The Captain of the Polestar by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

[@warrenharwell7576]

I was forcefully retired do to crippling arthritis in my hips. I thank God for listening to you you fill my empty hours and make life worth living.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers Warren. Yes, there is some great entertaining content on KZbin. All the best.

[@Frenchblue8]

Warren, your comment really moved me. I hope things are better now and that someone has encouraged you to make some really significant dietary changes. From everything I have heard and read it can be life-changing to move to a plant based diet, or plants only as some call it, as animal products can be very tough on the joints and is very pro-inflammatory whereas a plants lifestyle of eating is very anti-inflammatory In any case I hope you have had some relief and are feeling more able to go about the world somewhat at least. I'm sure the pandemic didn't help but perhaps also knowing that you weren't the only one more homebound normal made you feel less isolated. I agree this is a wonderful channel, as is Greg's compatriot and pal also in the narrating of old stories game, bite-sized audio classics on KZbin is also good and I don't think Greg would mind me mentioning Simon or vice versa! Again I hope so much that things are better for you. Take care

[@kimberlykasimoff1447]

@@Frenchblue8 This information is true and I myself find that when I eat dairy, within a day or two, I start to feel pain in my joints. Another bit of advice is to keep mobile. It will hurt, but some walking or bending will really help keeping joints working. Don't be sedentary if possible.

[@beefycheesecake]

Omega3 fish oil is great for your joints and garlic is great for inflammation, both would probably help , and cut out sugar, it's terrible for causing inflammation and a whole host of other illnesses.

[@celticnightstar]

♥

[@chandrikasarkar7650]

I admire Greg Wagland as the best reader of all!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Chandrika - very nice of you to say so!

[@Cantbuyathrill]

Im afraid that he IS the best reader, books down!!😉

[@tomcurran1538]

Great Scottish accent

[@moviemad56]

My goodness! Doyle wrote this at the age of 23. Astonishing. Beautifully read as always, thanks Greg.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

I didn't know that mm56. I can barely write a shopping list and I'm decades older! It's a great story.

[@avpmobi]

ACD did do a stint as ships doctor on an Artic whaling ship as a young man.

[@VincentConti-m5j]

​@avpmobi I did not know that. Of course I knew he was a doctor and partly modeled his second most famous character after himself. Elementary 😮😮 I always supposed without any reason that he had a history similar to Watson's. Now I must read a biography of Conan Doyle! I might be back here Thanks😊

[@GhostlyEddie]

My favorite story by Doyle. Ghostly and romantic. I'm listening to this at a seaside hotel on the California coast in a remote town. Excellent rendition! Nighttime is the best time to listen!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks for listening, GhostlyEddie! Sounds like the perfect spot!

[@carlstevens4981]

My favourite is lot 147, I think it is called that. About the mummy. Wagland is a great narrator. And I absolutely love to listen as I go to sleep. We need more of wagland in audiobooks.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

@ GhostlyEddie Hmm.....sounds like the location of the classic 1980 thriller : The Fog. ?

[@debjaniagarwal9887]

Mr Wagland you surpass yourself. I stand the risk of losing my lifelong habit of reading classics and preferring to listen to you reading these masterpieces. Thank you very much for this treat.

[@justine_holloway]

This is one of the finest of Doyle's stories - so powerfully evocative. Love the Arctic setting! Thanks.

[@mommamia48]

I thoroughly enjoy every single story you read and share with us. Thank you, thank you! As certain conditions prevent me from settling down and reading these stories myself, I look forward to your soothing voice and the lovely way you present these to us, to me. Thank you again and looking forward to many more.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad you enjoy them Jeaninne. All the best.

[@ulalaFrugilega]

D'accord!

[@godeksik]

Hh na spacer z psem i tak by huu

[@joannebewley1338]

I'm so happy to have found your readings. Thank you for many hours of interest.

[@navelriver]

This is one of the very best stories i have ever experienced! I read it back in the spring of 2014 when several ships were stuck in the ice in Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior despite the efforts of the most powerful Ice breakers stationed in the Great Lakes. I observed it all on AIS maps. I felt I was in both places! This reading does justice to that magic experience. The ships were freed by the arctic ice breaker Pierre Radisson within a few days.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you.

[@IanP1963]

I found Sir AC's style a bit woffly in this, 10 words when 2 will do, type of thing🙄

[@Frenchblue8]

​@@IanP1963what' you're describing is typical of Victorian Edwardian writings. Perhaps you are more attracted to a more spare writing style, post world war II and1950 going forward. The message being, you can likely find KZbin readers that don't read these older writings, but things more appealing to you. Interestingly, there is actually film footage with audio, from around 1928 (he died in 1930), of Sir Arthur speaking about the experience of the Sherlock Holmes phenomenon and his speaking style is extremely spare!

