"The Guardian of the Book" / Tales of the Mythos

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

Saving this for tonight after my wife and daughter fall sleep and my insomnia kicks in. Judging by the title, video length, and artwork alone, I can tell I’m going to have a wonderful night in the dark. That, and Ian never misses. Period.

[@joshuachappell5840]

"After my gentle wife and gamine progeny had retired into the dark embrace of Lethe - I, to escape the talons of sleeps lack, inclined my head to receive the proferred words and intoned encantations which poured forth from the sepulcheral voices." Mythos Translation. Lol

[@lacyhart2043]

Buddy me to

[@BaldingClamydia]

I don't know if cosmic horror will help insomnia :D

[@lacyhart2043]

@@BaldingClamydia cosmic horror helps everything

[@BaldingClamydia]

@@lacyhart2043 fair point!

[@williamparker8694]

Ian is perhaps the greatest narrator of horror there has ever been. Your readings have lulled me to sleep many times over and provided me with hours of entertainment whilst working. I hang on every. Single. Word.

[@Bbergster]

A god amongst men. 😂. Yeah, man. There are some other talented narrators. John Lee is okay….. I like him a lot too. I’m not being rude.

[@spiniestgore5919]

wAyne june

[@beitodesstrafe]

I can't disagree.

[@DarkSideBecky]

I must confess I fall asleep to this channel every night lol. I love old horror

[@DocZ82]

Definitely the best by far, incomparable.

[@bluegreenglue6565]

My husband would have loved this, and though my enthusiasm for the Cthulu mythos does not equal his I listen with interest, trying to feel what he would have felt. Thank you.

[@robynmarler1951]

God bless you 🌹

[@sterlingcampbell2116]

He dead or something?

[@donaldmccleary9015]

I'm listening to this one again for the third time in a few months and tje second time today! I love this story so much!! Many fans of HPL and the mythos have not heard of this story (that is a shame). That old book shop amazes me!! Every town needs one. Well...maybe not. I chuckle every time you say "nonsense". You say the word perfectly and it fits these stories so well. These old authors really understood how and when/where to use the correct word(s). This is an amazing story. I wish more people would read and/or listen to it. 57:09 The list is amazing

[@robertwalker-smith2739]

Decades ago, I had the good fortune to live near a cluttered, overstuffed old used book shop of the pure quill. This brought back fond memories.

[@rodneyadderton1077]

I miss those book stores as much as I miss childhood.

[@DavidSmith-sb2ix]

There are still a few left. If you get to Trappe MD on the Eastern Shore there is a used book store similar to that.

[@rodneyadderton1077]

@@DavidSmith-sb2ix I once knew a David Smith, back in the nineties. I lost his phone number and had the brillant idea of looking his name up in the phone book. There must have been five hundred of the same name. Haha. "Anyone know his address?" Hahaha. The days before these little computers we carry in our pockets.

[@ZephaniahL]

Of the pure quill?

[@robertwalker-smith2739]

@@ZephaniahL, old-timey expression. When quinine was the only treatment for malaria, it was obtained from cinchona bark. If you bought an extract or powder, it might be adulterated. An actual piece of the bark, which curled like cinnamon, was certain to be pure. The 'pure quill' became a metaphor for the real deal.

[@SashaIsAFox]

I'm so incredibly happy to hear not only a new Mythos tale, but read by Ian Gordon as well. Just perfection.

[@DennisMoore664]

Nothing will ever replace "You FOOL!..." but this has a great last line too. I really enjoyed this one, folks!

[@garysuarez9614]

Warren is dead!

[@thomasturner2007]

Does the lack of traditional opening mean that Warren has gotten better?

[@GrimDarkHalfOff]

This was a very interesting take. It's a total inversion of what we usually see in Lovecraftian horror (no spoilers for new listeners), but the ending invokes a surprisingly wholesome feeling in me.

[@lumburgapalooza]

I love imagining Lovecraft characters standing an inch away from one another while one monologues about space demons into the other's face for 5 pages, as one does in a normal conversation. I should use that as my icebreaker on dates!

[@EmeraldLavigne]

"... but I don't think I want to read the Necronomicon after all." Smartest Lovecraftian protagonist ever.

[@pyxlle]

Wonderful! This might be a weird observation but one of my favorites bits of your narration is when you do a shuddery inhaling sort of mouthy sound when a character hesitates over something horrible, it's so subtle but it gives such an effect. I hope the Cthulhu mythos stories aren't tiresome to narrate, no one else does them such justice!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you, Kristine!

