The Wood of the Dead | Algernon Blackwood | A Bitesized Audiobook

A traveller on a walking tour in the south west of England takes his lunch at a lonely country inn, where he encounters a strange old rustic and hears the local legend of the Wood of the Dead...
Narrated/performed by 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:
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:10 The Story begins
00:38:52 Credits and thanks
Algernon Blackwood (1869-1951) was an English author and journalist best remembered for his "weird tales" and ghost stories. He was born in Kent and went to school at Wellington College in Berkshire. In his youth he travelled widely, in particular in North America, and gained experience in a startling variety of professions, including hotel management and dairy farming in Canada, as well as newspaper journalism and violin teaching in New York City. He contributed short stories and other pieces of journalism to a number of publications on both sides of the Atlantic; his first short story, 'A Mysterious House' was published in The periodical 'Belgravia' in July 1889.
Blackwood settled back in the UK in the first decade of the 20th century and his first collection of supernatural fiction, 'The Empty House and Other Ghost Stories' was published in 1906. He went on to write many more, as well as 14 novels and a number of children's books. He also found success as a playwright, often as adaptor or co-author, most famously 'The Starlight Express' (1915), an adaptation of his own children's story with Violet Peam. His short ghost stories and novellas remain very highly regarded today: amongst the best-known are 'The Willows' (1907), 'The Wendigo' (1910), as well as a short series featuring the supernatural detective John Silence (1908).
'The Wood of the Dead' first appeared in Blackwood's 1906 collection 'The Empty House and Other Ghost Stories', and has been much anthologised ever since.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2022

[@susangordon1153]

I set my glasses aside, leaned back in my chair and pushed play... Dearest Simon, you did not disappoint. I do hope I never have to find out what a world without your readings is like. You have such a wonderful gift and I am grateful that you share it with all of us. ❤

[@patriciajrs46]

Well said dear Lady.

[@davegreen873]

He has a wonderful gift. The , sadly missed, skill of story telling. And he takes you back to The Olden Days. I thank you, as a 60 year old man. You make me time-travel. Thank you so much for taking the time to create these mental images for us to enjoy at our leisure. You are a true Gentleman Simon.

[@ufosrus]

I really appreciate an elegant and easy to understand British accent.

[@davidk6269]

25:13 "The girl looked at me steadily for nearly a whole minute as though there were many things she wished to tell me or to ask. She picked up her tray to leave the room, but suddenly turned and demanded immediate payment for my meal. In cash." LOL

[@davidlee6720]

it doesn't matter how old the stories are ; when told well, literature is timeless, a lot better than today very often. Most of that will not stand the test of time.

[@Charles-oo8bq]

Older the better.

[@nw133]

I never thought i could possibly enjoy these "old" stories until i heard them narrated by you Simon. Thank you for opening a whole other world of literature for my absolute enjoyment. Nita Walker from Australia.

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Thank you as ever Simon! I have been noticing that I am drawn toward the stories that have rich descriptions of the landscape, especially the flora, and that seem to include it as an important character, as well as setting scene and mood. You often choose these same stories from the genre to give to us so that I don’t have to form any requests for more botanical themes! I’ve listened to this one twice just for the way you say “daisies” 🌼💚 Your choices for voicing here perfectly capture the dreamy, rhapsodic, tremulous air of the narrative. Thank you again! 🌱

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you Stephanie

[@chechoaus]

Thank you Simon for adding pleasure to my evening walks. I truly appreciate it.

[@GrandOldMovies]

This is a lovely, melancholy story, which captures so many of Blackwood's themes. He was known to be a mystic, or at least held such beliefs, and he often reflected them in his writing. Your narration was beautifully done!

[@carrie-ann8121]

Hi Simon , I just love these old stories for how old they are , they are amazing. Or is it the person who reads them so well, that makes them amazing ?? Prefect as always , ty

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks carrie-ann, appreciated!

[@code-52]

Carrie Ann, I love that name. That is my nieces name and I helped name her when I was 12.

[@lorenheard2561]

@@code-52 That is so cool!! I let my eldest Son name his little Brother!!!💖🕊️☘️👍

[@code-52]

@@lorenheard2561 what are their names?

[@synesthete23]

Lovely reading of a supernatural story - with a twist. Not to spoil it for anyone, but imagine if she had been the ghost! Thank you Simon for bringing these tales to life for us. 🎩

[@J.DeLaPoer]

Another excellent story! Thanks as always for your work in reviving these old and obscure classics. It’s much appreciated amid the sea of juvenile “creepypasta” tripe flooding the internet these days.

