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Number 13 | A Ghost Story by M. R. James | A Bitesized Audiobook
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ส.ค. 2024
- While researching church history in Denmark, Mr. Anderson notices that the inn where he is staying has no room numbered 13. Or does it...? One of the best known ghost stories by M. R. James, first heard at Christmas 1899. The story starts at 00:01:20
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 (and get access to exclusive content):
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* 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/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on TH-cam, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 Number 13
00:44:33 Credits, thanks and further listening
Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936) was a medievalist and scholar, and is probably the best known and most celebrated English ghost story writer of the 20th century, although he actually began composing supernatural tales in the late Victorian era, beginning with 'Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book' (1893). He was born in Kent, but spent most of his childhood in Suffolk, a county which features prominently in many of his stories, including 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'. Several of James's protagonists also reflect his own antiquarian interests, with academics and historians featuring regularly. James published four volumes of ghost stories in his lifetime: 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' (1904), 'More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' (1911), 'A Thin Ghost and Others' (1919) and 'A Warning to the Curious and Other Stories' (1925).
During a long academic career which encompassed several positions at King's College, Cambridge, and Eton College, M. R. James developed a tradition of reading his ghost stories aloud to a group of friends, most famously on Christmas eve, and the majority of his published stories were first heard in that setting.
In his preface to 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary', the first volume of his stories to be published in book form, in 1904, M. R. James states that "I wrote 'Number 13' in 1899", which implies that it was first heard performed at the Christmas gathering that year.
Some notes on the text:
- "The old terrier of the Bishop’s property" mentioned by the Archivist: "terrier" is an historical term for an inventory or catalogue of assets, in this case belonging to the church.
- The Latin words from the Psalter, taken from Psalm 150, quoted by Herr Jensen, "omnis spiritus laudet Dominum", translates roughly as: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2023.
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While researching church history in Denmark, Mr. Anderson notices that the inn where he is staying has no room numbered 13. Or does it...? One of the best known ghost stories by M. R. James, first heard at Christmas 1899. The story starts at 00:01:20
In his preface to 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary', the first volume of his stories to be published in book form, in 1904, M. R. James states that "I wrote 'Number 13' in 1899".
Some notes on the text:
- "The old terrier of the Bishop’s property" mentioned by the Archivist: "terrier" is an historical term for an inventory or catalogue of assets, in this case belonging to the church.
- The Latin words from the Psalter, taken from Psalm 150, quoted by Herr Jensen, "omnis spiritus laudet Dominum", translates roughly as: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
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 (and get access to exclusive content):
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio
* Monthly support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio
* 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/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on TH-cam, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
th-cam.com/users/BitesizedAudioClassicsjoin
❤ the part where you mention Psalm 150.
It is one of my favorites along with Psalm 110. Thank you.
This is one of my favorite James stories. His monsters are always so vague yet so disturbing
Just in case any of our American cousins were wondering: the first floor of a building in this instance is the UK definition of such, and not the US version - i.e. it's the first floor above the ground floor, reached by the first flight of stairs, and not the ground floor itself.
(Best not to complicate matters by mentioning storeys; Simon's story is all we need...😁)
Believe it or not we do have quite a few buildings here with an "L" for the ground floor, followed by 1 and 2 and so on. I like how you call us cousins, I do the same thing lol
@@bobbymarcum772Quite a sweet idea. I do agree.
I counted the floors from the street, coming up in the lift I noticed one was missing.
Thank you @eleanor Peterson. I saw a Sherlock Holmes episode where they kept calling the upstairs bedroom as being on the first floor. I was so confused. Lol. Now I know. It was Jeremy Brett and the episode the Resident Patient. I'm in U.S. in Oklahoma. I watch a lot of Brit TV. English mysterys are so much gentler than here in America. I seems to be getting more and more violent as the years pass. Stay safe and God bless always🤗❤️🙏
Another one of Monty's finest stories read by one of the internet's finest audiobook narrators. It doesn't get much better than this.
Thanks Simon, very kind of you!
Great day, for another M. R. James read by Simon.
Post op 5 days TKR. Misery personified with poor pain control, not sleeping, etc. However these stories, Mr Stanhope, have saved my mental health and given much needed distraction from pain. Thank you for all your hard work. I listened to all your stories at least
once and several many, many times. ❤from Tn
So glad to have been of some help! Wishing you all the very best for your continued recovery
M. R. James is the best. Many, many thanks for sharing this.
Thank you Simon. You are a lifesaver in this crazy world. When I can I will put my money where my mouth is. So appreciate you ❤
Yes, well said, & I agree…
Thank you!
How happy I became when I saw this pop up!!!!