[@kiramiller568]

Perfect for the stormy day here in Las Vegas. Thank you

[@rhoddryice5412]

I suppose Ian’s reach isn’t that far and some other entity is plaguing you?

[@kiramiller568]

@@rhoddryice5412 I'm not sure what you mean...

[@TheBenjaman]

I have come across a large amount of small little bookshops or other curious little shops and houses. tucked away in the older parts of my hometown. As i am a mailman and i get to travel to every nook and cranny of my town. Meet all kinds of strange and interesting people too. Always makes my imagination run, and come up with the most wildest of stories often they turn into something lovecraftian. All interesting parts of town i have some story attached to it that whenever i come there it jumps back in my mind

[@hereticsaint100]

You had me at Cthulhu.

[@joz6683]

Kept this for the weekend after doing a lot of DIY, as a treat. And as always thanks to everyone involved for all your hard work.

[@Diarmuhnd]

I bought my first very old secondhand hardcover Lovecraft Cthulu Mythos book when I was 14 years old. I gained my 1st insanity point reading it under a moonlit sky sitting beside an old oak tree covered in moss. The closet i've come to finding any monsters has been some of the people I dated and some days when I looked in a mirror. Enough about my memberberries. *Thanks for sharing these readings, very entertaining. Have fun, be safe.*

[@howardhavardramberg333]

This is going to be an epic journey and I cannot wait!

[@TraitofSiNN727]

Excellent creepy classic.. A bookstore that is hidden is well secretive one with hidden little gems..💜💀

[@Scarter63]

Perfect timing. I've been jonesing for a good story. I enjoyed that very much. Thank you.

[@1701EarlGrey]

Well, happy anniversary for Rogue Morgue magazine! And that was quite good story - I'm glad that lovecraftian mythos are back - those tales was a main reason why I subscribed to this Horror Babble ; I started to listen to Lovecraft audiobooks here on youtube and I found this lovely channel.

[@rayvanhall6018]

Same

[@tuomasronnberg5244]

What makes his fate particularly dreadful is that because these outer beings showed to him how he ends up being taken by them to be tortured, because they exist outside time, that the past and the future are the same to them, then in some unimaginable manner he already is being tortured by them, and he _already was even before he was ever born._ That's pretty messed up.

[@robertvernon789]

Damn.

[@ToddWaid1]

Perfect slow burn series to close out the end of Sept. and roll into Oct. Look forward to what Ian and company have in store for Halloween and the rest of the month.

[@justanotherdreamer.8669]

I have been catching up to the new Cthulhu mythos stories and it‘s been an absolute pleasure. This story in specific offers a really nice view on the mythos without belittling or contradicting any of the existing story parts. Awesome listen as always🙏

[@blurryface9597]

Thanks for the story. This was a great one!

[@slewis9602]

An excellent story, one of my new, old favorites. And the new Van Melsen series, has me on the edge of my chair, I can hardly wait for the next installment. Outstanding work HB, keep it up!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you!

[@Sylentmana]

Really looking forward to the rest. It’s already giving me ideas for a warlock character in my next D&D campaign.

[@noahkline4263]

I LOVED this Necronomicon origin story. Far more grandiose than your typical iterations of it. Loved the story and loved the narration. Thanks for bringing this piece of art to us, HB.

[@theobserver6579]

The Lovecraft and Howard Mythos is the greatest interconnected universe ever written.

[@davidthenewtheologian7757]

Who’s Howard ?

[@theobserver6579]

@@davidthenewtheologian7757 Robert E. Howard

[@davidthenewtheologian7757]

@@theobserver6579 where do I start ?

[@theobserver6579]

@@davidthenewtheologian7757 I would start with the Conan, Kull, Bran Mak Morn, and Solomon Kane stories by Robert E. Howard. Then read Lovecraft's works. From there, you can branch out into the Mythos Tales from Clark Ashton Smith and other writers who contributed to the Mythos.

[@davidthenewtheologian7757]

@@theobserver6579 konan the barbarian?

[@edvfya9922]

Awesome, the Cthulu mythos stories will always bring me back to this channel. Im reminded how good the channel is so then I binge what I missed.

