The Mysterious Death on the Underground Railway | Emma Orczy | A Bitesized Audiobook

A new recording of a classic public domain text from 1901. Narrated/performed by me, Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me:
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
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* 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/
A lady travelling in a first class carriage of an underground train, alongside several other passengers, is found dead at the end of the line. Could it be suicide, or a most ingenious murder?
00:00:00 Introduction and biographical notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope
00:02:51 The Story begins
00:49:03 Credits and thanks
Emma (Emmushka) Orczy (1865-1947) was born Emma Magdolna Rozália Mária Jozefa Borbála Orczy de Orci, to an aristocratic family in Hungary. Her father was the composer Baron Félix Orczy de Orci, her mother Countess Emma Wass de Szentegyed et Cege, and her grandparents on both sides included senior politicians and royal councillors. The family fled their country estate in Tarnaörs when Emma was two years old, following a local peasant uprising, and her childhood was spent travelling through Europe, including periods in Budapest, Paris and Brussels, before eventually settling in London when she was 14. Emma's early ambition was to be a painter and she attended art school, where she met her future husband Henry George Montagu MacLean Barstow. They married in 1894 and were together for almost 50 years until Henry's death in 1942. They had one child, John, born in 1899.
It was after John's birth that she took up writing and her first success was a series of detective stories submitted to the Royal Magazine in 1901, featuring the character of the Old Man in the Corner. The old man is an "armchair detective" who sits in the corner of a tea room and - while tying and untying knots in a piece of string - unravels unsolved mysteries which have baffled the police, for the benefit of his regular listener, Miss Polly Burton, a "lady journalist". He is not a conventional detective as he doesn't work with the police, and very often sympathises with the criminals, so that even after he has explained the mystery he doesn't alert the authorities. The stories are also notable for their indirect style of narration: while they are told in the third person, the majority of the words are actually narrated by the Old Man talking to Polly. After his 1901 debut the Old Man went on to feature in regular magazine stories through the early 1900s, and his adventures were collected in book form in three volumes: The Case of Miss Elliot (1905), The Old Man in the Corner (1909, but chronologically the first stories) and Unravelled Knots (1925).
In 1903 Baroness Orczy created her most famous character, for which she is best remembered today: Sir Percy Blakeney, the Scarlet Pimpernel. This character established the idea of a dashing and daring figure who hides behind a meek disguise, so Orczy was in effect the originator of an enduring trope which was later followed by the creators of Superman, Batman and many others. In the same year the Pimpernel appeared in print, the character also became a huge stage hit in London, and the play (co-written by Emma and her husband) ran for over four years, a record-breaking run at that time. She was very proud of her Pimpernel stories, to the exclusion of most of her other work: her memoirs, published just weeks before her death, are dominated by the character, whereas she barely mentions the Old Man in the Corner at all. Baroness Orczy died at Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, in November 1947, aged 82.
'The Mysterious Death on the Underground Railway' first appeared in the Royal Magazine in July 1901. It later appeared in book form as part of the 1908 collection 'The Old Man in the Corner'. The story takes place on the Metropolitan Railway, in the days when steam trains still operated at the turn of the 20th century (as opposed to the electric "tube" trains which had been introduced on the new and deeper underground lines a decade or so earlier). Those who know the London transport system will be aware that the Metropolitan Line is still part of the wider Underground network, although some of the stations have closed or been renamed. In this story there's a reference to Aldersgate Street Station, which is now known as Barbican.
The title card shows a detail from an illustration by Samuel J. Hodson (1831-1908) depicting a steam train on the Metropolitan Railway c.1863, in the newly built tunnel at Praed Street junction near Paddington station.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2022.

[@BitesizedAudio]

If you enjoyed this story, you may like to visit my Bandcamp page where you can listen for free to my narrations of many more classic stories. You can also purchase and download an mp3 (or another format of your choice) of this or any of my other recordings: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com Listener support on Bandcamp helps me to keep producing new content like this. I also have a Patreon page: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio Or for occasional one-off support, you can Buy Me a Coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio Thanks for listening. Simon Stanhope (narrator) Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction and biographical notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope 00:02:51 The Story begins 00:49:03 Credits and thanks

[@Frenchblue8]

I confess, this very much is my favorite playlist of yours, Simon. I nearly cried when I realized I'd listened to them all!