[@jordsupp]

@IanP1963 our instant access to digital images makes us forget that 100+ years ago, people relied on words to help convey visual images. It's a dying art, and I find Dickens' writing similarly excessive.

[@bluefriend1723]

Thank you for reading these shorter stories. Its very hard to find audio books in the one hour range, so thank you so very much for putting out books in parts and in easier lengths to handle. Truly appreciate your good work !

[@raychandler2757]

Magnificent exposition on the soul. Whether in the artic or Baker street. Unsurpassed narration.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you, Ray! Appreciated.

[@amanitamuscaria7500]

I expected a description of her death. Ha! Always leave them wanting more. Thank you again

[@gregjones8412]

A wonderfully melancholic story, and beautifully narrated.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks Greg!

[@annewatkins225]

Greg's narration is an engaging experience. I feel as if I've watched a powerful movie, the different characters are so skilfully portrayed by that amazing voice.

[@phoebelim5040]

I added this reading to my queue (which I always line up before starting to work) and was so delighted to her Greg W's voice. The story is fun. I remember driving along a very busy highway in the middle of a very large city one winter. There was a triangle shape grassy area (covered in snow) formed by the exit ramp and the street accessed by the exit. The wind stirred up the snow and it looked exactly like a woman. I was so surprised! It was a supernatural feeling and made me realize how easy it would be to believe in such creatures.

[@timm1481]

Perhaps... the finest. Although I'm certainly not certain I've not read or heard them all. Greg does a superb job in his narration/acting. I've read a few true stories, one in particular about an entire ship and crew, at the pole, frozen in, and the crew was never seen again. Others about very similar situations, theories are that they had not choice, but to turn to cannibalism. Then the polar bears took it from there, truly horrific stuff and rather (as Freud would say), "spooky". Thank you bringing these stories to life/light, as you have. They are what ACD's passion really was, and what he certainly would've wanted. You're doing his imagination justice. I think I know, where other amazing writers like Ray Bradbury, may have gotten inspiration and their fictional bravery from!

[@traceywright9484]

It does not matter how much time has past. Find one of your narratives and one is hooked. Love you dude.😘

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers Tracey!

[@qimmu11]

What a great story and your dramatization through your magnificent narration style sent it.

[@morganwalker9636]

Well done . Diction at its finest

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers MW

[@yolanankaine6063]

Brilliant story and incredible narration. I’m addicted to these readings

[@larrythompson1887]

I love your narration and these stories. Many thanks from Mexico . Well done.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Must visit Mexico. Cheers Larry.

[@lbwyland1712]

Thank You! Wonderful!

[@ibahart3771]

Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it As a Scot, I particularly appreciated Greg Wagland's Scottish accents. Nothing annoys me like hearing an English actor playing an Aberdonian character with a poor approximation of a Glaswegian accent, so it's nice to hear someone get it right for a change!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Well, thanks for that Iba. My Scottish accents are variations on a very limited and untutored theme, but I'm glad that they pass muster in this story. Cheers! I can only hope no one ever asks me to read a book with sustained Geordie input - now that would be a car crash.

[@CyanBlackflower]

A great reading, by a Great Narrator. After having heard Mr. Wagland read a couple stories, I find myself avoiding even bothering to attempt listening to anything read by someone else. I know this is perhaps foolish, but that is the way it is.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Undoubtedly foolish but I approve! Cheers Cyan B.

[@yerinpark7534]

Thank you for reading his lesser known stories (i.e. everything besides Sherlock Holmes) - I am currently doing a school assignment on Arthur Conan Doyle, and with a fast-approaching deadline I did not have time to read this one. These audiobooks were very helpful. As a bonus, your voice also made the my working on the assignment enjoyable and far less stressful! Thank you :)

[@008fiona]

Thank you-enjoyed the warm sound

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Great - I think it is a tad warmer... but that may just be in my head.

[@ronin472100]

Greg, If you are not already financially benefiting from your narrations ; you should be... Thank You for these most excellent works...

[@kaf890890]

Excellent story, beautifully read

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

V kind to say!

[@joeharoutunian1805]

Many thanks for broadening my view of Arthur Conan Doyle. This rather unique tale sheds more light on this obviously brilliant and astute writer.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

It's a great story. Cheers Joe.

