of "the gifted few".
Mrs. Packletide's Tiger | 00:38:22
Mrs. Packletide travels to India for an arranged and undemanding tiger hunt, to improve her social standing at home. Unfortunately, she encounters some unanticipated incidental expenses.
The Schartz-Metterklume Method | 00:47:57
Stranded without her luggage at an unfamiliar train station, Lady Carlotta takes advantage of a misunderstanding to have some fun at the expense of the rather overbearing Mrs. Quabarl.
The Disappearance of Crispina Umberleigh | 01:00:36
Two English travellers on a train crossing central Europe fall into conversation about strange disappearances. One of them relates the remarkable story of his aunt, Crispina Umberleigh, who vanished mysteriously some years earlier. The true story behind it has been hushed up, until now.
The Easter Egg | 01:13:04
Lester Slaggby is indisputably a coward, much to the regret of his mother Lady Barbara, who takes pride in her "good fighting stock". But when events at an Easter parade take an unexpectedly sinister turn, Lester surprises himself by rising to the occasion.
Recordings © Bitesized Audio 2023

[@BitesizedAudio]

Seven classic tales by the Edwardian master of the macabre, Saki: 00:01:21 The Phantom Luncheon 00:12:02 The Seventh Pullet 00:27:58 The Recessional 00:38:22 Mrs. Packletide's Tiger 00:47:57 The Schartz-Metterklume Method 01:00:36 The Disappearance of Crispina Umberleigh 01:13:04 The Easter Egg 01:24:00 Credits and thanks (Story teasers and more details can be found in the video description) If you enjoy Saki, my earlier compilation featuring seven of his best-known stories, including 'The Open Window' and 'Tobermory', can be heard here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIHEqnV9aNqWaqc Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content): * 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/ * Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month: kzbin.infojoin

[@Ronald-wv1bz]

Aimed at tiger, shot the goat bait instead, giving the tiger a heart attack. Gotta love it.

[@binkie4940]

That feeling when you've just gone to bed and open YT in search of the perfect story... thank you Simon!!!

[@42NORRIS]

@binkie4940 I concur, same here.

[@Susan-ir5wo]

Me too 🎉😊

[@user-xd7dk3oy3q]

Nobody makes me laugh quite like Saki, your narration is of course perfect,as always.✊❤️

[@simoneclift3155]

Your timing is impeccable. Off to bed and a hospital stay on the cards very soon. You are my sanity saver Mr Stanhope. Many thanks. X

[@BitesizedAudio]

Best wishes for your forthcoming hospital stay

[@merlapittman5034]

Saki was an incredible writer, with a lovely twisted sense of humor. Thank you for these!

[@petercalderwood2876]

A cool,wet night in the Alleghenys. Extra blanket. Extra wine. Extra dog snuggle. Wonderful timing.

[@nickyabrahams4363]

🎉

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Saki is undeniably, a singular talent. As, cher Simon, are you. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Truly appreciated, thanks Bob! I hope we may be treated to some more of Mr J. R. Dullard's singular talents in the not too distant future...?

[@jamesc8676]

@@BitesizedAudio Hi Simon, I think you're terrific, and here is why I have this opinion.....I've had 7 cancer surgeries, I'm 65 and have had a Colostomy since age 17. So since HS ive spent countless days, weeks, months in Hospital. Those times when your favorite nurse be comes your best buddy.......after weeks, and days....and hours of minutes of days laying in bed......... 1800 miles from family, and your friends are all on another island. These types of long term patients need you, your incredible voice and terrific stories. Honestly you help to transport patients like this to 'less mundanely painful realm' so.....gee wish Ida had you around when I was curably (sp?) incarcerated:) That is a blessing Simon......believe it, I've been there, GOD bless you. Aloha bradda.

[@patriciajrs46]

​@@jamesc8676Bless you.

[@buckfaststradler4629]

I liked these readings so much that today I bought the Collected Short Stories of Saki

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's wonderful to know, thank you for sharing!

[@gratefulobserver7742]

Tucked up in my little tent, on top of a wet and windy cliff in Cornwall. Thanks for the company😊

[@YvonneWilson312]

Simon, this is such a treat! I love Saki and your narrations are simply perfect. Thank you so much!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, Yvonne, thank you for your support and lovely comments

[@elainemagson213]

Agreed!