[@badweetabix]

Will you do the other Old Man in the Corner stories by Orczy?

[@mattropolis99]

Dear KZbin mods and community managers, Simon is a audiobook narrator and voice actor - and we love him. Both of those roles he is doing are real jobs that creatives make serious money from - no matter WHAT they read. Famous actors voice act characters in animated movies like Shrek, Toy Story, Monsters Inc, etc. Audiobook narrators are a whole class of professionals that make Audible the multi-million dollar a year success that it is too. They're all paid very well for what they do - and Simon does a little bit of both with these stories he reads here. These are old, classic tales - classics that you'll find in anthologies such as the Oxford Collection of English Ghost stories and countless other academic and famous literary collections. These are major pieces of literary history, and he is keeping them alive for generations to come. Please rethink your stance with this channel. He deserves to be rewarded for the hard work he puts in selecting, reading, and voice acting these tales. -A concerned classic literary community

[@ted-b]

What immeasurable value you bring to these old tales.

[@GameGeek7784]

It is so much effort at your end Simon. The narration to begin with must be extremely difficult and now to add to it you have the new intro. Appreciate your effort immensely and it would be completely understandable for your upload frequency to go-down given the new additions.

[@kellijordan3829]

I completely agree. You do such a fabulous narration...I love listening to you. I also see the extra efforts and addition you have put into your channel. You are a blessing to so many Simon.

[@Frenchblue8]

@@kellijordan3829He is indeed. We have to figure out a way to have KZbin re-monetize him because it is a travesty that they have arbitrarily just intruded here and with a wave of a magical banning wand has taken away his ability to earn an income from this incredibly challenging, energy and time intensive work. While I'm sure he loves what he does, I think we are all convinced of it, in fact~it IS work. it is labor intensive and the research, the artwork at the thumbnails, the writing ...he does all of it!! It is extraordinarily mean-spirited, it would seem, for KZbin to recognize the work clearly involved in creating a beautiful channel on their platform, and then smashing it down and basically deeming it worthless, seemingly for no reason. It's extraordinarily cruel and for them to claim there is no value added or transformational material is just fallacious.

[@julielevinge266]

Quality not quantity 👍

[@ms.d.franks242]

@@Michael-cp6gr You're full of it. His right to earn wouldn't have been reinstated if he was in the wrong. YT needs to bust channels that upload audiobooks clearly ripped from Audible and others, not a legitimate channel like this.

[@carrie-ann8121]

Hi Simon , glad everything is back to normal , you reading me a story . Life is good again 👍

[@binkie4940]

Oh, perfect! Not only a new performance, but lots of additional details about the author and story. No other channel provides quite what you do, thank you so so much Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thanks Binkie!

[@pb-tf5dj]

Thank you, Simon. YOU perform these readings in YOUR own brilliant, eloquent and entertaining style. YOUR voice acting is top-of-the-class. And YOU put in so much work to curate, edit, layout and perform those wonderful stories. I am a big fan of YOUR work since my boy was born almost 4 years ago. He did not sleep... well 🥴.. for the first two years and your stories helped me through many sleepless nights, calming and entertaining me. So, thank YOU so much for YOUR work and hopefully some person at KZbin sees this comment and many more like it from other fans. It seemed so very unfair that they question and trouble your work. KZbin, this person does magic and hard work alike, please stop bugging him 🙏

[@michaelfearon4793]

Have KZbin finally seen sense? You seem to be doing more work, and adding even greater value. Bravo, Simon. Bravo!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Michael. They haven't yet, I'm afraid - but I live in hope. In the meantime, your kind support via BMAC, and the many others who have generously supported me there and on Patreon, that's all helping me to keep going. Thank you! Hoping these little tweaks to the format might make things clearer to the next human reviewer...