[@manoningham9229]

Tripe refers to cow (beef) stomach, but includes stomach of any ruminant including cattle, sheep, deer, antelope, goat, ox, giraffes, and their relatives.

[@cousinsister69]

Tripe can also mean nonsense or rubbish.

[@lukepenkett3116]

Such a profoundly beautiful story. Thank you.

[@kelliryan464]

I love all these stories and have read every one so many times for many years. You dearest Simon bring something to these wonderful stories the authors intended to communicate to their readers. No one does this better than you. I cannot thank you enough.

[@deniswilliams2212]

One if not the best narrators on the air Many thanks for your saving these stories

[@bonniebarbee7984]

I’ve been with you for a long time , and never get tired of hearing you tell stories. They are such a blessing that I’ve even listened to them several times in the evening to relax by. God Bless you !!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much Bonnie

[@audioghost6162]

Yes! This is my favourite favourite story by Blackwood. Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Excellent, glad to know that. Thanks for listening!

[@lizpride9960]

Ooh! An Algernon Blackwood! My heart's desire-Mr Stanhope narrating this best of ghost story writers! Literary perfection! Thank you! Xx

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, I had noted down your request! Glad to know you enjoyed it, I'm sure I'll be revisiting this author before too long

[@lizpride9960]

@@BitesizedAudio Thank you so much! I'm honoured! X

[@davidmahoney3804]

I let out an audible gasp when he said he recognized the innkeepers daughter. You're channel is great 👍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@sandrarickards886]

Could listen to your story telling all day long. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Sandra, glad to know you enjoyed it

[@blixten2928]

The day is saved! A world-class narrator of a first-class horror writer!

[@dahlrussell]

What a marvelous story filled with spirit and a fresh breath of the eternal. Thank you for finding these.

[@ericwinnert]

Aww, that was incredibly sweet. Brought a little tear to my eye.

[@mjrchapin]

Wonderful to have another story by you! Sometimes Mr. Blackwood wanders a bit, but this is a perfect story with the right amount of sharp detail!

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Ah, marvellous! A particularly evocative tale IMHO, rendered to perfection as always. ❤

[@carrielange2692]

Oh oh oh. One of my favorite authors! Great narration, thank you. A suggestion for future, though It's probably too long maybe, but my favorite Algernon blackwood story is the Wendigo. So haunting. The man whom the trees loved is a fave too.

[@martiwilliams4592]

A vivid, engaging narritive. I could see it right before me. Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Marti

[@AmandaWRU]

Thank you Simon Stanhope, your narration is so excellent

[@cousinsister69]

I'm delighted to have found your channel. What you have created is for me the embodiment of every wish I have in this genre.

[@MrMrsmcd]

Not sure if it's the stories or your voice i am drawn to...but every night without fail i listen to you. I used to listen to Agatha Christie all the time but not anymore. Thankyou for keeping us all company in whatever situation we are listening to you.

[@Tipi_Dan]

A great story by a great author, delivered sensitively. We can only aspire to Blackwood's rarefied vision, precious words, and carefully measured pacing.

[@lisabeth_nikolaidis]

A really beautiful and mystical story by Blackwood and read so perfectly by you, Simon. Thank you so much for sharing it.

[@barrycrump6189]

Thank you - you are the best.

[@johngalardi]

Again, thank you so much for doing this Simon. I love your performances, and I’ve loved Algernon Blackwood from the very first story of his I read. I still remember finding my first of his collections at a “used and rare book shop.”

[@BitesizedAudio]

My favourite kind of book shop! Thanks John

[@tammyhanlon3057]

I am two recordings behind. Getting ready to retire, very soon. So, thank you before I listen for what I am certain will be another treat.

[@donnasmall2172]

Absolutely amazing,thank you.

[@maxgc6413]

Simon, thank you for another entry in your classy series. It has become a new nightly ritual. Hopefully keeping the spirits away.

[@mlsg8]

Wonderful! Another beauty from my favorite Algernon! I will share this one with my students at one of my Psychic Development classes... For so many reasons! The poetic descriptions and the mysterious tale itself will be unique to their ears and experience in your gentle delivery. Thank you thank you thank you. Loved that this was set in Devon... I visit there often in heart when I watch Escape to the Country, as the hosts often show house hunters who have to follow their dreams into Devon, away from the growing, noisy cities. Really helped me enjoy the setting descriptions Algernon laid out before us... Your voice does him so proud, I'm sure!

[@lesleyplage-rohrman5945]

Mr.Stanhope, you are the quintessential piece to these readings. I consider myself quite lucky to have found this youtube channel. Your voice is sublime and at this point would listen to anything orated by you. Thank you for many blissful hours of enjoyment.

