The Empty House by Algernon Blackwood. A Classic Tale of a Haunted House in England

Who doesn't love a haunted house story? In an ordinary street in an ordinary English town, our hero and his aunt go to investigate what is going on in this house with such a bad reputation.
This is one of the best haunted house stories by a of the masters of the genre, Algernon Blackwood
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39:48 Commentary

[@sparklemotion8377]

Please don't stop your ramblings, they're just as enjoyable as the story because of your soothing friendly voice

[@ClassicGhost]

:)

[@cynthiawolf2467]

I agree 100% !!!

[@chuzzthefuzz1908]

Right on!

[@garymcdonnell5791]

Can I come please haha...

[@davidfleming7887]

Completely agree!

[@havendavid9106]

Very, very VERY entertaining stories so masterfully narrated by Tony. Sometimes I get a bit lost in the styles and at times the archaic language and expressions in classic tales but Tony effortlessly brings these stories to life. Love listening to his voice!

[@1144abbsug]

When I was about 10, I had a book of all of Blackwood’s ghost stories and frightened myself so badly when I read them.....but just had to finish that book! Lovely reading, a voice made for narration. Thanks for uploading all the ghost stories........

[@angelachouinard4581]

I love the characters in this story. I only wish I could get my nephew to go haunted house hunting with me.

[@gertrudelaronge6864]

I love Algernon Blackwood. I don't understand why he isn't more well known.

[@shadetreader]

Maybe people don't like classism.

[@suzannemoodhe927]

They may not like it but they sure seem to promote it on a daily basis 😅

[@kalihensley-garrison6282]

I love your voice Tony. It's an art really. And you have the gift. I can listen to your stories, and the other author's ghost stories that you read, repeatedly. Thank you again. xx

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you enjoy it Kali. It's very nice of you to say such kind things.

[@brianmurphy250]

It’s like velvet….great to drift off to sleep with when I can’t sleep. So relaxing yet compelling. Great for story’s or for complete winding down / de stress for bed.

[@tomatoangel1]

You can't go wrong. you ALWAYS deliver!!

[@sarahsamaria8283]

Terrific read. Actually felt like i was on the journey along with the characters. The storytelling was so vivid that i could see and feel what they were experiencing. Great

[@janemaas4225]

I’ve listened to this KZbin broadcast at least 3 times. Each time I get a different perspective on the story. I love the elderly woman, though I don’t think 50 is elderly, but maybe back in the day, but I love her spunk. That’s how I want to be 💜

[@ClassicGhost]

3 x !

[@carolsabo3408]

You are the best narrator ever!!!! Thank you for reading these stories. This one was especially good.

[@OnceTheyNamedMeiWasnt]

The intro scares me. It takes me right back to the operating theatre after my heart attack when they pronounced me "dead." Great channel, but brings back strong memories.

[@ClassicGhost]

Blimey. But very interesting.

[@susanmercurio1060]

I know... the way he always begins with "Everybody dies, don't they?" is so creepy.

[@az-_-if9429]

@@susanmercurio1060 😂 True

[@corrinecummings3538]

A genuine shocker. Don't expect this one to put you gently to sleep.

[@donnaspell8260]

Good story and very well narrated. Thank you so much.

[@vintagebrew1057]

A.B. has the perfect name for a writer of ghost stories....

[@jamesthomson3372]

Sorry but you sound like you're calling him "shortarse", thanks for bringing a smile to my face, I really needed it.

[@suzannemoodhe927]

Algernon Blackwood is such a great descriptive writer. I love The Wendigo and The Willows- this is another wonderfully creepy tale. You are the master of reading these tales! ❤🎉❤

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Great story and narration. I have heard several renditions of this, and this one is the best! This is a good story. The "old gent" had a way with words. I like your ramble about Algernon Blackwood. He led a colorful and full life.

[@helenmorgan-jones6284]

My impression of his aunt appearing younger is that he’s heard of people who have been so terrified that it’s broken their minds and regressed them to their childhood state…that’s what frightened him, that she’d been mentally destroyed…

[@CharlieSparks]

That was enthralling, I think I stopped breathing, felt that I was a companion on the tortuous journey through the house.