[@michaelfearon4793]

I'd sign off KZbin in a heartbeat if you weren't on it. When things improve here, I'll show you my FULL support. In the meantime, I urge everyone who listens to buy the lad even a coffee, if you can afford it. At the moment, all I can do is just that. But things will improve. If any of Simon's listeners happen to be wealthy enough and relish his work, please give him a few quid. He SO deserves it. This is professional, essentially private readings, of old forgotten texts. Imagine he made a hundred grand in a year say. Wouldn't he absolutely deserve it - jesus! The pleasue he brings! Guys, if you can afford it, let's support this guy and keep him going.

[@shannondore]

@@BitesizedAudio I feel so bad that I can't help you financially Simon. Inflation is so bad here in America. They're raising my rent $100.00 and my health insurance is $400.00 a month. I'm barely getting by. There's so many creators that I subscribe to and love and all I can do is watch, like, and comment on their videos. I hope that's ok. I always feel so guilty when people talk about patreon or super chats. I'm sorry.😔

[@ginabeena6757]

Shannon, I feel you! My business of 10 years is struggling because of covid. I appreciate this channel so much and also feel guilty about not being able to contribute. We'll get through this! Blessings to you!

[@shannondore]

@@ginabeena6757 Thank you! Blessings to you too. I really hope things turn around for you. Damn Covid has cost so many so much. Sending positive vibes your way.😊

[@h.calvert3165]

Keep rocking it, Simon. Your work is unique. 🎙

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Hello, so nice to meet our fantastic "time-traveler" narrator! Your was the first ghost and ghoulies channel I first subscribed too. For me the grandeur of well written and well narrated English, plus how you capture an "antique" sound- I hope I don't sound a fool, can't express myself as well as I should like. I recommended your channel to friends who love ghost stories and the Victorian and Edwardian Eras. I feel like I am on the Orient Express traveling in fantasy time accompanied by a great teller of tales, long into the night. Your voice is one of the most unusual I've ever heard and you've educated me by exposing me to many new authors and or stories. Thank you from a fan from Canada.

[@skussy69]

So happy to see you uploading again!

[@annetteeggett2802]

❤️❤️❤️ oh Simon so good to see you again. This will be my night’s treat. As you know I love everything you do xx❤️ long may it continue. Hope you are all well xx

[@nobody8328]

Perfect timing! A new Simon story for a dreary afternoon. I'm going to make some coffee 😊🥰 Also, love the new intro! I hope it helps youtube understand what you do 🙂

[@lizpride9960]

Loving the spoken biographical notes!

[@Frenchblue8]

Stellar. Such extraordinary excellence and such loving care is so rare for KZbin which unfortunately seems to have a monopoly in the area of self-produced creative content. The concept of KZbin is a wonderful thing on its face, but as we all know, some of the more current policies lack the same clarity and intelligence that the original notion certainly holds. You have created something so wonderful here, Simon, and I believe those of us who have discovered you and your no less than perfect narration of these singular, elegant old stories, have discovered a gift we never expected in life. You and what you have created here is truly that unique and that special. And without hyperbole I think I can claim that most of us feel there's no way we can adequately thank you or express our gratitude. Suffice to say, we are fans for life. With affection and much appreciation, Deah~ Connecticut, US

[@kayi9236]

So happy to see you again Simon, excellent presentation as always, and love the added information and selection of photographs and artwork. Absolutely wonderful!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you like them, thank you Kay

[@boosqueezy2418]

v thankful you’re able to post again!!!

[@consuelaofthenorth4768]

You and your channel are a treasure. It is infuriating that some dolt felt they were justified in demonetizing you. If anyone were deserving of a backwards leg sweep, it's them. Thanks for all of your artistry. There's a whole bunch of us rooting for you.

[@lorricat5897]

It’s so good to have a new story from you Simon. You’ve helped me through many sleepless nights😊 with your wonderful stories and excellent voice acting. KZbin is a little misguided ( in my humble opinion) in thinking you didn’t add value. Your new format is even more “added value”. A grateful Canadian fan.