[@CeliaZA]

'Ray, Simon! Thank you, so much!

[@AShyLily]

I love this story! I love all your stories. 🙂Thank you, Mr. Stanhope!

[@michelleduplooymalherbe2837]

THANK YOU SIMON.........YOU ARE THE BEST!!

[@queenflipcharts9785]

Many thanks and much appreciation

[@waningmooncancer9628]

Hello, Simon. You are in fine form as usual. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome talent with us.👏👏👏🌟🌟🌟🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@sarahmiller1849]

Your videos are like mental desserts. Thank you so much

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you!

[@MoonLitChild]

I usually get my Blackwood fix from Horror Babble but you have a great take on him! I hope you do more.

[@Bpl541]

This is such a well written story. I want to look for more by Algernon Blackwood and it would be lovely if you were reading thrm. ❤️🙏🕊️🦉🌲

[@lyndaa7560]

You’ve got such a marvellously descriptive voice Simon, mellow as chocolate, you always draw me straight into the story so I can lose myself for the full length of the story. Many thanks as always x

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

One of my favorite AB stories. Thanks, Simon. Cheers

[@jackalina91]

This was a truly wonderful story. I loved it. Your story selection & delivery is faultless. It really was beautiful & I’m sure if there’s any other stories by the writer or anything remotely similar we would all love to hear you narrating them. Thank you so much Simon. ♥️♥️♥️♥️🇦🇺✌️

[@evelanpatton]

Ohhhhhh one of the first sooo excited to listen….✨🌟THANK⭐️YOU!🌟✨🤍

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome 😊

[@JD-cw4qg]

another brilliant story, particularly enjoyed this one, thank you Simon

[@angelachouinard4581]

Simon, an excellent reading of a beautiful and sad story. Blackwood did so much good work but it seems as though the same stories get done over and over. Thanks for choosing one not so common.

[@connieohara7301]

I got so excited when I saw a new story. Yea! Thank you Simon.

[@mijiyoon5575]

Good very good 👍👍👍👍👍 *TY Simon*

[@GeorgeBletchly]

Beautiful story. Your reading does ample justice to Blackwood 's wonderful writing.

[@stephennicholas1590]

Thank you. What a sublime listening experience. Exquisite narration of an exquisitely written story.

[@ufosrus]

Blackwood's classic The Willows is yet his very best creepy story.

[@spiralrose]

So glad that you stuck it out and managed to win despite the KZbin mess you went through before. As always, yours is top quality content and probably the only subscription I have that I know I will like every single upload

[@cw4034]

Great story and great narration. Algenon =Atmosphere

[@judikingsman6132]

Thank you Simon ❤

[@joeharoutunian1805]

This story and it’s presentation are as close to transcendent as I have heard. It is a very special and moving tale and goes about as far as possible to the other side. A jewel. Thank you. I wish the author could come out of the woods to hear his words so well read. Or maybe he can...

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your very generous comment!

[@KiKiabout]

Sweet... Thank You!

[@maureenentwistle6421]

Wonderful story and read so wonderful. Thank you.

[@moonlover2022]

Thank you Mr Simon, for great narrative. This story reminds me The others film(2001).

[@seanmccuen6970]

Blackwood may be my all time favorite.

[@mariameere5807]

So excited and I already know it’s going to be amazing because it’s from you! My top 5 yt channel’s definitely includes this channel!(you don’t understand how much I love you tube- premium so there’s no ads! I don’t bother with television anymore!) so this is a huge compliment! You are an amazingly talented actor and I appreciate you more than you could ever imagine! I am so grateful for finding your channel and love that you do my two favourite genres- paranormal and mystery’s (detective et cetera) Thank you so much for doing what you do and I pray you will find all the happiness and success you deserve, which is SO much! Blessings galore!👏🙏🎭 🕊🤍🕊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your lovely supportive comments Maria

[@Bambisgf77]

Here here!! 🎉👏🏻⭐️

[@mariameere5807]

@@Bambisgf77 thank you hun 🌟♥️🌟

[@saran3214]

I forgot to thank you, Simon, for the video. Your usual beautiful job and I really enjoyed it.

[@appalachianamerican7171]

I enjoy these old stories so very much, Thank You Mr. Simon.

[@nostromoau]

Wow, what a wonderful story, very good voice acting too.

[@ceciliamontes1678]

Another excellent story and superb narration. Thank you, Simon. Regards from Perú.

[@manuelluisnavarro7701]

Thank you, sir, for the story and your beautiful narration of it.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for listening, and for your kind comments!