[@ClassicGhost]

I envisage it as being in Brighton or Hove or somewhere on the south coast.

[@lynda48]

Just discovered you channel and thoroughly enjoyed this story. I live in Catalonia Spain but originally from Cumbria. Just bought Cumbrian Ghost stories on Amazon too so must be feeling homesick. My grandma used to tell us stories on winter nights in the glow of the fire in her old black cooking range. Your voice takes me back to those times. Thank you.

[@ClassicGhost]

Well it's sunny in Cumbria today. I hope the stories bring back nice memories

[@jhb1493]

Masterful reading - of a great, classic ghost story. Algernon Blackwood is one of my favourites, and I know I'm not alone in that. Like M R James, his tales give me the sense that there is something behind, something unseen and unknowable, lurking behind the facade of the narrative. It gives his stories a real depth that encourages multiple readings or listenings - "The Willows" especially. Thanks very much for this!

[@ClassicGhost]

The willows is one I will do at some point

[@rameyzamora1018]

@@ClassicGhost No matter how many times I've read or listened to "The Willows," I am going to listen to Tony's version. It's like revisiting a favorite painting, with better lighting.

[@nananaannncy404]

In my mind, as you read I repeatedly tell myself it's ok to just play solitaire. Wanting and not wanting to be frightened by the words I hear feeling that awful feeling of being short of breath and a tingle down my spine. Just breath deep. Just breath...

[@ClassicGhost]

It's all right to just play solitaire. Of course. Of course.

[@nananaannncy404]

@@ClassicGhost if you narrated my solitaire game I am sure my success rate would greatly improve. If suggestions were given I think my inner voice would stop giving me bad advice. I could once again obtain that coveted smug feeling I so enjoy and not feel the need too brag.

[@chrisnorman9980]

THE classic haunted house story - excellently narrated..

[@alison155]

Thank you... this had me gripped .. really enjoyed it as much as i enjoy listening to your conversation after.. you must keep these in... they add that extra to your great channel.

[@ClassicGhost]

Most people do like them :)

[@rattyrachel4316]

Your narration was BRILLIANT! Restrained, mesmerizing - you “channeled” Blackwood, allowed HIM to tell his own story. A real pleasure to listen to. (Oh, and 50 is not old. Neither is 68, 75, etc... When you’ve lived a few more years yourself, you’ll get it! 😍)

[@ClassicGhost]

Was it me or Blackwood who said 50 was elderly?

[@rattyrachel4316]

Classic Ghost Stories Podcast - Tony Walker it was you. Don’t worry about it...🙏🏼 just remember I said that you “channeled” Blackwood! That’s the main thing I wanted to say.

[@itallia666]

I do like yr stories Mr W, i listened to your bit ramble at the end of this video, which was quite endearing, letting us hear YOU as opposed to The Narrator! I have to agree with you ( did you say this? Cant remember but i feel you did) That the older writers & authors were tons better than modern writers, the majority having to rely on shlock horror, gore & graphic shocking detail I love MR James who never fails to bring an inner shudder, a master bard & brilliant writer who knows how people tick & what psychological pressure points to enthrall us. Also Sheridan LeFanu whos abit more in the shocks dept but writes good creepy ghost tale & his descriptions of wraiths, ghouls & demons are quite delightful Theres a not so well known writer called Tom Hood from the early 1900s, ghosty & rather nautical but i like ghost ships/subs etc. Not forgetting the fine ladies like Edith Wharton, E Nesbitt, Amelia..er Amelia...forgotten Her surname! Drat. One of my favourite modern authors is Angela Carter whos more creepy than ghostly, James Herbert & brilliant in yr face horror tales from Graham Masterton Not forgetting Sir Arthur Conan Doyle whos brilliant creation of Sherlock Holmes ( i always liked Mycroft) is unsurpassable but he wrote great ghost tales too. Im currently reading Dominion by Tom Holland ( the Diogenes Club, Mycroft et al) its everso good. Thank you for your vids i always look forward to them.