[@troublemcallister730]

Thank you so much Mr Stanhope; you really bring these stories to life.

[@sugarfalls1]

You are a class act! Look how professional this is! Timestamps and an introduction! Love the introduction, btw! I love to know the biographies of people like Emma Orczy. Well done! Thank you for putting so much work and effort into these short stories. As professional as this is, it still has the feel of a quaint fireside story where we're all sitting together listening to you and sipping a cup of tea. All my best to you from across the pond. Thank you a million times over!

[@kelliryan464]

Agreed. Isn't it a lovely to discover the rarified amongst the commonplace.

[@sugarfalls1]

@@kelliryan464 Your comment made my day! Yes, it sure is! It's nice to meet someone with good taste!

[@kelliryan464]

@@sugarfalls1 Great minds think alike. I hope there is something we can do to rectify the insult done to this talented man. Keep in touch if you know of any plan afoot to compensate our dear Simon. Shame on you tube for deeming his content 'not unique.' I pledge to support him with kofi and patreon if he starts an account. I am sure you were as surprised and delighted to find this treasure in the you tube junk shop of content.

[@sugarfalls1]

@@kelliryan464 I didn't know about what youtube said about Simon. That's ridiculous. I've been listening since he started his channel, but I enjoy listening to the older stories again. He has a great voice and he's not too bad on the eyes either!

[@JD-cw4qg]

another brilliant story, thank you so much Simon, beautifully narrated as always. Keep up the good work on this brilliant channel

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

I didn't think you could improve on your already outstanding narrations and was concerned but you, Mr.Stanhope, have outdone yourself (and MANY others) and I appreciate all you've done. Thank you again.

[@juliadia007]

Simon, I’ve been jonesing to hear you do “The Story of the Inexperienced Ghost” by H.G. Wells (1902). I’ve heard 2 versions of it but I think it is tailor made for your voice. I don’t see how anyone could do an Edwardian British clubman better than you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Julia. I'd certainly like to do some more H.G. Wells at some point when things calm down, so will bear that one in mind...

[@skrimper]

@@BitesizedAudio we'll be ready 😆

[@h.calvert3165]

Haven't thought of that one in a long time. But y'know, it's a good one! 👍

[@chasidahl8563]

How fabulous to have you back, Simon! Hope all the problems are sorted & you can concentrate on producing your superb work....

[@BitesizedAudio]

Not quite yet unfortunately, but I'm trying some tweaks to make things clearer....

[@chasidahl8563]

@@BitesizedAudio - here's hoping for a quick resolution 🙏

[@LPleighton]

Once again we have been gifted with another most brilliant and faultlessly told story, courtesy of the master himself! 😊

[@lyndaa7560]

Another perfect rendition, very good story by the Baroness, I love the new intro & the accompanying notes which must take a lot of time but ideally compliment the drama. Thank you so much, I’m very impatient for the nest one now xx

[@mariameere5807]

Absolutely fabulous! Lady author.... lady journalist! Normally from that period the female author mostly had male character’s I found so I am really exited about this! Great choice Simon! We appreciate your amazing talent so much on this channel! This story is exactly my cup of tea! Thank you 🙏

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Hey Simon, So happy to see you. I hope things worked out in your favor . With that said I hope all is well . I can't wait to listen to this story I have been binge listening to all the other works. Cheers Mate here's to many happy Bite size audio days ahead.😁🤪😜

[@carolmikolj5134]

Thank you so much Simon for this excellent reading. I've read all the 'Old Man in the Corner' stories and I love them. Orczy also wrote the collection 'Skin O' My Tooth', which is a collection of short stories about a lawyer who bears a strong resemblance to the Old Man in the Corner and who solves crimes in a similar way.