[@johnmattos792]

Very good...

[@anniebostwick2118]

Thank you so much... completely enthralling

[@oakdew]

Well read and engrossing.

[@Sailontodawn]

Another great story and great reading. I work as a chief on a boat in Alaska, whatta story!!! Thanks yet again!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad you liked it. Sound like an exciting job, Pirate!

[@savortheflavour]

Perfect as always, Greg! Your Scottish accent is so fun to listen to!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks! 😃

[@kimberlykasimoff1447]

I think I have enjoyed this reading the best. Not the story itself, but how it was read. I was really there.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks Kimberly. It's a great tale!

[@JustSayin916]

A skilled worker in words was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: e.g., the description of the Captain lying facedown on the ice. I can see it! But it's Greg's telling that takes me there. Greg, you are a magnificent actor.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers Barbara. Happy New Year!

[@stevenwalle4380]

Superb story and a great naration.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Glad you enjoyed it, Steven! Cheers!

[@JoaoSantos-lv4rc]

It feels much like Lovecraft. The personal diary of a sane incredulous observer, the slow realisation. screams in the fog. creepy. thank you!

[@timm1481]

I actually think it's a bit more like Melville, especially given the genre. Or maybe a combination, I'm certain ACD read and appreciated Melville, and Moby Dick. IMHO, the greatest American written novel of all time.

[@deborahp2534]

So nicely read, it left me feeling very sad for the captain and that I must be more grateful from now on..

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Captain Schmaptin. Not quite sure what I mean by that... Partly because I can't remember what happens in the story. 😔

[@Cantbuyathrill]

In these Covid times, readings such as these keep my sanity.

[@davidmunday4367]

This is supurb 🤗 thank you so much 👍

[@jeannievz-brown4849]

This is one of the best - and indeed, one of the most riveting - of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works. I thoroughly enjoyed it, remaining spellbound to the very end. Your excellent reading added much to the pleasurable experiencing of this fascinating tale.

[@jeannievz-brown4849]

I feel I must add that, along with Simon Stanhope of Bitesized Audio, Greg Wagland is one of the best readers of short stories on KZbin! I thank you for sharing your talent with us, Mr. Wagland.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks, C. J. V-B.

[@ericwinnert]

Really, really enjoyed this. Reminded me of the BBC drama The Terror. Even the horror I felt was the same .

[@babybooandherhumandeb3188]

Thank you 😃

[@cruisepaige]

You did this story full justice with your stellar voice and articulation.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks CruisePaige. Kind of you!

[@somanyhumanssolittlecommon6947]

Every time I've reread this tale, I've been left with a feeling of having gotten to the end of an especially engrossing mystery novel only to find the last chapter has been removed. In truth, the entire story seems to be a lead up to the tragedy that the captain was still grieving over. We finally appear to be on the verge when, instead, we are slammed face first into a "the end" brick wall. For some inexplicable reason, the ending seems even more abrupt and brick wall like. I've often wondered if there had been an explanation, but the editor had some petty objection over which a rewrite was demanded. Rather than carving up his dramatic climax, he simply removed it from the story altogether. This may seem far fetched with an author of Sir Conan Doyle's stature, yet an editor who had practically just started his career had the nerve to do something of the kind to Mark Twain. The kid sent Mr. Twain pages of "corrections" that he was certain Twain would be VERY grateful for! Mr. Twain replied with a LONG letter which went into why each correction was WRONG! Mr. Twain had been reading everything he could find about Joan of Arc longer than the kid had been alive. Just smh!

[@feralbluee]

i didn’t realize that you were the reader and was marveling at how well done the narration was. i should have known - recognized your voice, but i was too engrossed. :) ✨🌷

[@feralbluee]

OM goodness! that this was by Sir Arthur, i totally forgot! this should certainly be listed among some of the best classic pieces of literature. thank you so much for choosing it. :) ❄️🌊

[@rottie552]

As I am confined to my bed and holding a book hard many many thanks for this. Your reading makes it impossible to stop! Definitely subscribe and look forward to more awesome story's. 🖤

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

You're so welcome!

[@feralbluee]

exceptionally good reading of a difficult text. thoroughly enjoyed it and the ending was - well, after worrying, OK. Very good story and so well written. Conan Doyle really wrote so much more than i knew and they’re all good stories. thank you much. :) 🌊🌫⚓️🇬🇧

[@leehallam9365]

What a marvellous story beautifully read. The ending is rather strange, a post script, hardly needed, that is cut off before revealing it's point.

