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An Account of Some Strange Disturbances in Aungier Street | J. S. Le Fanu | Bitesized Audio 2021
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ม.ค. 2021
- Two medical students take up residence in an old house with a dark history, in one of the most famous "haunted house" stories, probably the best known tale written by the Victorian master of the supernatural Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish author who was arguably the most important single contributor to the development of the literary ghost story in the Victorian era, hugely influential on future generations of authors including E. F. Benson and M. R. James, who described him as "absolutely in the first rank as a writer of ghost stories". He was born in Dublin into a literary family; his mother and grandmother were writers, and his great uncle was the celebrated playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan ('The Rivals' etc); his niece Rhoda Broughton also became a popular writer of ghost stories in the later 19th century. He wrote in many genres, but his best known works are his contributions to gothic horror and supernatural novels and novellas, including 'Uncle Silas' (1864) and 'Carmilla' (1872), one of the earliest vampire stories. He published many short ghost and mystery stories in various magazines in Ireland and England from the 1850s through to the early 1870s, although many remained uncollected in book form until 1923 when M. R. James compiled and edited the volume 'Madam Crowl's Ghost and Other Tales of Mystery', which revived interest in his work some 50 years after Le Fanu's death.
'An Account of Some Strange Disturbances in Aungier Street' was first published in the Dublin University Magazine in December 1853. It was subsequently republished in a slightly different form as 'Mr Justice Harbottle', in which form it was included in the 1872 collection 'In a Glass Darkly'. The original version of the text was rediscovered and included in the 1923 collection 'Madam Crowl's Ghost and Other Tales of Mystery', edited by M. R. James.
The title card incorporates a detail from a painting of Sackville Street (now O'Connell Street) in mid-19th century Dublin, by the Irish artist Michael Angelo Hayes (1820-1877).
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2021.
The narrator's voice on this channel matches these old stories perfectly somehow. I enjoy having a listen before bed. The Victorians really knew how to tell a good ghost story.
Agreed!
He sounds like Mr. Peabody from Rocky and Bullwinkle's Improbable History.
Well most Victorians anyway... Not too much of a fan of the ghost stories written by Charles Dickens or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Not sure that it does match old ghost stories. He sounds like he is simply reading a text....which he is. His voice is too strident for a Victorian ghost story. This story requires a good actor to read this, not a narrator from an audio company.
Funny. I just made the same comment a few days ago. He sounds as if he's from another era. No easy feat! I can think of few actors who have managed to do it as well.
Excellent! A friend of mine actually lived up where this is based. I'm about half an hours walk from Aungier street. From the stories on this channel, I got interested in Victorian ghost stories. I sent away for a book of them. Thanks again!
How wonderful, glad to know that Ross. Do let me know if you come across any stories which might be suitable for the channel... I still have quite a list (of my own as well as listener suggestions) to work through, but always happy to add to it!
@@BitesizedAudio .pmmm.m
19:31 "I kept my spirits up by pouring spirits down!"- hah, this seems like one of those word plays I really ought to have heard before, yet don't recall hearing. Excellent reading as ever.
Thank you. Yes, I know what you mean... I've a feeling I've come across the phrase before, perhaps in Dickens, but can't think exactly where. Good line anyway
And considering he’s in Dublin, it makes even more sense that it would’ve come for his Ancestors, that phrase! I come from Ireland and live in London now so I’m allowed to say that without sounding prejudice! Mind you the British drink a lot as well!☯️
@@BitesizedAudio It was in Dicken's Christmas Carol . Your reading of it was Brilliant.
Thank you!
@@mariameere5807
Don't propagate stereotypes
You do such great work, Simon. The accents, the genuine emotions, combined with your cultured tones makes for a treat to us all. Once again, I thank you.
My dad, who was born in 1920 Philadelphia and of Irish heritage, used the phrase, "at any rate" often. I've noticed this phrase is used a lot in these stories.
phrase still used a lot in the UK.
very common phrase in England today...