[@Susan-ir5wo]

I love these. “The Phantom Luncheon” makes me smile and laugh 😂. Thank you for introducing me to H H Munro 💕

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, glad to know you enjoyed them!

[@jenford7078]

OH! What a delightful surprise, Saki is my favorite, I even got a couple of teens I work with reading him and they completely get his dark humor.

[@BitesizedAudio]

That's lovely to know, thanks Jen

[@nigelramkissoonraja6916]

Blessings from Trinidad and Tobago Caribbean ❤💛💚 big up Simon

[@mariamcgee4462]

The dynamic duo Simon and Saki. 😂

[@judikingsman6132]

Simon and Saki ❤

[@snippycutwell9878]

That's good Saki!🙂

[@LadyEng]

These stories are hilarious!!! I love Saki.😂😂😂

[@Susan-ir5wo]

So funny 😂. They cheer me up 🎉

[@taliabee8661]

Ooh, these little bundles of joy had passed me by…wonderful! 😀♥️

[@muhc8550]

Haven't listened as much but winter is coming and I'll soon want the fireplace lighted. Your readings make for a cozy home

[@carolrios9216]

❤ Saki.

[@johnburns2940]

Simon, what a pleasure it is to have you back.💜 Absolutely

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thoroughly enjoyed these . Thank you so much 😊

[@kayi9236]

Wonderful, Simon and Saki, bliss! Thank you.

[@jodywho6696]

Thank You, Simon. Always look forward to stories✨💙✨💜✨💚✨

[@philipkennedy6006]

Excellent Selection… …and at a good time

[@joannavandermeer7511]

I just cannot imagine anyone else reading this... peerless!

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you!

[@ClaudiaX2]

I've been waiting for Mrs. Packletide's Tiger ❤ Thank you, Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to oblige!

[@dubchile]

The genius and understated humour of 'Saki' via the talented and unerring delivery of the perfect narrator. What a delightful discovery! Thank you yet again Simon.. Bravo Sir 😘

[@mariannwolf4889]

Thank you Saki is such a treat.

[@karenmitchell537]

Mesmerizing and gripping. Thank you for your articulate expressive narration of each story....most enjoyable.

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Thanks *Simon* you are the tops

[@jackalina91]

I have saved this selection for a day such as this- when I need cheering up. I’m very glad I did because it worked very well. Thank you Simon ♥️

[@stephaniealeman8522]

I miss Simon, I wonder when he will….oh! 💚🙏🏽

[@debraymiller]

Thank You !!! Love your channel and your choices!!🌻🌻….Kansas Girl

[@Dianaemanuel]

I absolutely LOVE Simon's work. Thank you!

[@mariameere5807]

So glad to catch this tonight! I am such a big fan Simon! Saving this for sleep, love your crisp voice and accent ❤💤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Much appreciated, Maria, thank you

[@along5925]

Oh, that was wonderful!

[@skytten64]

Oh, I do like to come back to this stories of your channel after a rather more noise stories or movies..Thank you for this❤..What stories😊

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Brilliant!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Jasper, appreciated. Lovely to see you back, I hope you're keeping well?

[@maximilianmatthews842]

Another excellent post. Mr Stanhope, if you are planning to post any more Saki stories, please consider posting my favourite 'The Unrest Cure'.

[@itallia666]

If ever they ( whoever they are!) wanted to make a film or series about H.H.Munro ( Saki) then they should cast YOU, Mr Simon Stanhope, in the lead role. With a minimum of make up, hair style & wardrobe, you would be perfect! Ive seen film, docu & serials of many famous writers but unless ive been negligent, ive not seen such on H.H.Munro. High time this brilliant author was featured & brought to the younger generation as well as older fans. Meanwhile ( as we await until "They" do something to rectify Saki's unburying) Thank You Simon, at least we still have you to narrate with your impeccable style & vowels The endearing stories of yesteryear. Peace 🇬🇧👧

[@BitesizedAudio]

@itallia666 Thank you! I shall hold myself in readiness in case they require my services for such a project! I think there was an old TV series based on Saki, back in the 60s... I've seen still photographs from it, but haven't seen any clips or episodes (if they still exist - in that era they were likely to be wiped soon after broadcast)

[@ScooBdont]

Does anyone else think the title picture of Saki looks like a young Bob Hope? 😆

[@MrMrsmcd]

I was just thinking that he looks like Simon...