[@marlenewatson5715]

Maybe that's where Dan Simmons got the idea for The Terror. Two good stories though.

[@maryeckel9682]

Ah, brandy, panacea for all ills. What a bittersweet tale.

[@aburninglandfillofbadmovie2930]

Perhaps an inspiration for some of William Hope Hodgeson's work.

[@judiengel1658]

2/12/24. I too had trouble with the abrupt ending. It was like at last some meaning or understanding to the whole story and then nothing. It was almost as frustrating as the abrupt ending of Downton Abby and the death of Mary’s husband. Is that a passive aggressive trend in English literature? 😅 I’m being funny but sometimes I wonder.

[@wgrady222]

I am from Dundee and enjoyed this. Im new to audio stories.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Dundee. Great place!

[@ulalaFrugilega]

That's the End!?! Feels like a page got lost…

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

I think that's how it ends. Yes.

[@moviemad56]

Yes, rather abrupt, wasn't it. But the story as a whole was beautiful.

[@Cantbuyathrill]

As good as Sherlock stories are, people miss out on much by not considering the non-Sherlock ones.

[@Gribbo9999]

Very well read. Thank you. A good story never ages does it?

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

You're right, Gribbo!

[@rab7889]

What is that gorgeous painting you chose? Looking forward to this story

[@lornapearson1964]

In case you haven't had an answer to your question yet...the painting is Caspar David Friedrich's 'The wreck of the Hope', as it's nearly always called now, tho' apparently its original title was 'The sea of ice' (Das Eismeer).

[@JoaoSantos-lv4rc]

Hello Greg. Want to begin by complimenting you on your reading and choice of books. I even prefer your narration of Sherlock's stories to Stephen Fry's (sorry Stephen..). I would like to ask if you have considered other classics. In particular, Aristotle's Rhetoric. The only freely available version is horribly narrated (all channels on youtube have copied the same Librivox file). I believe you would do it so much more justice. Thanks again, Joao

[@Cantbuyathrill]

Some writers are ridiculously overly creative, original, engaging, immersive, prolific, and worldly.

[@drengskap]

Very interesting, I haven't come across this story before. I wonder if Conan Doyle was influenced by Moby Dick here - there are certainly some similarities.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Possibly.

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

The Captain of the Polyester

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

The skipper of the Crimplene brigantine responds.

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

​@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio By jove … fabled Mario Navy of Chesline and Crepes Ltd out of Macclesfield? Alas, last I heard the Crimplene Brigantine ran afoul of a hostile fleet of Patagonian Fleece Liners off the coast of Tierra Del Fuego, ne’er to be heard from since that most fateful day … I hasten, then, to convey my undying gratitude for so many hours of peerless and absolutely marine grade content. T’was the best of treasure troves upon which, I should ever chance to rest a weary, salt-grimed hook!

[@JohnSmith-hc1ek]

Gosh I feel depressed now

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Sorry about that!

[@johneyon5257]

i enjoyed this story - it had more plot then narrative banter - and a few effective moments of horror i was amused that the POV was of (i presume) and englishmen - who initially comments on the scots crewmen - given that Doyle was a scot - (i've long been dismayed that Dr Watson as portrayed in tv and films had never sounded like one - at least to my american ears) for voice actor Wagland - it musta been a challenge since he had to voice different scots characters - for that he used a variety of accents - i was glad to read a scots commenter below who complimented Wagland on his success

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks John for your comments. Appreciated!

[@petert7938]

Seems ACD ran out of ink before he could finish the story 😉 ... why add that post script when it reveals nothing new but instead gives that good story an undeserved abrupt end?

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

The West Sussex Ink Shortage of 1892. Tragic results!

[@uslines]

Reminds me of the the voice of Michael Cane. Very well done.

[@johnwade1095]

A shame. It was on 666 likes and I spoiled it.

[@mijiyoon5575]

👍👍👍🐳🐳🐳🐋🐋🐋🚢🚢🚢⚓⚓⚓

[@rachweatherilll69]

Vulgar Delusions lol

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Hasn't everyone, Rach?

[@clovelly1946]

Scotch coast ?? its the Scots coast...one drinks Scotch.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

That's what he wrote. And he was a Scottish author. 😂

[@leehallam9365]

Scotch is simply an English contraction of Scottish, which was widely used in both England and Scotland, Robert Burns refered to himself as a Scotch Bard, and you can't get more Scottish than him. Polite Scottish society came to consider it an Anglisised affectation, and disapproved of it, reading offence into it's use.