[@dexterisabo3137]

Bravo! Great story, told by an even greater storyteller! Like always, thoroughly enjoyed it. I can never get enough Horrorbabble, and it's easily my favorite channel on KZbin

[@brianmurphy250]

Written over 80 years ago, but reads as good ( or better ) than most modern day writers. Thanks to this channel for being us the best in the genre. Merry Christmas and may you have an Eldritch New Year

[@H0RR0R_HANG0VERZ]

Yessss!!!! I’m so ready to sit back, relax and enjoy this series of Cosmic delight!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@rickyhurtt5568]

I love this channel. One of the main reasons is you know when you start listening you have a story written by an adult and about adults.

[@scyphe]

Another great story narrated by the master of narration.

[@kristinacable]

Fantastic! Love it!

[@ReicHHere]

I love your recordings, it reminds me of evening drama radio. Its a grown mans bedtime story and its lovecraftian twist is superb

[@strideknight]

Been saving all these episodes for tonight, Halloween, so excited. Love you guys.

[@cassandramiller4477]

A wonderful reading of a decent story, written by an author who clearly got paid by the word!

[@HorrorBabble]

😆

[@HorrorBabble]

All the best with the move!

[@AJScraps]

I just got done with your 22 hr Cthluhu video; perfect timing for this new content! 🎉🙏😆

[@erroneous6947]

Listening to this during a hurricane. Good timing thanks.

[@HorrorBabble]

😬

[@Whalewraith]

I like stories of forbidden tomes. They always put me in mind of 'The seventh gate' Johnny Depp/Polanski 1999.

[@donaldmccleary9015]

The book shop in this story reminds me of that movie, too. I always wondered in the shop in the movie was at least partially based off this one.

[@dsammut8831]

Just finished reading it from Tales Of The Lovecraft Mythos; best tale, therein.

[@DarkSideBecky]

I love listening to you tell me creepy storiest. Thank you Ian!! 😊

[@XX-yh4fq]

Looking forward to this series! Appreciate everything you guys do!

[@skywyzeparanormal7934]

This is a good one for a cozy long winter's night.

[@jerichohill487]

Great, as always. Everytime you say, "now, without further ado," I always expect you to say " now, without further ado, let's do further." But that may just be me watching too much Epic nate. Anyway, great stuff as always. Thanks for the work you and Jen put into these

[@soulreaver1983]

Outstanding video as always many thanks Ian hope you're keeping well!😎👍

[@exoblivione6086]

Maaaan, been awake for almost 2 days and really struggling to sleep before I start my new job and HB comes in with the Deus ex escapism and saves the day :D

[@HorrorBabble]

All the best with the new job, EO!

[@exoblivione6086]

@@HorrorBabble Thanks H.B. :D

[@johnnikyecole9114]

I'm going to love these I can already tell. This dude is the best narrator and could make a bad story great although I've never heard that so I'm just guessing here. May you Ian avoid the cold grasp of the Great Old Ones for a bit longer.

[@nitayrafowicz5934]

you know just what I ❤! Simply incredible!!! 5 new stories! can't wait to hear them all

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Famtastic story and narration! I really like this one. A book that has other books, creatures, history, and beings of the mythos...awesome! The book shop is awesome!!

[@AcornElectron]

Hahahahahahaha! I’m thrilled to hear this intro. Keep up the good work Jen and Ian and, as always, stay safe! 💙💜

[@maxscherzer9521]

Beautiful artwork

[@JamesMC04]

The Necronomicon, for all its alleged rarity, seems to be quite easily available.

[@vonpanda493]

Just started this series - excellent reading as always! 🖤

[@ixisnyx6860]

I liked this one. Can't wait for the next ones in this set. : )

[@mortuarycookiezshane4192]

Saving this for this evening when I’m done packing and having a glass of wine. I hate moving.

[@RuseSmiles]

Thank you for another great tale from beyond!

[@DæmonV86]

This is pretty fucking trippy for something nearly a century old.

[@paulcateiii]

excellent, can't wait to hear the rest of the series

[@andreasfilis9001]

What a treasure! It was excellent. Thanks Ian!

[@lifewladye]

I am very much excited for the next 4 parts !!😆Thanks Ian

[@Skylord_F]

So what I am getting from some of these stories that I need to be wary of old book shops.

[@weescamp]

Masterful storytelling, many thanks I really enjoyed this one.