Cheers from top floor Pontalba, New Orleans! I love my afternoon tea and cakes; as I sip I listen to one of these eerie, compelling tales. I briefly removed my headphones, yesterday. As husband went by, he could hear the audio, as you were reading. He stopped in his tracks, listened a moment, then said, "What IS that? Sounds delightful.." Now we are both hooked on these great stories. Keep it up. Two old geezers in our 70's, we remain fervent fans of 'bogey stories' as RLS used to call them....deeply appreciate and enjoy you!!
That's lovely to know, thank you Cynthia! Best wishes to you both
I've been going back over some of these older stories and Simon, you are consistently entertaining. This was absolutely delightful! To say you are a voice actor seems to fall so short of your abilities. You captivate me within the story and make me wish it would not end. Yes, the stories are good but it is the teller that brings them to life and I find your readings quite magical. ❤
I love the way that you can hear your voice shaking as you recount the experiences I had a feeling that I was actually there 🙂
Thanks Daygon, appreciated. Good to hear from you, I hope you are keeping well
@@BitesizedAudio I am doing well and how about you ?
I'm keeping going, thank you. Not enjoying the current lockdown etc but we're all in the same boat really.... Hoping for brighter times ahead for everyone
Thank you so much for your wonderful channel. I really enjoy every selection, and the accompanying photo of each author is a lovely touch. Many of these, though I know their names and work, I have never before seen their faces. It adds another dimension to the stories and is a lovely touch.
You're very welcome! Thanks Elesha, glad to know you enjoy them
I can just see Le Fanu calmly recounting a ghostly encounter while casually buttering a bit of toast 💀
A lovely thought, thank you Susan!
With a pipe and a spot of tea
👍🏻🤣🤣🤣
Sorry for recent lack of feedback but I haven't been online much later but now that I am what a delight! This story used to spook me to death (well, near enough as I was 11 and therefore immortal, of course) so much that having had the opportunity to buy it in audio cd many years later I could not bring myself to unwrap it and eventually gave it ( as a Christmas gift) to a friend. I am so glad I've grown out of it with possibly maturity but certainly your wonderful rendering of it. Just your voice and diction give me "a pleasant chill". I hope you take this as the compliment it is intended to be as my command of the language is deserting me as it is quite chilly here (minus 10 Celsius is not at all usual for Portugal - where I'm Covid-lockdown-stranded). Thank you so much. As ever :)
P.S. I do love LeFanu and am also grateful the picture is of the street rather than the portrait...
P.P.S. Best wishes of all kinds for 2021
Great to hear from you HerrCrankzy, and happy new year. Minus 10 is unusually cold for the UK so I can imagine it's even rarer for Portugal! It's currently a positively balmy 2 degrees where I am... I hope you enjoyed the story despite the additional chill. I very much appreciate your kind words. Best wishes for 2021 and here's hoping that the situation improves for everyone in the weeks and months ahead.
Oh boy! My doggie and I looked forward to this and we were not disappointed! Chilling, and your expressive reading added immeasurable nuance to the story. Well worth waiting for. And you deserved a break!
Thank you, much appreciated!
Thank you for posting these. They are so much more fun than the real horror story the world is now living.
You're welcome Christopher. Glad if they help to distract during these difficult days... hoping for better times for all of us in the months ahead
@@BitesizedAudio Thank you again. And I should have said before, the narrator is perfect.
Very kind of you to say so, thank you!
Another splendid rendition, Simon. Always a pleasure. ❤
Many thanks Bob! All best wishes for the new year
Absolutely sublime narration. You have an incredible skill and talent. Thank you!
Thank you for your very kind comments, much appreciated! Best wishes
I’ll be having this with a glass of wine (or 2) tonight! Thanks Simon. Keep em coming!
I'll do my best! Thanks Barbara
Many thanks! Perfect narration as always and a wonderful story by one of my favorite authors.
Thanks Mrs. C, glad you enjoyed it!
Just found your channel and enjoying this on a snowy day with a hot cup of coffee and a hot fire in the woodstove! Subscribed!
Wonderful - thank you for listening, and subscribing!