[@ClassicGhost]

I will look into Tom Hood. I've heard of him, but don't remember any of his stories. I'm glad you don't mind my rambling, as I find it hard to stop!

[@johnga911]

Very interesting style and voice, great vid

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you liked it!

[@jaquelineturner6119]

thankyou loved it!!!

[@martiwilliams4592]

ditto this time around. Love this story, your presentation--masterful, Tony. Thank you!

[@blackbean4509]

I like the ramblings the chats the sometime camera readings. Your great you’ve tapped in to a niche that is for you. You have a voice for reading & engaging a audience ,which is an art form it’s authentic. Especially for me a single person Living alone bravo!

[@ClassicGhost]

I appreciate that! I'm still trying to get things better though

[@marysullivan4342]

Another great narration! Thank you for bringing these stories to life for us.

[@deloreslowndes762]

I'm sure I've read/listened to this story at least ten times and enjoyed it each and every time.

[@conemadam]

I’ve just discovered your wonderful narration of these ghost stories. Your comments afterwards are enlightening and serve as a pleasing break after the fear/pleasure that this literary genre inspires. Bravo!

[@emmakeep4286]

I'm back in the office at my desk and I just love to listen to your wonderful voice scaring the pants off me while I do my work! Love the sound effects and your rambles. This story in particular is so good but I can't help giggling when my brain hears Shortarse instead of Shorthouse

[@ClassicGhost]

+Emma Keep funny sometimes you hear something wrong but it just sticks. Glad you’re en. Thank you for the support

[@mlsg8]

Really wonderful as i just listened to this story a second time with months between. Enjoyed it even more. I've had many encounters with spirits ... In homes, city streets, restaurants, hotels .. and have to say so much of the description here is authentic to experiences I've had. I found the scene where Julia's face changes most welcome and surprising as i don't remember many ghost stories including this element. My take on it is that the younger face imposed over hers is actually the face of the young servant girl who was murdered in this story, but because he doesn't entertain that possibility consciously, he assumes it's just a younger Julia. It is crucial to note that in the beginning of the story he is compelled to bring Julia along as no one else simply will do. The young girl's spirit was pulling on him to do this so that the truth the house holds of her killing can be seen in new light. The servant girl definitely felt Julia's countenance/facial features were similar to her own younger looks. Yes, spirits are capable of drawing certain people to locations for their own reasons. I was excited to hear you hear you say you and Algernon both have conducted ghost investigations! (Transfiguration of a spirit face over the living happens more than we realize: we'll often be speaking with someone and realize wow... That person's face suddenly looks different. ) He in the story makes sure to mention Julia is an older relative so that the younger face is more obvious an event... It's been my experience as a medium that often , very often, when one passes, the spirit will show herself AT THE AGE WHEN THEY WERE HAPPIEST (which the servant girl may have been, up until time of death). Yes I'm acting as if this is an authentic retelling of an event the writer experienced because I relate the writer's beautifully described details to my own experiences. In fact, the scene where the two ghosts run by him and Julia on the landing, that KNOWING/FEELING/HEARING that a ghost is running breakneck speed at you and past you AS YOU STEP ASIDE FOR IT is absolutely what i experienced on St George St in Old St. Augustine! Thank you for including this... "Thanks for the memories"... you bring ghosts to life with your perfect narration for skilled writers who reveal...as you note ... That they've created these treasure pieces OUT OF THEIR OWN LIFE EXPERIENCES. I'll have to find more of Algernon's work.. and yes we are on a first-name basis now! Lol

[@shroomyk]

"Nobody has any cash, nobody has any pockets, maybe they don't even have any hands..." 🤣 It's always a pleasure to listen to you, Tony.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks Shroomy

[@pegc]

I love your ramblings. I do the same thing, makes me feel normal. If there is such a thing.

[@ginasansone7934]

Your wonderful Algernon........reginold algernon

[@ClassicGhost]

He’s the man

[@snowysnowyriver]

Fantastic good old-school ghost story.....thank you!!

[@Rosemarysummers2]

I do like your soothing voice, spooky and full of hidden malice. Thank you.