Good sir, you have guaranteed me a wonderful night. I will listen to and cherish every M.R. James story you bless us with.
I *really* appreciate the comment you wrote, not only describing the story, but delving into some "behind the scenes" information, AND even providing other researched tidbits that take us deeper into the story.
This kind of "extra mile (kilometer?)" service is exactly the kind of thing true bibliophiles get a kick out of, and helps your channel stand out among its peers.
I wish you the best of luck and success with your channel. Great presentation, plus the always excellent narration really shows your dedication and the love you have for your source material.
Much appreciated, thank you Kitty
Perfect timing.
Thank you for this gift in time for bed. ❤
Another beautiful telling by one Master of another Master :) Thanks
Thank you so much for your kind comments!
Another fabulous rendition. Always a pleasure!
Thanks Ian and Jen, much appreciated!
I love what you do for us. Top notch work, Simon.
Thank you.
I've read that story several times but never quite grasped it, which is unusual for an MR James tale. But this time I did get it. You narration is so excellent, I am certain that James smiles with pleasure and approval at how is work is presented.
That's lovely to know, thank you so much
Another marvelous take from the master.
I love the set up of this one, truly creepy all around.
What I love about his stories is the subtle way he paints the horror.
We don’t get a huge portal opening up with demons flying about. Simply painting a picture of red fire lighting under a door is in itself scary. It’s what we don’t see
The mind can create anything from these readings.
Just as good as Sir Christopher Lee’s rendition.
You deserve your own fireside tales special 😁
I agree that the strength of James’s stories lies in their subtlety. When it comes to ghost stories, less is more, in my opinion!
Thank you kindly! Glad you enjoyed it
His character development is so fun, because everyone knows someone like the landlord for example, who has to be redirected back to the topic at hand numerous times because he gets so into his autobiographical tangents
Another favourite, beautifully narrated. Thanks once again, Simon!
Thank you Simon. Your voice is so soothing, especially when I have difficulty sleeping. 💕
Thank you so much, Simon! Hearing your voice makes me happy.❤
Keep up the great work my friend👍👍 I love these old Victorian ghost stories ☠👻☠👻
What a great story! A completely original plot filled with so many details as to make it real. My favorite MR James to date!Thanks for the curating as well as the (perfect) narration, Simon.
Thank you for this timely upload, Simon - just the thing to help pass the time while invoicing clients.
My pleasure, glad to help!
A rousing reading!
You brought James back to life!
Love the M R James stories! please do more
I've several more on my list... perhaps eventually I'll get around to them all!
Oh, Simon. A story is just what I need. I'm going to listen and not let the world intrude.
You will never know what a blessing you are for me. Thank you.
Thanks so much Tammy, I'm touched. Best wishes
You can never go wrong listening to any story presented.
Thanks so much
Glad you like them! Thanks Sharon
I can’t get enough of MR James, and you did a wonderful job narrating!!
Thank you, glad to know you enjoyed it. More MRJ planned for the future...
@@BitesizedAudio Awesome 👏
Mr.Stanhope thank you so much for beautiful articulate readings. You have no idea how they help. Every blessing
You're most welcome, I'm glad to help. Best wishes to you
The maestro performs the maestro. Who could ask for more? ❤
Thank-you Simon ... day off so I'm tuning I to your wonderful narrations 🙏
Thanks Nina, much appreciated!
I always come back to MR James even though all your narrations are excellent. Just a favourite, I suppose, and you read them so well. 🌹
Thank you for this channel and your work and time in putting these up. Your voice is really calming. My favourite video of yours is your reading of A Christmas Carol.
You're most welcome, thanks for your kind comments. I've a great fondness for 'A Christmas Carol' too, such a wonderful story
Thank you. What a great narrator you are. Sure enjoy listening.
Sweet... Thank You Sir!
I love this story. Thank you for this audio. I have viewed the dramatization numerous times but having this audio is spot on. MRJames remains unsurpassed in his incredibly talented writing.
Ahhh, and now, I'm happy. 😊
Cracking audiobook adaptation of one of.my favourite MR James stories. Thank you and every success in your career
Much appreciated, thank you!
Another wonderful M.R. James story and read so beautifully Simon. Thank you! Hope you're doing well.❤😊
I'm keeping going, thank you Shannon! I hope you're well too
One of my favorite stories. Thanks so much for your brilliant work. It helps me take my mind off things and relax.
Another brilliant, very creepy M.R James story, had forgotten all about this one.
Excellent narration much appreciated ✊♥️
1 hell of a great story bless you for reading it👍👍
Thank you, what a wonderful story.
Thank you Simon.
I am LOVING your videos! You are a great actor and narrator.
Very kind of you to say, thank you!