[@PollyAlice2000]

Yes! I definitely got Bob Hope!

[@BitesizedAudio]

@RDRR73 He does a bit!

[@Ronald-wv1bz]

Yes yes yes that was my initial reaction.

[@PollyAlice2000]

Just delightful! I’ve always loved Saki stories! Thank you for wonderful, soothing entertainment!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ericdoran24]

Sunday evening relaxing and listening to this Saki fest , thank you so much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, thanks Eric

[@nancyworsley5057]

I enjoy the sense of humor!!!

[@georgemckoy5837]

After all of this time and SAKI is still hilarious & sometimes profound. Wonderful "Queer" literature .

[@user-mb8sd2ty3z]

Perfectly narrated as usual.❤

[@mrmeowmeow710]

Another great movie of the mind👍👍

[@suziq1963]

Lovely stuff BSA.!! Off to sleep I go, listening to you.. Such a great way to help me to drift off, into slumberland.. Cheers, and goodnight.. ☺️💤💤📖🥂...

[@BitesizedAudio]

Goodnight, and I hope Saki doesn't give you too many strange dreams...!

[@suziq1963]

@@BitesizedAudio Lol.. Well I will have to listen again, BSA.. I fell asleep.. 😆👍🏻...

[@tomhaskett5161]

These are all new Saki stories for me, except the Schartz-Metterklume Method! Many thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes indeed, I enjoy delving into the world of Saki - The Open Window and Tobermory are two of my personal favourites, but there are several wonderful but lesser known tales in his complete works! I hope to record some more in due course

[@earthcat]

Simon ❤ Just what my bruised soul needed 🥰

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help @earthcat

[@CeliaZA]

How did I miss this post? Yay, Simon! Thank you!!!!

[@maryfeehan7896]

Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to listen to this. Wonderful

[@marisadallavalle393]

Thank you!

[@beverlyadams7205]

Thank you Simon. You’re the best!🎉

[@cindyrhodes]

Your voice and diction are absolutely perfect. Thank you for this! 🎉🎉🎉

[@elainemagson213]

The narration so perfectly complements the stories. Why haven't I read Saki before? He's wonderful! Thank you!

[@paulacnote]

More from Simon... marvellous 😊

[@athenaathena1307]

Great work. Many Thanks 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😊

[@Pattilapeep]

How many ways can I say thank you. Bless you Simon, you are a true treasure. Cheers Pat in New Jersey

[@hiltrud2001]

Writing from Greece: thank you!

[@antheairenedevilliers1657]

Too lovely for words!!😊

[@stevenverhaegen8729]

Was just relistening to your Saki collection some days ago. 😁 Great to hear more of his 🖤 sarcasm... 😂👍

[@KiKiabout]

Love... Thank You!

[@hermione9445]

Superb stories ..and made for your wonderful narration . 👍👍👍💕💕💕

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say, thank you Hermione 😊

[@user-xd7dk3oy3q]

Had missed this story! Thought I’d heard every story you’ve told many, many times! But missed this one,what joy to discover this🤩❤️ Now going to go through every story to make sure I haven’t missed any more. ✊❤️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, I slipped a few extra stories into this compilation...

[@loismccluresmith7944]

Absolutely delicious! Thank you so very much ❤

[@ropeburnsrussell]

You are wonderful! And all weekend to listen!! Can you yell I'm a Saki fan?

[@BitesizedAudio]

I can! Thanks Peter, I hope you had an enjoyable weekend

[@donyawicken2521]

Eeeee! More Sakis! Joy Joy.

[@donyawicken2521]

Thank you, Simon.

[@kellashylock2772]

Excellent!Really like Saki, this is a treat :-)

[@honesty3440]

A teal treat! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@KarenBryant-qv9nm]

Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome! Thanks for listening

[@patriciajrs46]

What a way to get out of paying for a fancy lunch! British seeming is so funny.