Simon, mission accomplished! I listened to this the other morning with a cup of coffee and your narration of this story gave me the chills! Good job!
" as dead as a mackerel " Love it.
Thanks for this gem.
Yes, I enjoyed that line too! Thanks Eric
It's an oldie. I've heard it many times in conversation.
@@BitesizedAudio ¹¹
Fantastic performance. Great choice of a ghost story from Dublin. I enjoyed listening to it over the Christmas. Thanks!
Wonderful, thanks for listening and glad to know you enjoyed it
LeFanu!! Good to see this. It does make a nice pair with Stoker's story.
Yes indeed, they complement each other well; Stoker's takes some of the imagery from this tale and develops it, I think
The ending reminiscent of Nick Ross on Crimewatch bidding us "Don't have nightmares!" 😮
Yes, it is rather! Thanks Mac
A pleasant Sunday treat. Your reading excels in this one; Tom’s “provoking chuckle” was especially well done! I’ve always found Le Fanu easier to listen to than read, so hopefully you will have more offerings in future. Thank you!
Thanks Nancy, appreciate your kind comments. There were some tricky phrases to get my tongue around in this one, and some rather long sentences which took a few goes to work out the meaning/sense... the edit consequently took a little longer than usual! So glad you enjoyed it anyway
Very well read. You have the perfect voice for these stories.
Thank you!
Fabulous! I think this is my new favorite.
Glad to know that! It's certainly a classic of the genre.
Once again a marvellous reading, Simon never puts too much emphasis on any one part but brings everything together with feeling.xxxx
Thank you Lynda!
Hello...this story piqued my curiosity...thank you, dear Simon!
Wishing you well and enjoy your Monday.
Appreciated, thank you Natalya - you too!
OH MY WORD!...A story I suggested, you Sir have made my year. Thank You. 😃👻
How wonderful. And we're only 10 days in! Thanks Space Hound
One of my favorite openings to an old ghost story. Love the imagery of a fireside gathering that sets the stage.
Wish I could see some of the privated videos sir. Can’t get enough
Perfect narration & wonderful story. Thanks for posting.
A good way to start off a new year!
Thanks Chris. All the best for 2021
A cuppa in hand and listening ☕🍪Thank you...
You're welcome as always, thanks for your support Stella
Fantastic! I have been hoping that you would read this story!
Glad to know that! I've had the story on my list for a long time, and thought it would be a good one to kick off the new year!
The more I listen to your reads, the easier I find the time to listen. Thank you.
What a lovely comment, thank you!
This reminds me of Bram Stoker's story about the ghost of a hanging judge. Wielding the power of life and death in such a way, makes a profound and unfavourable impression on people, and so passes into both history and the collective imagination. I can't help but see such stories as a way of putting a distance between us and the evil the judge represents. Regarding the mention of the judge's sensuality, a retired barrister I know told me that he and many of his colleagues were relieved when the death penalty ended in the UK, and that one judge whom he did not name, was well known for getting sexually aroused when he pronounced the death sentence.
Yes indeed, there are striking similarities between the stories, although this one pre-dates Stoker's by some 40 years. The "hanging judge" is certainly a chilling basis for a story...
The comments of the barrister you mention made me think of what profiler's document in serial killers. I think there might be another horror story there.
Le Fanu names him Justice Harbottle, probably a fictional name
@@BitesizedAudio I knew nothing of the 40 years and actually thought the writers may have had a competition of who would write a more chilling story using the given rat, rope, judge, student. Actually, both could have been based on a Dublin urban legend about an actual judge who had lived there, don't you think?
You and Greg Wagland must be best buddies or mortal rivals for you both stand hands and heels above any other Narrators on-line anywhere.
Greg's forté is Sherlock Holmes and excellent he is too, whereas your forté is universally unlimited. Between you both my bedtimes have improved a hundred-fold!
Thank you so much.
Congratulations to you and a very merry Christmas to you Mr Stanhope, sir. 🙏
Thank you for all of these wonderful recordings! I love to listen as I work.