[@saptarshibanerjee9105]

Excellent…. Due to work I dint really get time to read but thanks to your efforts I am now enjoying the visualisation and gives me some touch to my passion of reading. Thank you.

[@jimreid963]

One paragraph of this story is a novel in its own right. So much detail put down with so much care and an obviously loving touch. A sad tale but a happy one also

[@sugarfalls1]

I really like this most unusual and charming story! Your reading of it is fantastic! Thank you for anther gem!

[@griffini19]

Simon. You are amazing. Thank you so much!!

[@wmpetroff2307]

To date "Oh, Whistle...." by MR James is a most terrifying ghost story. This story 'The Wood...' has gorgeous words but no scare for me.

[@maureenkirby1207]

Simon, you have the most wonderful voice, perfect for these narrations. I could listen to you for hours. Thank you so much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Maureen, appreciated

[@eileenferrari1816]

Always super story’s telling voice so amazing .the perfect person love it thank you you make me relax listening to your voice .☺️

[@rameyzamora1018]

Oh thank you thank you for pronouncing "bow window" correctly, Simon! Love you and Algernon. He was quite a character, wasn't he?

[@saran3214]

How else do you pronounce it?

[@BitesizedAudio]

He was indeed, I hope to read more of his output in the future. As Sara says, I've not heard anyone use the alternative pronunciation of "bow" in this context, although I have heard people confuse them with a "bay" window, which is a completely different thing!

[@rameyzamora1018]

Guess you've not been listening to the same audiobook narrators I have LOL. I don't bother commenting "doesn't rhyme with cow" any more. There are much better channels like yours to enjoy!

[@2msvalkyrie529]

What about " bough ".... ? ! ( eg. of a tree ). Bernard Shaw was a great believer in spelling reform of the English language.

[@rameyzamora1018]

@@2msvalkyrie529 Intriguingly, the window in question is shaped both like a bow (as in bow & arrow) & like the bow (rhymes with cow) of a ship.

[@Bambisgf77]

Hi Simon, new intro is fantastic:) as always content is 10/10! Thank you

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Felene, appreciated!

[@derrheinhandler]

Dear Simon, thank you for those lovely audio books. I listen to all the Ghost Stories on your Channel and I must say you did a splendid job! Please more of those, especially long Storys Like Nut Bush Farm! Kind Regards from Germany Tim

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I really enjoy Algernon Blackwood's work, and I truly believe he would have enjoyed your narration. I also really appreciate the Biography bits in the "Video Description" section. Your hard work and dedication is evident in all of your releases.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Kitty, and I see you've recently joined as a channel member - thanks so much for your support

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thank you for sharing, Simon. Merry Christmas! 🌲😊

[@Pattilapeep]

Simon you are absolutely the best!! Cheers Pat in New Jersey

[@froginprogress8510]

I first heard of Mr. Blackwood in a reference from one of Lovecraft's tales, which I happened upon quite by accident. It's a world that my mother is continuously trying to push me away from, insisting that it's too frightening for me. I'm 36... I usually like to listen to your narrations while I work outside amongst the plants. But it's 111 degrees (just shy of 44C) in my greenhouse. So I'm inside crocheting instead.

[@tempestcallidora50Animals]

Another great story Simon thank you x

[@ronknice6007]

these are all so good appreciate you

[@sirbimsaranadirangaalmedaa403]

As far as I'm concerned I could take an information about a true event in today's story. There is a deadly forest truly existed in this world called champagne woods. I could read an old News paper article under the following topic in addition Thank you for sending me this exclusive video!.

[@annetteeggett]

Strangely beautiful thank you ♥️👻

[@ninawalker4453]

Thank you Simon . Have a coffee or 2 on me 🙏

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much Nina, greatly appreciated!

[@jonsme44]

A pure delight..

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment, much appreciated

[@jimmillward3505]

loved it. Thank you

[@irenabevans3411]

Really enjoyed this take thank you

[@deniswilliams2212]

Blackwood is one of the best Gives you the creeps no what the time of day

[@crazyyoda8721]

Superb narration and story telling atmosphere I have ever listened too.

[@code-52]

I always do the goodie goodie gumdrop dance when I see the notification. 😁

[@patriciajrs46]

You should be Sir Simon. Even though just Simon is wonderful. I, too, love these stories written in and around the turn of the century. It always makes me wonder what kind of stories my grandfather listened to in these early 1900s. He was only a young lad not yet a teenager. He was housed in a work-house where children were listed as inmates.

[@dranimations7902]

Great!

[@afroozm9413]

Thank you for the story

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome. Thanks for listening!

[@mrc8308]

Great voice!