The Coin of Dionysius | A Max Carrados story by Ernest Bramah | A Bitesized Audio Production

Private Inquiry agent Mr. Carlyle is in search of specialist advice for his latest case: someone who can identify a forgery. He is referred to an expert who can help, but is somewhat surprised to discover that the man is blind...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Ernest Bramah (1868-1942) was born Ernest Bramah Smith, probably in or near Manchester, where he attended grammar school. An intensely private man, very little information is known about his personal life. His early career included a stint as assistant to Jerome K. Jerome; his first success as a writer came as a contributor of humorous sketches somewhat in the manner of Jerome, to newspapers and periodicals, and he later became editor of one of Jerome's magazines. As an author he is best remembered for creating two characters: Kai Lung, a Chinese storyteller who appeared in a number of humorous stories from 1900; and Max Carrados, the blind detective, created in 1913. He also wrote science fiction, and his 1907 novel 'What Might Have Been' (also known as 'The Secret of the League') is a dystopian story which was acknowledged by George Orwell as a major influence on his own 'Nineteen Eighty-four'. Orwell was also a great admirer of the Max Carrados stories, bracketing them with Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and Freeman's Dr Thorndyke as "the only detective stories since Poe that are worth re-reading". The character of Carrados appeared in more than 25 short stories and novels between 1913 and 1934, and by the 1920s was more popular than Sherlock Holmes (whose later cases appeared alongside Carrados in The Strand Magazine). His blindness proves no obstacle to his detective skills; indeed his other senses are heightened and he regularly outwits criminals and fellow detectives alike.
'The Coin of Dionysius' was the first Carrados story to be published, and serves as an introduction to the character as well as two others who were to appear in many of the subsequent stories: Carrados's manservant Parkinson (whom Carrados calls his "eyes"), and Mr. Carlyle, a private inquiry agent who was at school with Max and meets him again while investigating a case of theft. Carrados manages to solve Carlyle's case without leaving his room. In later stories Carlyle works alongside Carrados as a detective and sometimes brings new cases to him.
'The Coin of Dionysius' first appeared under the title 'The Master Coiner Unmasked' in The News of the World on 17 August 1913, and was subsequently published as the opening story in the first volume of Carrados stories (entitled simply 'Max Carrados') in 1914.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2021.

[@rajramnarine123]

"The thing is very simple... They always are when you know... That's what makes them so confoundedly difficult when you don't." I don't think I've ever heard a more unforgettable quote encouraging life-long learning and self-improvement! Thanks so much, Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome! Yes, I enjoyed that line too...

[@emymeris8163]

Hud

[@jackdare]

16:05 "Blindness invites confidence," replied Carrados. "We are out of the running- human rivalry ceases to exist." I dare say that's quite profound.

[@tonyrawlinson8894]

Great choice, thanks. An ideal first case/origin story of Max Carrados, showcasing his amazing powers of perception, the prejudices and assumptions that the sighted sometimes carry towards the non-sighted, and the same exploration of the nature of fakery explored by Orson Welles in "F for Fake." (Is there any difference between "fake" and "authentic"?) It's fascinating that both protagonists in this story are to some extent "fakes." The remark that "Enquiry Agent" is preferred to the presumably more derogatory term "Private Detective", reminds me of a school I used to work at where "Caretaker" was considered derogatory and "Site Agent" preferred! The great Robert Stephens played Max in "The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes" on TV in the 70s, so effectively that I can't but picture him as Max. Looking forward to more from the collection.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Tony, yes I remember seeing Robert Stephens in the role - in fact for some reason I'd thought he'd done more than one episode/story, but on checking I see that he only did the one. Clearly he made an impression! I'm surprised it's not been developed as a TV series already, although I believe there was a radio series (with Simon Callow) a while ago.