You're most welcome! Glad you enjoy them, thanks Bex
The more I listen to this story the funnier it gets! “The rat...yes the rat...” was just one of many laughs in this story but def my favorite, hahah. Guess I got a new favorite bedtime story. Thanks Simon!
Glad to know that! Thanks Samantha
A wonderful story, very chilling.Beautifully read, the narration is perfect for ghost stories.
Thank you kindly!
So, are you the guy reading this stuff, or are you just uploading it? Because this guy is seriously the best.
It is indeed me reading it. There's some info about me, and links to my website etc (if you're interested) on the 'About' page of the channel.... Thank you for your kind feedback!
@@BitesizedAudio best audio books I've listened to.
@@BitesizedAudio I am addicted to your voice! Thank you!
He does loads of this type of story, my favourite is nutbush farm.
@@julielevinge266 Yes , Nutbush Farm is a classic and the first book i listened to on Bitesized brilliant channel.
Jolly good show my man, I've been enjoying your reads for some time now. Thank you
Wonderful, thanks for listening Michael
Oh...wow. your narration of that old story is incredible. Your voice, diction, presentation brought every moment to life. Thank you.
Thank you!
It is my duty to report, sir, that your reading of stories such as this raises in me an horripilation of the most unseemly magnitude.
By 'eck, you're a cracking host, Gromit! 😁
A creepy story and great reading. - Have you ever done any of the Doctor Nikola stories? - I really like that character.
Not as yet, in fact I must confess I haven't read any of those stories so I'm not familiar with the character. I do have Guy Boothby on my list of ghost story authors for possible future recordings, so I shall investigate in more detail. Thank you!
Thank you for your expressive narrative , with your vivid-word images, which I can distinctly see playing out there before me. Le Fanu is one of my favorites. Again ,thank you, Sir, Thank you !!!!!!
Many thanks for this wonderful gem!
You're welcome, thanks Marco
what a delight... many thanks for the upload....
You're most welcome
If I mat say so, it's not strange at all - that your disturbances are my delight! Thank you very much, as always!
Wonderful, thanks k-g
Excellent introduction! Thanks for the info on the story and author.
Glad to know you enjoyed it! Thanks for listening
Excellent... Thank you!
Saving this one for tonight 👍
When one is dyslexic it seems better to listen to these stories as they are not spoilt by reading - particularly when read by Simon Stanhope. Enjoy the sensitivity to the architectural details. Thanks TH-cam.
Appreciate your comments, thank you Greg. Best wishes to you
A chilling supernatural story, beautifully read.I slept with the light on, just in case! What a great channel this is.
Thank you Bridget, kind of you to say so. I hope you managed to get to sleep in the end!
@Bitesized Audio Classics, how nice of you to reply. I got back to sleep eventually, it was a bit touch and go for a while!
Lovely to have you back, happy new year!!
Thank you Catharine, same to you!
As enthralling as ever!
I don't think I've ever read anyone more chilling than Le Fanu. Even M.R. James.
If anyone isn't familiar with his other works, I can highly recommend them.
This reading was plain uncomfortable listening. Le Fanu really knew where the discomfort button was.
Another super duper spine chilling Victorian ghost story . Really, one never gets tired of reading/ listening to these particular ly when these are so superbly read by some one like you Mr Simon Stanhope! Time just flies. Marvelous performance is guaranteed too.
Grateful thanks and warm regards
Your reading of this one brings out the humor. I laughed at 28:19 "through my brain" and chuckled lots of other spots.
Excellent... but OMG it scared the bejesus out of me! Though my late mother always said that you should be scared of the living not the dead!!
I read that Le Fanu died unexpectedly. Some say of fright. The victim of one of his own imaginative stories?
Excellent listen. Thank you!
Perhaps so! Thanks Gill
Great start to the New Year thanks Simon. Le Fanu is a master of the genre I think
Indeed. It seems he divides opinion a little bit, going by some of the comments, but he's certainly in the top tier I think, and his influence on later writers like Bram Stoker and M. R. James seems clear
Utterly fabulous...
You got me with the Nut Bush Farm. Love your channel.