[@brycecurtis8483]

Wow! Thanks Guys! Made my night;

[@kevinfogle7929]

this was great! I can't wait for the rest of the series

[@blakmajk3512]

Excellence, Ian! 👑

[@jaybat1184]

Fuck yes finally a long one! I’m definitely ready for this series

[@Bbergster]

That was fun! Where is Doggone Dagon? I picture him with a pre roll & a hat, dining at a nice seaside restaurant. Taking a shegon out for prawns, or something.

[@ViktoriousDead]

Can’t wait for part 2!

[@RolandWieffering1]

Great tale, I never heard before. I hope the rest is just as good and unknown to me. Thanks pal. All the best from Holland.

[@jessicac.9992]

I miss you my sweet Horri! I've not been able to listen due to technical problems. So so lovely to hear your voice and thoughts again. ❤️

[@HorrorBabble]

Welcome back, Jessica!

[@Safeguard1]

I love the art!

[@0therun1t21]

You never disappoint, thank you.

[@nerdaccount]

These are great and amazing! Thank you!

[@АртёмДубравин-ы6у]

Not a HUGE fan of the story, but the read, once again, as always, fantastic. Simply fantastic!

[@Paul_305]

Excellent! I have my savinelli 313 and some C&D Dream of Kadath ready for sundown

[@christianblack2916]

Hail the Pipemen of Horrorbabble!

[@milzegray3360]

Love it keep up the mythos tales And good on you for spreading interest in the occult these stories are an excellent way to initiate someone's research into such topics

[@Blue_Jasmin]

Amazing as always.

[@christopherjohnson8876]

Great job.

[@scottmitchell1974]

This was a great one! Thanks.

[@aaronweaver9751]

Warren went to another book store and survived for another day. Kudos 👍

[@roxanavasilakis9435]

Thank you so much 🌳, amazing story 🖤

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

In working life, I was a librarian -- does this make me a "Guardian of the Book?" Cheers Warren, who's been checked out -- permanently!

[@Eris123451]

No, it just makes you an ex Librarian. As for Warren, well in the immortal words of Jake Thackray; "Although he's six foot deep in darkness he'll never lie still." "He's made of sterner stuff, he's not dead enough."

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

@@Eris123451 -- Sounds like me, Eris 123 -- I'm still in circulation, even if I don't have circulation! Cheers Warren, who does not eternal lie!

[@subotai358]

I'm a cataloger, I leave "guardian of the book" to Special Collections. Though Connecticut hasn't produced any sanity shattering Mythos tomes, though some of the law reporters come close.

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

@@subotai358 -- Well Bill, as a cataloger, you should know that any "guardian of the book" would have to have been in circulation! Hail Dewey! Cheers Warren, who is no longer in circulation! As for Connecticut, you may not have produced any Mythos tomes -- but you did produce Joseph Payne Brennan -- who was also a librarian. p.s., if you ever visit my channel, you might be interested in my playlist, "Ghost Stories of a Librarian!"W!

[@jacksonvega7751]

Excellent

[@feathernose6323]

Great, thank you so much for this 👍

[@danbreeden68]

Excellently done I loved it

[@Blayze1017]

Outstanding!!!!

[@joeg5400]

Awesome reading!

[@madsketscher5228]

I think it's recourse with a hard C and not resource at 33.53. I think I've heard the same in a few other of your readings, but wasn't sure. In this case it seems pretty clear cut. I don't read along so often I refrain from guessing. Thank you for all the great content, I've been more or less binging for 3 months, since I stumbled upon your video of At the Mountains of Madness! ALL THE BEST! and congrats on the baby.

[@tishahouse846]

Listening from the ukwales❤

[@xabaya3294]

awesome story, well told as always

[@christosvoskresye]

The idea of The Neverending Story rebooted as a Lovecraftian horror strikes me as hilarious.

[@XthegreatwhyX]

Dude, help a poor soul out. I don't think I'd have the heart to let the alien keep the book, most likely I'd have taken a turn as its keeper, waiting for my own relief.

[@terrywilliams2193]

Very good.

[@Enshadowed]

from what he reveals about his state of torment I don't see how any of the knowledge and powers he tells of could possibly be worth such a condition

[@lacyhart2043]

Holy cow this was great

[@Torgo1001]

In Cthulhu Mythos, book reads you!

[@astrazenica7783]

Hail Yog Sothoth

[@charlesrodden4019]

The last 5 minutes of this story sounds like what happens when you eat too many magic mushrooms