[@tricivenola8164]

I've seen that ghost cat. Taking friends around a 1200-year-old Byzantine corridor in Istanbul, I stepped first through a low stone passageway door, bent down to do so, and said, "Oh! Here's a pussycat..." as a black cat (?) shot past my feet to the right... and evaporated before my eyes. It's the only ghost I've ever seen. Thanks for a great read.

[@ClassicGhost]

It’s the same one I’m sure

[@tracyjackson2711]

One of my favorite stories, a simple one but a great classic. Thank you as always 😊

[@gillrippingale1173]

Blimey! That was pretty scary! It's the first one of your readings ( and I've listened to a fair number) that really had me spooked and looking over my shoulder! I'm in a victorian terraced house, so do get sounds from either side...even so, my senses were heightened with every sound! EEK!

[@Rosemarysummers2]

Your voice is smooth and full of mystery. Simply the best audio I’ve listened to. Thank you.

[@ClassicGhost]

Very kind. Thank you very much :)

[@zenamorgan1754]

I love gothic literature and even more so when you read it ❤️

[@ClassicGhost]

+Zena Morgan :)

[@debbie6036]

Love to hear stories about haunted houses 👻😱😀

[@jessicajackson8064]

"Tenanted by rumour"--very nice.

[@frerindurin3632]

One of my absolutely favorite ghost stories! I am so glad you read!!

[@ClassicGhost]

It's a very well constructed story. I like it. Dickens was good

[@amgroves76]

Just listened to this one, a wonderful narration of one of my favourite authors. Thank you

[@ClassicGhost]

I've got a couple of Algie's tales on here. Check out The Man Whom The Trees Loved.

[@jessicajackson8064]

Top 6! I'm not surprised. Congratulations!

[@careyannewesternpa5512]

Best voice on you tube!!!!

[@danson5183]

Great reading of one of my favorite Blackwood stories. Any plans on doing more Blackwood? The Man Who The Trees Loved and The Wendigo are amazing.

[@ClassicGhost]

The man whom the trees loved is done and scheduled. Watch this channel and subscribe if you haven't already.

[@danson5183]

@@ClassicGhost EPIC! Can't wait for that one.

[@bleonhard818]

Ramble away! It’s interesting!

[@ClassicGhost]

I can't help myself

[@olwens1368]

Re the aunt looking 40 years younger- perhaps it was psychologically disturbing for the nephew to see his aunt as an attractive young woman. No more 'peculiar' than that, but it would be odd to see someone you have always thought of as 'old' standing beside you looking as they were when young.

[@annetufano5200]

Great Read 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you! 🤗

[@TeamTrumpUSA]

Your narration is excellent. This story was presented on another channel but I did not find it very interesting. Your narration made all the difference. The Corner Shop by Cynthia Asquith, was quite interesting and well narrated. Cheers

[@ClassicGhost]

That’s very nice to hear

[@az-_-if9429]

Ditto. I had started listening to this story on some other channel and lost interest half way through. But you don't feel like that with Tony's narration. I liked the Corner Shop too. Have you heard My niece Alison in his voice. My absolute favourite.

[@uslines]

Narration makes all the difference. I respect the volunteers who record free readings but the pros are, generally, the best.

[@user-wv2tl2yh9k]

I thought when they both saw the face of that disheveled woman in the scullery and she disappeared quickly I thought her spirit went into aunt Julia, so when he looked at her, he saw it. I wonder what happened after they left the house did she embody aunt Julia?

[@debbie6036]

I can just see myself in the house holding tightly to someone's arm. 😱

[@flowerfleur8105]

2:15 my bookmark.

[@possumaintdead]

One of the more famous haunted house stories, masterfully done, as usual. I would like to suggest Where Angels Fear by Manly Wade Wellman for another haunted house tale I am sure you would do well. One question please. Who and what movie (I assume) is your opening from? Specifically the “you tried to get into the locked room today, didn’t you?” It sounds like Megs Jenkins but I can’t place the film. A TV show, perhaps?