I love spooky stories that begin with a gathering of folks around the fireplace. Thanks one again, Simon! ( Hope you will take time to read the account of my pet rat, Lester, in the replies underneath Irene’s comment about rats - I understand Irene! Really I do!) 🤗
Thank you for letting us know about Lester, I was interested to learn how your username came about. Also, I see you've just joined up as a channel member: thank you so much for your support, it's hugely appreciated. Do check out the membership tab (if your device has it... I'm not sure what it looks like to end-users) or community tab, where I post previews of new stories and member updates when I can. All best wishes to you Rachel
Bitesized Audio Classics, Thank You for providing top notch entertainment to a 68-year-old widow who enjoys great literature, particularly ghost stories. It is my pleasure to be a member of Bitesized Audio Classics. 😍
Thank you Simon Stanhope. I much appreciate a male voice for stories than a female one. Just my opinion. I will say though that I enjoy listening to Lynn Smith of Bigfoot casefiles, and Kirsty Skye on her several channels.
Thanks Patricia, appreciated. There are some excellent Victorian ghost stories which have female characters as the first-person narrator, e.g. The Old Nurse's Story by Elizabeth Gaskell, and some by Rhoda Broughton and others... I've not attempted them as I'm not sure my voice would really work for those stories! Personally, as a listener, I like a narrative voice which suits the character (for a first person narrator, that is). But as you say, all personal preferences! Thank you for listening, and taking the time to comment
My Simon you do bring a book to life
Thank you 🙏 xx 🇮🇲
Appreciated, thank you Margaret
I’ve lost count of how many times this has given me nightmares Simon😃 I love it ❤️❤️👻
Excellent. Thank you very much
Thanks for your efforts, best channel on utube
Thank you David, kind of you to say so!
I really enjoyed this one. I may have to start listening to these earlier in the day. It’s almost one a.m. and time for bed. Haha oh well.
Well narrated as always, Simon.
I love your voice! Thank you!
He's right, you know, this story is far better told than read. Thank you for the telling of it. What a wicked old creature that unhappy fellow was...I can't imagine it was guilt so much as the prospect of consequences catching up to him that caused his fatal switch from bedevilling people in person to bedevilling them as a, well, devil.
This narrator makes me smile. He reminds me of Mr. Peabody, the charming talking dog time-traveling scientist of the old Rocky and Bullwinkle show!
"'Aye, but its eye, its countenance,' urged I..."
👌
Glad you are the reader. Good story time.
A good one to do would be 'the moonlit road' by Ambrose Bierce. Great story. Think about it Simon !!
Great channel though mate , well done.
Thanks Craig! I will indeed, Bierce is on my list of authors I'd like to cover at some point. Appreciate the suggestion, thank you
The street does exist in Dublin, I looked it up. I wonder if the house is real?
I haven't walked down it in some years but yes it is real. It is also greatly altered since then. A friend who grew up nearby, on Clarendon St, once pointed out to me all the demolition that had taken place just in his lifetime. That's to say nothing of the industrial developments of the mid to late 19th Century, e.g. the Jacob's biscuit factory, on Whitefriar St. So, it's real but a lot of water has flowed through the Poddle since LeFanu was a student in Trinity.
And your name is Sherlock? I love it! ❤️
Wonderful! Thank you!
Thanks for listening Tomi
Great story, great performance!
Thank you!
Really enjoyed the story, mice I have no problem with but rats leave me nauseous & after hearing the countenance of the portrait was impressed upon one , really gave me the shivers, loved the narration though, look forward to the next storytelling
Rats are just squirrels without fluffy tails and they’re really sweet and really smart. Anything you can train a dog to do, you can train a rat to do. Google cute rats and TH-cam cool rat tricks. Your fear will disappear.
@@skeleczar Except housebreak them. They "go" where and when the urge takes them. But yes, they are smart, social and learn their names.