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Hi Simon. So good to have you back. I believe adversity has resulted in only making your channel better. It was already excellent, but the introduction featuring you and the information about the author are just the icing on the cake. I do so hope things are going better for you, and we are all looking forward to your next offering for our entertainment. Thank you!☺

[@cruisepaige]

Simon, I love that you include lady detectives and lady authors. They were rather rare back then, but as a lady myself it is very nice to imagine these trailblazers. ❤️❤️❤️

[@myheartisglad]

Oh my goodness!!! Just when I thought you had done immeasurably incredible work that couldn't possibly be improved upon, you exceed your previous level of excellence with these marvelous additions. Your style has made the educational foreword every bit as interesting (if not more so) than the story itself. I actually found myself disappointed it was coming to an end "so soon" as the story began. Thank you for persevering through the unjust treatment and sharing your wonderful gift with the world! Still praying for overflowing blessings and peace for you and your family! God bless you!!!

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

Kudos to you Simon. Your work is always professional, entertaining, and shows your true passion for your work and compassion for your fans. I can only hope that the veil will fall from the eyes of the KZbin reviewers and that they can reverse their unkind and unwitting error. We are all honored by your commitment to your wonderful channel. - T.R.

[@pumpkinguts5288]

Oh I've been very much looking forward to the next old man in the corner story. Thank you Simon! I appreciate the time and effort you take to provide us with your fantastic narration so much 🌞

[@barbarahuff117]

Thanks for being you. Talent, experience, and fun.

[@brandonletzko4239]

Good to see and hear you Simon. I am saving the tale for later but I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate all you do.

[@Hazel_Fox22]

Love your work, Mr. Simon! Thank you!

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you so much, Simon! I am so sorry you are still having to jump through hoops for the ignorant powers-that-be at KZbin. Your talents are priceless and you are greatly appreciated by your listeners.

[@mspacephal3925]

Great to hear you again!! 😃

[@ginabeena6757]

I'm loving the new format! Love the railroad mysteries, and this is a great one! Thank you Simon! ❤️

[@chrisnorman9980]

Great new format. I recognize this story as being dramatized on The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes with Judy Geeson playing Polly - albeit reworked without the Old Man in the Corner. As always - you’re the best.

[@Bambisgf77]

Hi Simon! Adore this new intro! So good to see you again!

[@auntyJanette]

Simon, the art work, history and biographies are outstanding. Thank you.

[@CampingMalvarrosa]

Yeah! A new story from Simon! Thank you so much.

[@lparsons6977]

I loved your channel before, but I see you’ve accepted YT’s criticism as a challenge and boom! 💥you’re back and even better!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@coreyfaller2500]

Glad to see a new stoy uploaded! I hope you are finding your way through the maze of trouble KZbin seems to have dropped you into.

[@rattyrachel2930]

A masterful reading of an ingenious story, Simon! You had me, like that piece of string, wrapped around your fingers from start to finish. Will be joining your Patreons very soon. Here’s hoping the battle with KZbin is over! 😳

[@possumaintdead]

Marvelous new intro; it must take a lot of work for you. As always, an excellent reading by one of the best KZbin presenters there is. All the best and I hope KZbin reinstates you very soon.

[@shellbell1705]

Thank you Simon for your hard work and for this enjoyable story. My local tube station on the "good old metropolitan railway" is still the "best, cheapest and quickest" way to the City! Hahaha.

[@heatherclough8233]

These old mystery stories are my favorite audiobooks you do. And a railway story too. The lovely piano music was a really nice touch. Thank you so much.

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

the musical interlude between the intro and story is DIVINE

[@DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes]

Excellent stuff!

[@carrie-ann8121]

Hi Simon this & other stories have been made as radio plays called the tea house detective with Bernard Hepton . I thought this story sounded familiar to me , but no worries you are by far my favourite 👍

[@phoenixdale1232]

I'm really enjoying the new intro. I love learning about the author & having a short synopsis of the story. It definitely helps with me picture it. Thank you for all your hard work. It is greatly appreciated ❣️❣️😻

[@natashiaferreira9421]

Love it!!!

[@jdsteppenzyde]

I love the new format. I don’t know anyone that is as informative and entertaining. 👏 Great job,sir.

[@sgfrmindia]

Thank you Mr. Stanhope for your humongous effort and extraordinary quality of your performance.Stay blessed.