[@ClassicGhost]

The sample is from The Heartwood Institute's track "Some Come Back". Listening to The Innocents with Megs Jenkins, I think it might be from that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2GzZayEn7KIrKM. But I have messaged Jonathan from Heartwood to try and find out.

[@possumaintdead]

@@ClassicGhost That’s nice of you, thanks!

[@-Reagan]

@@ClassicGhost Thank you! I have been wondering what that excerpt was from!

[@-Reagan]

Thank you so much for asking, I have also been trying to find out what that bit, "you tried to get in the locked room today, didn't you?" was from!

[@-Reagan]

Thank you so much for asking, I have also been trying to find out what that bit, "you tried to get in the locked room today, didn't you?" was from!

[@ruthscales8577]

Tony, I think you would really enjoy Steven millhauser' The Barnum Museum, it's a (fantastic) short story collection. Specifically the story titled, The Sepia Postcard.

[@ClassicGhost]

It has gone onto my list !

[@barbaralindhjem1582]

Oh dear.... There's a redirect in comments that takes you to "nude photos" don't click. But otherwise great story and as usual we'll read. Actually I found the transformation of aunt Julia's face frightening. There had been earlier small mentions made of her change of demeanor that I felt were hints perhaps of future possession. When her face began to change I thought, well here it comes. It was very well done and I was relieved when she became herself again. Tension up...tension slowly released

[@ClassicGhost]

Theres a bot that does the easy. I’ll delete it

[@ClassicGhost]

I actually also think there a bit that dislikes my posts :) or maybe I’m kidding myself that it’s a bot...

[@rameyzamora1018]

@@ClassicGhost It seems to be a bot, Tony. I've seen it on dozens of other channels I follow. I simply REPORT & indicate UNWANTED COMMERCIAL (I don't open it any more, so are they nudies? Don't know). But definitely puerile adolescent hopefulness for a buck.

[@tashagervais8733]

Tony, pardon my ignorance if this is well-known, but what is the line "You tried to get into the locked drawer today, didn't you" in your opening music from?

[@ClassicGhost]

It’s from the film Psychomania:)

[@tashagervais8733]

@@ClassicGhost Thanks for responding! (And for not making fun LOL, never seen it.)

[@code-52]

Where did the audio clips in the intro come from? I love the transatlantic voices.

[@ClassicGhost]

From a film called Psychomania.

[@susanmercurio1060]

Matches?? Why didn't they bring a flashlight (torch)?

[@janisbaumrucker3431]

Tony is also an outstanding writer. You should check out his work.

[@janisbaumrucker3431]

Alyson in the dream actually gave me physical creeps. Read the story

[@teddydog6229]

I had no idea you had read much if anything by Thomas Ligotti and my ears perked right up when you mentioned him. I've taken a few dips into his writing but felt I had to be of a certain determined frame of mind. It demanded all my focus and thought. Not stuff to flip through with my morning tea. My wife once said I'm musically autistic by which she meant I relate things and organize my perceptions using music as my baseline if that makes any sense. If not I'll give you an ideal example. To me Ligotti came across as I'd imagine Ian Curtis of Joy Division would if he wrote fiction rather than lyrics. In one respect he seems to observe things from a total remove like he's barely the same species. At the same time it's extremely forensic and doesn't miss a detail. My impression is Ligotti is of the same level as Borges or Ballard or Eco. Horror yes but then some. So if you're weighing requests from your most undead enthusiasts I'd love to hear something by Ligotti but more importantly it's your thoughts,theories and perceptions etc. Your concluding comments always unlock writing I previously found 'difficult'. So what say you ? A single meager Ligotti night is all I ask because I'm eager to really understand his work. The dark beauty of the writing is self-evident but after that I get a bit stuck.

[@ClassicGhost]

I like your comparison between Ligotti and Ian Curtis. Whereas I can dip into the classics and be almost cheered up because they are cozy. Particularly the Edwardian ones I think. Ligotti always disturbs me. I suppose that's what horror does. He never leaves his house apparently and is crippled with agoraphobia and other anxieties. that might be the cause of the remove you talk about. We could risk a Ligotti. It depends how he views it. If it's free publicity... (but I am not sure he cares about, or needs that). I'd love to do one! We might do one in secret...