[@jackiehamilton2738]

@@BitesizedAudio BBC radio repeated a series approximately a year or so ago called "The Detectives". It was in the same format as the TV series "The Rivals Of Sherlock Holmes". The Carrados story used there was different to this one. Unfortunately I forget the name or who the cast were. The TV version had also been repeated at around the same time on the Freeview film channel Talking Pictures.

[@BitesizedAudio]

@Jackie Hamilton Ah yes, I remember hearing some of that series... if it's the one I'm thinking of. It had Inspector Lestrade as the linking device introducing and (I think) taking part in the cases with the various detective rivals of Sherlock Holmes, a different one each week. I don't think I heard the Carrados episode(s)

[@dranimations7902]

Another detective character I haven't heard of - this channel is a great source of information regarding writers and the characters they created.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know they're of interest, thanks for listening

[@folkloreofbeing]

I love when I spot my sub's videos this freshly uploaded. It's like getting the first morning newspaper in the stack.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful! Thanks for subscribing

[@folkloreofbeing]

@@BitesizedAudio I've been subscribed a while, but I don't usually comment because you're usually bedtime listening. But not this evening. Having a nice, audiobook and chillout. :)

[@garybryant4293]

11

[@folkloreofbeing]

@@garybryant4293 Is this a mis-comment or Gematria?

[@donyawicken2521]

With 10 being the highest ?

[@lornapearson1964]

Always a pleasant surprise to hear the T in 'valet' - especially in circumstances so suitable. And good, too, to hear you make a start on Carrados. Many thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Lovely to hear from you Lorna, I hope you're well. Yes, I've always pronounced the 't' in valet since I first discovered the Jeeves and Wooster stories in my youth. In fact it jars with me when I hear it pronounced "vall-ay"... Glad you enjoyed the story!

[@GradKat]

Excellent! It’s such a shame that ‘tecs like Max Carrados have been relegated to obscurity. In 1971 there was a TV series called “The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes” featuring forgotten Victorian sleuths. The episode centred on Max Carrados (played by Robert Stephens) is available on KZbin. Beautifully read as usual Simon. You have the perfect voice for these elegant stories, with their wealth of descriptive language.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you! Yes indeed, I think I've seen most if not all the episodes of 'The Rivals' in the past, certainly the Robert Stephens one (I did think he'd done more, but having looked it up I see that's not the case!). I think Max Carrados is one of the best written and realised "rivals" to Holmes and certainly plan to record more of his adventures in the future

[@tomcurran8470]

Thanks for the info.

[@wendyarbes9514]

Robert Stephens also played Sherlock Holmes in a Billy Wilder movie. But I'd rather listen to your audiobook

[@MoonLitChild]

What's the title of the episode?

[@stewartlancaster6155]

@@MoonLitChild as stated above...The Coin of Dionysius.

[@linus0804]

Doggie and I very much enjoyed Max Carrados; more please!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks @linus0804 Definitely more Max Carrados in the pipeline!

[@hannahreynolds7611]

"While the sterilised ghost of his now forgotten amusement still hung about his face..." I've been there! Another writer with a lovely turn of phrase (which you don't get from dramatisations.) Thank you for this reading - an absolute delight. [Edit: I had to look up 'fettered and link Albert'- it's a style of watch chain with T bar, supposedly favoured by Prince Albert]

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad you enjoyed it, thank you Hannah!

[@helenswan705]

yes his writing is a long way from the 'he said, she said' type of narrative, Complicated, varied, descriptive, expressive, even if the tales are not necessarily believable!

[@mijiyoon5575]

👍👍👍👍👍 very good presentation...TY *Bitesized Audio Classics*

[@spews1973]

And here was I expecting something like M.R. James' "A School Story". But I loved the somewhat quirky detective story I got.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you! I'd like to do several more M. R. James readings in the future and that one is sure to be on the list...

[@happygardener28]

I've heard this story read before, this is by far the best reading

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Thank you! Always happy to see a new story from you! Have a pleasant day.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Rosie, you too

[@scoutrifle6827]

Bitesized Audio + Max Carrados = listening bliss!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Scout! More to come from Max (and others) soon...