An enyoyable listen and superbly read 10/10
Thanks so much for listening Peter, and for taking the time to comment, much appreciated
Yay Simon 😊
Ta
Also beautifully acted by Greg Wise in Ghost Stories for Christmas (TH-cam).
What can one say ? As always a wonderful rendition of a classic story Thank you so much RNK
Thanks!
Thank you kindly!
Interesting though it was, I do so hate when superstition keeps a plausible ending at arms length.
I do understand the ghostly aspect and the mournful wailing. It only adds to plight to surmise the language of the secret document. Whether or not the ghostly sounds were from that lost man is left to imagination.
It took many readings (and listenings not to forget) before I realised, that this is really two stories in one. There's the events at the Golden Lion, and then there's the controversy during the Reformation, but interestingly, the two stories are never connected by anything substantial. For a long time, I just assumed they were connected, but all that might connect the two are circumstantial. We are told that the Golden Lion survived a fire in the 1700s, and that we don't know which buildings Jørgen Friis used to own. But there's nothing there that actually proves a connection. And all the while, he keeps hinting at it, when he suggests that we'd suppose the skeleton of Nicholas Franken is to be found under the floor boards. Yet, at the end, he almost directly tells us, not to go seeing connections where there are none, when Mr. Andersson refuses to draw any inferences.
Interestingly, the adaptations of Number 13, that I know of, always makes it sure that Nicholas Franken is in fact connected to the haunting of The Golden Lion.
I've also noticed, that some adaptations and most readings assume that Anders Jensen - the advocate - is a German. I do not believe so, firstly his title 'sagfører' is given in Danish, secondly his name is about as Danish as they come. It could only be more Danish if his name was 'Jens Jensen'. Finally, when Mr. Andersson rallies the men trying to break into room number 13, Andersen reacts strongly at the jab at the Danish courage. A Dane would. A German wouldn't.
The only weak point in this absolute gem of a story, is that herr Jensen, bypasses the door to room number 13, on his way to Mr. Anderssons room. If he knew the sound to be comming from the nearby room, surely, he would have gone to the door next to his, without thought. The only way this would make sense, would be if the door to room number 13 could appear and disappear at will during the night.
Thank you for your interesting and insightful comments. I agree that Anders Jensen is surely a Dane, not a German, for the reasons you give... I apologise if my accent for that character sounded a little Germanic, it wasn't intentional but it gets a little difficult to distinguish sometimes when there are several characters talking at once! Also, I agree with you regarding the fact that it's odd that Jensen somehow walked past the door to 13 on his way to complain. It does raise another point which I must confess always crosses my mind in regard this story: how is it that no previous guests at the hotel, especially those in rooms 12 and 14 have never noticed this mysterious room before?! Perhaps Mr Anderson's researches in the archives have somehow stirred something up....
You are most welcome, and you have no need to apologize. I had other adaptions and readings in mind when I made that part of my coment.
As for your question, I think it might be a combination of a few factors:
1) The previous guests might not have understood what was going on most of the time - It takes a while for Mr. Andersson to realize that something is amiss, and HE is described as a methodical and accurate-minded man. I think it is quite possible that any number of guests who just stayed there for a night or two could have passed through, without noticing anything other than the room seeming smaller at night, and then putting that thought out of their minds, since it is so absurd.
2) Since the haunting seems... uneven, it it possible that this is the first time the current landlord really comes face to face with it. He has had the inn for about a year, and has only heard the sounds coming from Number 13 once.
3) Any and all owners of The Golden Lion would have a strong motive to keep any hauntings hushed up. So it is possible that there has been previous cases, but the previous owners have kept them secret.
What a brilliant explanation for why no-one else had (apparently) ever noticed the appearing and disappearing Room 13! It's a question that had occurred to me too when reading the story. Thank you for a delightful reading and an answer to a puzzle!
Thank you
Congratulations on 53.4k subscribers
Thank you, much appreciated
Your welcome
Thanks
Thanks so much for your support 🙏
A good grasp of horror, this one. Thin walls and unsociable neighbours... shudder.
Did you and Ian at HorrorBable coordunate doing this and Casting the Runes?
We didn't, although we have been in communication recently about other things, and discovered we were both working on an MRJ story at the same time... but only after we'd recorded our respective stories. I hope to do my own version of 'Runes' at some point, but I'll leave it for a little while as Ian's covered it so recently (and there are several other great versions out there too).
😊💕
👍👍👍😊
He must of been Hammered at the time 56 😅 .
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It brings to mind the Faustian Bargain traitor trump likely signed. These always end in tears, grief, and the soul in torment.
Pop
Thank you!
Thanks
Thanks so much for your support