[@teddydog6229]

@@ClassicGhost I think we can get away with it. I investigated and nearly all his stories have been read aloud on KZbin. The agoraphobia does indeed explain that arctic separation between his narrators and what we'd consider normal people doing normal things. And just like Curtis it's astonishing to me a man can live with such a grinding yet focused suffering in their minds and endure. Ian only made it to 22 and that someone that age could produce words of such almost ancient maturity makes both men artists for the ages. Thank you very much for weighing a Ligotti night. You're the analyst and I'm dying to hear your thoughts. Just a quick personal recommendation. William Gay was a Southern Gothic writer who dived deep into the freakish and horrific. He wrote 4 or 5 books and died young like most Southerners before he even turned 50. His prose is so rich and descriptive it practically made my eyes bulge. Should you see the name I'm pretty confident you'll like it. And he makes sense unlike Faulkner (sorry. I do pick on that man quite a bit and actually he) is an amazing writer but get ready to WORK ! Ok I nicked enough of your time and feel a right donut about it. So thanks as always for the tales and I'll cross my fingers that you don't lose half your subscribers on Ligotti night. If there's trouble just blame the meatball.

[@jasoncoker1625]

🤘💯

[@roxanavasilakis9435]

🤗🌳🌳🌳🌳🥀

[@dirkbruere]

50 Berkeley Square

[@journeyfms]

Should've eqed out some of the bass in your voice. Difficult to make out some words over the low frequencies.

[@ClassicGhost]

I will take that. There's always the tendency to add a little more bass, but I hear what you are saying and will take it on board.

[@kazwhymark3165]

🤔 it's skipping badly 😭 such a shame really was enjoying the story Thanks anyway KAZ🇬🇧💙🤩😎😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋

[@ClassicGhost]

Sorry about that. Don't know why, but I'm glad you like the channel :))

[@lisawhite-pagano3455]

That’s a lot of advertisements.

[@ClassicGhost]

I will review

[@karencawthorn3173]

I lived in one. Not fun.

[@ClassicGhost]

I’d love to hear that story!

[@vintagebrew1057]

I've worked with two.One good, one bad and I had an M.R. James moment in the British Library....

[@angelachouinard4581]

@@vintagebrew1057 The spookiness of large, old libraries is underappreciated these days. I think James himself would have appreciated your "moment".

[@vintagebrew1057]

@@angelachouinard4581 Thank You. The "moment" happened between the basement book stacks while I was filing away some ancient editions.It was around 7pm and I was all alone in that compartment. I heard a sort of rustling sound nearby so I looked up thinking it was another librarian. Toward the end of the opposite book stack was what I can only describe as a tall bone thin figure in a long black mould mottled cape with a hood partially covering a parchment-like skeletal face. The "Thing" was perusing the shelf in front if it, then as I peered at it, it began to slowly turn its face toward me. I was out of the compartment in a nano second!!. Never spoke about it to anyone (we had a few young temps so I did'nt want to alarm them) plus I thought I would be ridiculed (It was a bit like the Ghostbusters librarian scene, but much more disturbing) Anyway, I avoided this area as best I could, telling myself that I had imagined it. About a month later while chatting to a fellow temp, she mentioned that before I joined the team, a young chap had been working on his own in the same compartment and had left abruptly and given notice. When asked why, he replied that he had "seen something horrible in the book stack" he refused to come back. Now we did have a few "characters" working there but I don't think they would have dressed up as Dr Death and minced about the basement of the British Library scaring the staff. I did find out that the building sits atop some Black Death plague pits so maybe the Thing was paying a visit from there. About a year later, I left to start a new job in an historic building and had several adventures there (some good, some bad) I am now certainly convinced that ghosts do exsist.

[@angelachouinard4581]

@@vintagebrew1057 Oh heavens! The Tractate Midoff in real life. I wonder if this creature was around in James's day.

[@renecontreras5833]

Uh 9iuuuu

[@somyod2u]

It's a waste of one's time to read this story - there's nothing in it !