[@rattyrachel4316]

With your excellent narration and acting abilities, dear Simon, I didn’t need eyes to see clearly the characters in this story, their surroundings and their movements. Even the expressions on their faces seemed quite real. A very satisfying, enjoyable experience! (Funny, though, the characters looked a bit like you and everything was happening on a stage!) 😁

[@BitesizedAudio]

Why thank you Rachel, what a lovely comment! Yes, this particular series does lend itself rather well to the audio experience

[@auntyJanette]

Clever story. Thank you Simon. I’ve been busy dealing with off the chart temperatures here in Alberta. It’s a beautifully cool evening now and we are back to normal summer temperatures. And I’m back to listen to your wonderful voice bringing stories to us all. Thank you. 💐💐❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@BitesizedAudio]

Lovely to hear from you aunty, I'm glad to know it's a little cooler now - I've seen the news reports about the heatwave with concern... I don't deal with excessive heat too well myself. Do stay safe and well

[@littlewoodimp]

Oh Simon I've just done the most awful thing. I wrote *this* comment on another channel's page thinking it was yours. Then I had to fully disclose the results of being old, in constant pain and heavily medicated ... and what I'd done. If I had any class at all I'd be ashamed! "Oh I really wish you wouldn't add anything. I just love the stories performed by you, and at the end of each I get another story. It's lovely. I can find out about the authors in many ways, and I definitely don't want you to end up commenting on yourself. It would get weird! I've just sent your link to another American who's heard US voices reading classic stories and think they're wonderful and help get to the heart of a story. This one was 'The Coin of Dionysius'. Oh my days, it was like it had been told by, and recorded with, a potato). Always tell them the same thing, "If you thought this mushy mispronounced, reading was good - try this channel. He does the voices!" I can't listen to a US voice reading good old British writing, it simply doesn't work for me (or the material unless they really do their homework). On the de-monetisation ... do you think it could be the outdated language, ideas and views contained in the tales themselves? People can be awfully sensitive (I got reported several times for having a pug's backside as my profile pic on the grounds of 'causing offence') and instead of moving on to something they prefer, they want it gone for everyone." That's what I left on the horrible mushy site. Honestly, from the response I'm not at all sure they got it , seemed to think there must be a compliment in there somewhere - and thanked me prettily. I'm definitely going to hell.

[@BitesizedAudio]

@littlewoodimp Oh dear, but no need to feel ashamed etc, it's easily done! There seems to have been an explosion of channels on YT doing this sort of content in the last couple of years - a few doing what I do, narrating, recording and producing original content, but many seem only to re-package LibriVox recordings or (worse) commercial recordings in breach of copyright, and fail to give acknowledgement to the reader or original creator. May I ask, was the video which you thought was on my channel actually one of my recordings? I have occasionally found that one of my recordings have been taken without asking or acknowledgement and rebadged on another channel... which, as I'm sure you'll appreciate, is rather frustrating to say the least! Thank you for letting me know anyway. Best wishes

[@littlewoodimp]

@BitesizedAudio No no! It wasn't one of yours. I would have reported that immediately. This was one that floated up the right hand side, I began to listen but found it impossible with the bad sound and gravelly US accent. No, you're fine on that score. I don't know anything about uploading content. But there has to a big difference between just uploading someone else's narrations and what's clearly a long and careful process that you really put yourself into. To be honest the whole thing gave me a guilty chuckle.

[@cindymonk6994]

I love this series.

[@caroleastwood9386]

How wonderful. And totally unexpected Simon. What a treat for Saturday evening! Carol

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Carol, hope you enjoy it

[@hereticsaint100]

What a great scheme the criminals had. Good story.

[@KiKiabout]

Excellent... Thank you!

[@archibaldbagge1235]

My absolute favourite You Tube channel. Simon is the best reader.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Archibald!