[@Thirza.]

Tea and cakes, mystery, a Baroness, and Simon's lovely voice. This week has just improved significantly.

[@ievalibeka8171]

What a pleasant surprise :) The new introduction works very well, and marvellously narrated story. Thank You :)

[@susangordon1153]

Thank you Simon! I know you are a professional but I am amazed at your ability to read these old stories without tripping over the language. The way they spoke and wrote then is a world apart from today and it just doesn't seem an easy thing to do. You read as if you were born to it which makes the story so real to me. You give such a wonderful flow to each and every sentence. Well enough of that! Again, thank you and your lovely voice. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you Susan!

[@CeliaZA]

Yay! Been hoping for a new story. Thank you, thank you, Simon.

[@hellodave1168]

The new format makes great stories even more accessible, thank you📚

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

The intro is so strange after listening to you get right into the story :) Your efforts are much appreciated Simon I did so enjoy the last story with this detective and now recognise the author's name I hope to hear more from this detective, thank you

[@BitesizedAudio]

Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction and biographical notes, written and read by Simon Stanhope 00:02:51 The Story begins 00:49:03 Credits and thanks

[@sloanfrakes5918]

G .

[@amethyst42]

Thanks again for a fantastic reading! I'm loving the biographical info at the beginning. As I am not from the UK, a few phrases take a bit of research from me. An ABC shop seems to be a tea room (Canadian equivalent - coffee shop) by the Aerated Bread Company. I don't know if they still exist.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Sandi, appreciate you adding the extra research. I meant to say something about the ABC shops in my intro but I was trying to keep it concise for those who want to just "cut the cackle" and get on to the story. I'll make a note to put it in next time I do an Old Man story, as I'm sure I will return to this series at some point. PS No, ABC shops don't exist any longer, I believe they were phased out from the 1950s onwards, although independent "tea rooms" do still exist especially in touristy or old fashioned places, spa towns etc. There were also Lyons Corner Houses, they lasted a bit longer than the ABCs, until the 1970s I think

[@shannondore]

Oh what a nice surprise to find a new (to me) lovely tale from you Simon. I was just thinking of you the other day and wondering how things were going. Hope all's well considering.🤗 This was a fantastic story. I loved it! And I have to admit the new set up is pretty great. With the biography at the beginning and I really like the photos you found to go along with it. Great job! Thanks and take care of yourself.💕

[@lilitheden748]

These old stories told by your soothing voice ( with the beautiful English accent ) can make me dream away to other simpler times. As I have a condition that makes me some times unable to get around these readings help me in the way that they distract me from the distress I sometimes feel. That's why I always look out with fondness to your next posting. Thanks so much for your efforts to share your gift for reading with us.

[@lisabeth_nikolaidis]

Another awesome reading of an old story I've never read before. Thanks so much for your great interpretation!

[@wmnoffaith1]

Outstanding job, Simon. I really appreciate all of your extra effort. Edit: Baroness Orczy must really have been a brilliant, remarkable woman. It's rare enough for a person to have such an understanding of human nature that they can develop plots like this; even rarer that they be of the upper classes, who normally don't even take sufficient notice of the common man, let alone study his habits and modes of behavior. Her plots are so intelligent.

[@julielevinge266]

Still astonished at u tubes attitude? So many classic stories narrated with all the emotion of someone in a trance? Along with mistakes in pronouncing & punctuation, making it somewhat of a chore to listen to. Yet Simon Stanhope’s perfect narration makes classic stories truly wonderful! My favourite of all time is “NutBush Farm” but really could listen to him all day everyday✊♥️✊

[@snippycutwell9878]

So good to see you! Your presentation was flawless as always, and the graphics during the introduction really added very interesting content, somehow improving what I already regarded as most excellent. Keep those neurons pulsing....