Actually, I call myself Ratty Rachel in memory of a beloved pet rat I once owned. His name was Lester and he was a soft, furry little creature of tawny and white. He lived behind my couch. He was potty trained to use a shoe box lined with Saran Wrap. He was very affectionate and intelligent. He enjoyed pilfering about the house at night, taking coins, paper money, jewelry and the like to his lair. He drank from the same water bowl as my two dogs, and enjoyed sitting on my shoulder as I went about doing chores. He loved for me to toss him from the foot of the bed onto the fluffy pillows at the head of the bed. A sweet little fellow, I was much aggrieved when he died. 😣
@@rattyrachel4316 Yes, they don't last long. Just long enough for a person to get really attached, then they leave.
Crow T. Robot, so true.
I enjoyed your reading very much.
Thank you so much for your support Patty, much appreciated.
What a great listen!
Faultless narration-as always.
And as always I know what Tom looks like, I know what Dick looks like, I know what the housekeeper looks like......and I CERTAINLY know what the judge looks like 😱
Thank you Simon!
(2nd time listening to this one) 😊
Wishong everyone pleasant dreams after such a tsle as that! Goodness. I'm glad I listened to it of a morning. Whew!
Bram Stoker must have read this story before he wrote The Judges House.
I was looking for this comment👍
The verbosity is the scariest part. He have been payed by the word.
Le Fanu wrote great stories. I don’t know whether this is true, so please confirm, but I read somewhere that Le Fanu’s CARMILLA had influenced Bram Stoker’s writing of DRACULA.
Camilla predated Dracula by almost 30 years and yes Stoker was influenced by his fellow Irish writer. Stoker was a theatre critic for the newspaper Le Fanu owned. Le Fanu was dead by then but Stoker was obviously influenced by his work. I love the story "Green Tea" by Le Fanu. Check out "The Familiar" by Le Fanu which M.R. James considered the best ghost story ever written!
@@johnroche7541 Thanks for the info.
Love these stories.
Thank you. 👌💕
A belated but nevertheless sincere thanks for another super rendition , I am glad that I listened to this early in the evening , as I along with Irena have a horror of rats and the description as well as the reading were a little too close for comfort !! RNK
I have to admit I'm rather averse to them myself! Thanks Bob
Man, I read this fella's compilation a few months ago, this one in particular scared the shite out of me, the part where he was singing to himself in bed.... Jaysus
I have since read compilations by MR James and Amyas Northcote too!
Yes indeed, Le Fanu is pretty much the grandfather of the genre! I've read a few M.R.J. stories for the channel so far, and one Amyas Northcote (Mr Mortimer's Diary - I hope to do more of his in the months ahead)
@@BitesizedAudio Oh man, Mr Mortimer's Diary is something else....
I loved the M.R. James collection too, so many gems, like The Mezzotint, Lost Hearts, Number 13, A School Story, Casting the Runes, An Episode of Cathedral History, Martin's Close, A View from a Hill just to name a few!
I have some stories by Lovecraft and Poe next on my shelf, maybe later in the year.
Great to see these classics being kept alive by the likes of this channel! Keep it up man
Le Fanu does not look like how I picture him. Good looking fellow.
Looking forward to notifications about new listings as I have listened to all you have available
Is there another site that offers Victorian Ghost Stories of like type? See you soon. Really enjoyed your narrations. You have spoiled so many of us. Blessings from.Ga.
Thank you Keekee hawk, I'm glad you've enjoyed them. I certainly have more ghost stories planned for the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, you may also like to try my playlist of (non-ghost) mystery and suspense/detective stories - I've several more in this vein coming up too.
Short Mystery and Suspense Audiobooks: th-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZLJXc4WbMC6wuuge2UqeP3o.html
A time travel visit to old Dublin…
Scary! Love it!!
This was beautifully narrated! I could feel the scenes in every nerve... Ewwwww
Awsome narrator thank you for sharing
You're welcome, thanks Deborah
It's funny that the writer states that the story he's going to tell really isn't worth putting to paper. Ha.! Then why do it? Why write it at all?
That's such a peculiar beginning. Anyhow, I love Simon's voice and his diction and pronunciation are perfect for his narrations. Pleasant indeed.
Love these, thank you!******************************