[@dirkbindemann1852]

Very well done. Thank you

[@jamesc8676]

Aloha Simon, 'howzit bradda' - local pidgin for 'gosh how are you my friend':) I truly appreciate your work, such a beautiful voice you have. Aloha from Kapakalua, Maui.

[@hannahreynolds7611]

Perfect. 😊

[@Crowka274]

Brilliant🎉

[@jamesross5328]

Thanks.

[@catmomjewett]

Thanks!

[@Ricebread343]

Excellent !!! Expertly narrated, there's are all really great stories

[@code-52]

Greatful I am 😊

[@angelakyle4838]

These are terrific 👍 I’ve listened several times since the upload - I particularly like The Lumber Room however they’re all amusing and perceptive 😊. I was sure The Lumber Room was in this collection but it isn’t - probably in the other one.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah no, The Lumber Room is in volume 1, available here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIHEqnV9aNqWaqc Thank you Angela, I'm glad to know you enjoy them!

[@tenessasutton8579]

praise the Lord he has kept me alive like he has u

[@ArchibaldBagge]

Would love you to read the complete short stories of Saki, especially the Reginald stories. Cheers Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

That would be quite an undertaking... but I'm working my way through. I think that's 14 stories recorded to date (two collections of 7 each), and I certainly hope to do some more!

[@maximilianmatthews842]

In my opinion the Reginald stories are boring

[@maxgc6413]

Such a unique story teller he was. A first to subvert expectations he did from the usual presentations. Sir, I know this breaks your usual motif, but I’d love to hear, the legend of Sleepy Hollow from you!

[@SC-jh9qp]

You've got to feel for Crispina's boys. All that hard work searching for her in Paris 😞

[@dalyweb]

I really appreciate you, AI is horrible. Will buy you a coffee, you are an excellent narrator ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much

[@wry6read]

It hasn't been the same world since the spectacular falling-out between the Lubricoffs and the Smithly-Dubbses down at the New Didactic.

[@boredwarlock5216]

Happy Halloween

[@evazauner]

deine stimme ist einfach perfekt für diese geschichten!

[@dismith73]

I always wondered what you looked like

[@sudamanibisalputra5180]

❤

[@john1653]

I am a 78 year old American, and love Saki short stories. But can someone please explain the last story to me? Does one need to be English to understand it? Any help would be appreciated!

[@andrewbeale6072]

SPOILER WARNING Lester suspected (correctly, as it turned out) that the couple were involved in a plot to assassinate the prince and that the egg contained a bomb, given that the child carrying it did not look like his supposed parents, who fled the scene before the egg was delivered. It's implied that the bomb exploded and killed Lester while he was trying to get it away, but not before he gave the alarm, giving the onlookers time to escape. His mother was blinded by the explosion, but before she lost her sight, she got to see her son overcome his cowardice, if only for a moment. It's an unusually touching ending for a story by Saki.

[@BitesizedAudio]

@john1653 I think Andrew's excellent synopsis covers it, I hope that helps you John? Many thanks Andrew! Glad to know that you enjoy the Saki tales, thanks for listening

[@john1653]

Wow! I would have never guessed it would be something like that! Thank you, Andrew!

[@minvalara2765]

😄😄😄

[@ericskinner4209]

Simon says

[@gillgallett4864]

Far too much horribleness about animals in these stories for me.

[@pianobusker]

keep up the good work,its beautiful I'm the guy that in the 1980's,when my cousins came round at xmas we'd go upstairs at bedtime,turn the lights off and put Michael Horden ghost stories on and we'd all lie listening to them till 2am on tape cassette in the dark.your recordings are not only legendary but totally excellent x is there an audiobook version of 'the devil rides out' I think you'd do it wonderfully but your dectective stories are fascinating too,not horror obsessed but it is the best genre.Your version of Treasure Of Abbot Thomas is Ace (:

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a fabulous Christmas tradition! Glad to know you enjoyed Abbot Thomas. Re The Devil Rides Out I don't think I could do that one on the channel as it's too recent to be public domain, but I'll keep it in mind and may enquire about potential rights for other platforms in the future