[@sloanfrakes5918]

You definitely put a smile on my face when I say the new story which I did enjoy listening to thank you for your time and struggles to keep this channel on KZbin enjoy your day

[@KiKiabout]

Wahoo...! Excellent production and thank you for being here, your a blessing to us all... :)

[@juliadia007]

Simon, are you vindicated?? I think you are doing a beautiful job with the graphics and the introduction to the author’s life and times and the music. I can’t imagine how much time it all takes. However, I can imagine really enjoying hearing much longer discussion of the authors’ works and their personal stories.

[@johnryan3913]

I like the idea of a longer discussion of the authors' lives, times, and works, too.

[@moonspath1598]

I really appreciate the biography and any historical information. Also the graphics, well done 👍

[@rosejacob3146]

Fabulous ... as always! Thank you for creating this wonderful escape from a crazy, sad world.

[@anaaropot]

Omg !!! What a surprise !!! Thank you 🙏 now the voice that has been by my side throughout the confinement and everything that has followed since has a face 🥰🥰🥰

[@RockyRacoon123]

Thank you for your persistence & hard work! I love the “old man in the corner” stories & you are the perfect reader! 💕 📖

[@manasbose8817]

Lovely to hear your wonderful voice again Simon. Have really missed it during a difficult time for you with the KZbin nonsense

[@martiwilliams4592]

Very entertaining!! Thank you for introducing us to delightful Emma Orczy. Hope we will hear more more of her stories!!! :0 )))

[@kelliryan464]

Thank you dear Simon for another divine narration. Your unique delivery brings life to these little known stories. Thank you again for adding grace and dignity to You Tube. You shine brightly. Shame on you tube for not identifying true talent. Tasteless fools......

[@mechikaboombayah4960]

Its really amazing to have another story from you. And that too a RAILWAY story!! Love you sir.

[@fastaxion229]

Glad to know this author, Emma. Great reading, congratulations.

[@venenareligioest410]

Superb stories and narration, more of this character please 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Tina06019]

Very nice to hear you again, Mr Stanhope.

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Had a mad week but good week at work....so now glass of wine and having utter pleasure to chill and listen 🎀💐🎀💐Thank you so much..♥️

[@mrs.cracker4622]

Just remarkably beautiful narration. What a gift. 🙂

[@wyominghome4857]

Thank you for posting these wonderful and well written stories. A year ago I started collecting and reading novels from the early 20th century - many available on eBay - and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed them. It's harder to find those stories that appeared in short form in magazines, so these are a treat. I read an op-ed recently on the lack of wonderful classical music post-WWII (indeed, many classical pieces commissioned in recent years are unbearable to the ear), but I think the same could be said of film, fiction, popular music, art, and every creative field. I'm not sure the reason, but something went south. Anyway, while there are fewer good stories being written you can still find them, if you look. My little collection is a treasure. Thank you again.

[@rozdoyle8872]

Never again shall I ignore the old man in the corner of my favourite Cafe , his name is Gerry and I shall study him very carefully. Thank you for a wonderful story.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thank you Simon. It is good to see you back.

[@mijiyoon5575]

Nice piano score...nice story...nice Simon Stanhope... 👍👍👍👍👍💖

[@scoutrifle6827]

While I don't like that YT forced you to change your format, I have to admit I do like the background and context you're adding.

[@Captain-ln3vh]

Great narration. Absolutely love his storytelling.

[@barrycrump6189]

Thank you for another wonderful story and reading.

[@terranovarubacha5473]

This was also very enjoyable. You've made such wonderful choices in your curation of this channel!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you very much!

[@caroleastwood9386]

How utterly amazing Simon You are BACK. Hurray. I'm SO hsppy

[@michaeltrueblood2545]

I had never heard of an ABC shop, so I Googled it. Interesting article about the Dauglish bread manufacturing process and the self-service tea rooms. Thank you, Simon, for another enjoyable story. (from Pittsburgh, PA)

[@gracewalker835]

Omg it’s crazy putting a face to the voice!!! Love these keep them coming 😍😍😍

[@neilmartin3220]

Glad you're back. Will certainly enjoy this. Thank you so much for uploading.

[@snowysnowyriver]

Thank you so much for bringing these valuable gems to life. It's wonderful to hear beautifully written prose being beautifully read.