[@DreamingCatStudio]

Refreshingly different! Thank you!

[@frerindurin3632]

I have missed hearing your lovely voice. I am so glad to have the time once more to listen to your channel ☺️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Welcome back! Thanks for your very kind comments, best wishes

[@Linnet09]

It's been a long time since I heard of Max Carrados! Bramah's story, although clearly highly influenced by Sherlock Holmes, certainly stands on its own feet. Loved the reading.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@bobbeyderbrain]

Another lovely rendition. Truly, Simon, your voice reverberates throughout my very being. What a talent. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

You do post the loveliest comments Bob, thank you!

[@westonsudduth782]

Well read. Great emotional inflection interjected into this story. Bravo

[@helenswan705]

By a happy chance, YT introduced me to your channel. I had never heard of Max Carreras. I am listening to all these but decided to put this comment on the first one. I love your intros, and you read very well. you have the precision of delivery that suits these period tales. You even sound like you understand all the words, and Bramah does use a fair cocktail of unusual and educated words. These tales are a great insight into the history of what I'd loosely call 'colonial' Britain. Well, england, really. I am on no. 4 already, and look forward to you uploading more. Meanwhile, I have the rest of your extensive collection to look forward to. You clearly put a lot of time and work into this channel. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you found your way here! Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment

[@waningmooncancer9628]

You are a superb storyteller. Love your dry wit and accurate inflections.👍👏

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Nancy, much appreciated! So glad to know you enjoyed it

[@tomatoangel1]

Listening to this story is the most fun I've had in a while. :-D

[@floridanews8786]

Curiosity started me on this book, as well as carried through and finished it! Fantastic job!

[@FigofFae]

What beautiful writing and characterization! This detective is new to me, and I do hope there are more stories to explore. I adore your voice and tremendous talent, and when applied to a jewel of a story like this one I am in heaven! Many thanks for this lovely piece!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome Lilith, thank you for your kind comments. Yes indeed, I've done another story from this series (The Ghost of Massingham Mansions - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGjCiGSKmMxgfrM) and will certainly be doing more in the months ahead. Best wishes

[@feralbluee]

second listening - different reader, that is you, Simon. you always bring a different tone and nuance to known writings. thanks mwah! 🌷

[@patriciajrs46]

Outstanding as always Sir. Simon, I really miss your stories when I run out internet coverage. Thank you for being so adept at your chosen work.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Many thanks Patricia. Best wishes

[@totherightofthem7498]

I want more!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm certainly planning more stories featuring this character!

[@frankbadger9881]

Many thanks for this one Simon, good to hear again after first reading it all those years ago.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoyed it Frank. More Max Carrados is in the pipeline...

[@ievalibeka8171]

Thank You 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome 😊

[@Shasta31487]

I loved this one! I would love to hear more from the Blind Detective!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Excellent, I've got several more of his adventures on my to-do list! Next one will probably be late August (all being well)

[@Shasta31487]

@@BitesizedAudio That is wonderful! I have listened to everything you have done and have enjoyed it all. Thank you for your work. ❤️

[@ginabeena6757]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, thanks for listening!

[@shannondore]

It's always nice to spend a bit of my Saturday afternoon with a lovely story from you Simon. Thank you!😊

[@Gumblina1]

Love these stories - cannot wait for the next instalment. 😍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Lots more to come! Thanks for your support

[@Gumblina1]

@@BitesizedAudio wonderful news

[@kirpalani-griffin3706]

Worth ever penny! As always! Thank you. : - ) >

[@Agarbeau]

An excellent story and reading. Enjoyed it immensely.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you!

[@annetteeggett2802]

This is new to me. Loved it thank you Simon x

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Annette

[@wendyeader261]

Absolutely Delightful

[@JavierBonillaC]

This is simply delicious. The second bitesize story I hear and I am super excited to have found this channel. I wanted to be a patreon withmore than a dollar but it wouldn't let me.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your kind comments Javier, and for your support. You're the third person who's let me know about that issue with Patreon in the last couple of weeks, it seems to be a new problem relating to US$ only, as other patrons have been able to pledge different amounts in other currencies. I'm trying to find out what the issue is. A few people have chosen to support me via PayPal directly, if that is something you'd like to do www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HMMUWZ7URN26A , or via Buy Me A Coffee buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio (I post Patreon-only content for Buy Me A Coffee supporters as well) But honestly, all support at any level is hugely appreciated. Best wishes

[@deusrx9671]

Excellent

[@angelachouinard4581]

What a lovely choice. I've only read a couple of Max Carrados stories in anthologies. This was the answer to a question I'd had for years, how did Max get started? If you have more of Max I hope you'll do them. As others have commented ,.Bramah wrote some excellent and memorable prose which you read most excellently.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! Yes indeed, I'm a great fan of the Max Carrados stories. Since this one, I've uploaded another (The Ghost at Massingham Mansions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGjCiGSKmMxgfrM in case you've not heard it); and glad to say I have several more of his adventures on my to-do list; in fact I've been working on another one this week which I hope will be ready soon (I'm working on several stories at the same time just now so don't have a firm date yet, but probably sometime in early-ish February.)

[@williamhagen2792]

Excellent entertainment.

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

Sir, I have just had the immense pleasure of listening to your flawless reading this Ernest Bramah yarn. Your apparently easy rendition surely belies the precision and care taken with each and every one of your choices I can only thank you once again RNK

[@nosajkeram]

Please simulcast a podcast version of this channel

[@BitesizedAudio]

@nosajkeram Thanks for the suggestion. Actually, I did create a podcast about a year ago but I've not developed it, mainly due to lack of time; I'm not at all au fait with how podcasts work, how to distribute them and gain an audience etc, so I had no idea what to do with it once set up. I really need to research it. Any advice/tips/platform recommendations etc? Anyway, it's currently available at classicghoststories.podbean.com/ Currently there are only three stories but I can add some more if you're interested. It's still my aim to develop/launch the podcast properly at some point. However, I'm currently busy on a project to release some of the stories as audiobooks, to go on Audible and iTunes in October. Would that be of interest to you also, as a platform for listening on the go? Watch this space anyway, and thanks again for the suggestion!

[@appalachianamerican7171]

Thanks Simon, a new detective . In my case anyway.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful! Thanks for listening

[@GLinNYC]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@barbaraprest783]

Any more by this author would be very welcome

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes indeed, I've several more Carrados stories on my list and I'll do another one soon since he seems quite popular! Ernest Bramah is of those authors who is still partly under copyright in the USA so quite a few of his stories I can't do on YT (yet) but I've certainly got plenty of material to be getting on with!

[@sittnknittnwatchn3980]

💙🎙📚💙

[@peterchaloner2877]

Exemplary reading as always, to be listened to while perfidious Canadians in Manitoba pull down Queen Victoria's statue. Forward to 1837-1901!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Peter

[@rajramnarine123]

'Perfidious.' My new word for today. You sent me to the dictionary, Peter. Love it!

[@tomcurran8470]

@@rajramnarine123 I'm an English professor, and I had to look it up, LOL. Of course, I'm an American, so that explains it! I have to look up words in some of these stories also.

[@ReefBlastbody2]

Nice story excepting for one vital numismatic detail. I true coin collector knows that, you never handle rare silver or bronze coins with your bare hands. This is because your sweat and skin oils have a mildly corrosive effect upon those metals. In that time era, you'd have used clean washed fabric gloves and stored the rare coins in an air tight waxed envelope.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Interesting insight, thank you for sharing

[@helenswan705]

Interesting. The author is also inaccurate about Max's amaurosis - but the medical knowledge and terminology was different in those days. But these are small things that do not detract from a great story.

[@patriciajrs46]

Depricatery? Just so.