"The Alchemist" is a short story by American author H. P. Lovecraft, written in 1908. The tale, which first appeared in the magazine, United Amateur, in 1916, centres around a man’s quest for answers with regards to the mysterious deaths of his ancestors, all of whom died at approximately thirty-two years of age. Chapters: 00:16 - Introduction 00:54 - The Alchemist 24:04 - Further Listening Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/album/the-alchemist Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble Music and production by Ian Gordon & Jennifer Gill Image by Evelyn_Chai: pixabay.com/users/evelyn_chai-8705727 Support us on Bandcamp or Patreon: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com www.patreon.com/horrorbabble HorrorBabble MERCH: teespring.com/stores/horrorbabble-merch Search HORRORBABBLE to find us on: AUDIBLE / ITUNES / SPOTIFY Home: www.horrorbabble.com Rue Morgue: www.rue-morgue.com Social Media: facebook.com/HorrorBabble instagram.com/horrorbabble twitter.com/HorrorBabble
I swear every time I listen to your videos, I hum right along with those piano notes in the intro like a tone deaf fool. I can’t be alone in doing it lol.
I so appreciate you and your crews' work. Thank you for sharing it with us, and thanks to those who support the site. Y'all have helped alot of people get thru many a long night.
I absolutely love this story. The narration is excellent. Thanks for narrating this. This story was in the first book of Lovecraft stories I read and I have a great fondness for it. The description of the ruined architecture is awesome. This one never gets old! You did a great job with Charles' words at the end.
@@Inquisitor_Zama More likely something along the lines of understanding alchemical theories for the sake of their historical significance. There's no clear dividing line between magical or protoscientific ideas and ones that modern people tend to take seriously, it's more of a gradient. That's not to put chemistry and alchemy on even footing in terms of which gives better tools for understanding how chemicals work and how to use them, just that alchemy isn't _just_ protochemistry, it's also a kind of philosophy. You know how chemists will refine a natural substance into just the part of it that's useful to them, leaving it unrecognizable in the process? That's what happened to alchemy to turn it into chemistry in the first place, so to speak.
Wonderful reading! I just started to delve into the works of Lovecraft and am deeply entrenched in his gripping and vividly chilling prose. Your voice is a perfect fit for his tales and I am excited to listen to more.
I’m used to Wayne June but your damn good. A nice mix up. I enjoy your almost fantastical speech makes it genuine fun, which is rare found in lovecraft work
Blimey, narration in _real_ (the Queen's) English *and* HPL pen-fruit galore?? I will have me some more of that, thank you very much! [clicks sub button]
@@rachweatherilll69 Okay, but that's not a curse on somebody else, that's just a thing you do. Was the guy actually a really crappy wizard who who only knew one spell?
This is a truly great TH-cam channel. My favorite is Edgar Allan Poe. After that Nathaniel Hawthorne and H G Wells. Lovecraft, Kafka, Borges are close behind. I also like Mrs Riddell, Leonid Andreyev, and R Murray Gilchrist.
I wonder if this is HPL's first use of the 'uttermost revelation at the very end of the narrative' trope. Other than that, this is like Clark Ashton Smith doing a Dunsany pastiche. Which is to say, completely delightful.
Part of me thinks the old alchemist chose to meet his end... after all whats left when all you've lived for will be gone? The last of his cries seem to be in fear of the very thing he tried to do. Render his enemies forgotten.
It does sound silly, but upon reflection I find it to make sense. Having a routine repeat every 32 years may be the perfect way to structure an eternal life. Like a New Year’s/Christmas celebration. Reminds him what life is all about. He doesn’t have to just sit around in the meantime, 32 years gives complete freedom to take on other projects as well.
I had to listen to that 6 times in order to figure out what you were referring to! We sometimes add FX to character voices, but in this instance, you're listening to the raw take.
Back when Lovecraft wrote like a modern Hollywood screenwriter - saying the quiet part aloud and telling rather than showing. Still, pretty good for 18.
Hey Ian, I know this is an old video. But if I credit you can I borrow a few lines of your narration for a review of the short story? I actually linked your reading of the hound on my review for that story. I didn't take any part of your video, I just like your narration of that story best.
its literally just- hm a wizard hasplaced a curse on my family that is killing them. how do i stop this curse!! magic?! (panic ensues) meanwhile the wizard is straight up murdering his family
I know i asked before but would you consider reading An Offering To The Moon by Clark Ashton Smith? You actually read the sequel thereto The Uncharted Isle.
I listen to these when I have to sleep at work - I work in residential home for disabled people. I wonder if I'm odd loving the macabre before I sleep.
"The Alchemist" is a short story by American author H. P. Lovecraft, written in 1908. The tale, which first appeared in the magazine, United Amateur, in 1916, centres around a man’s quest for answers with regards to the mysterious deaths of his ancestors, all of whom died at approximately thirty-two years of age.
Chapters:
00:16 - Introduction
00:54 - The Alchemist
24:04 - Further Listening
Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/album/the-alchemist
Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
Music and production by Ian Gordon & Jennifer Gill
Image by Evelyn_Chai:
pixabay.com/users/evelyn_chai-8705727
Support us on Bandcamp or Patreon:
horrorbabble.bandcamp.com
www.patreon.com/horrorbabble
HorrorBabble MERCH:
teespring.com/stores/horrorbabble-merch
Search HORRORBABBLE to find us on:
AUDIBLE / ITUNES / SPOTIFY
Home: www.horrorbabble.com
Rue Morgue: www.rue-morgue.com
Social Media:
facebook.com/HorrorBabble
instagram.com/horrorbabble
twitter.com/HorrorBabble
Impressive in that this was written by an 18 year old. H. P. Was so gifted!
Always great to find a narrator that doesn't go crazy with voices. Loved it, you are a great narrator!
I swear every time I listen to your videos, I hum right along with those piano notes in the intro like a tone deaf fool. I can’t be alone in doing it lol.
Ha!
You spoil us again with more H.P!!! Thank you very much!!
In 2020, the American Rock Band BLUE OYSYER CULT, turned this into a song on their new Album THE SYMBOL REMAINS.
the moment I saw your comment, I had to check it out. Amazing! Thanks for that!
@@appiusverus4796 Glad I could help.
Excellent! Very good! You are a very talented narrator Mr. Gordon. Thank you Mr. Gordon and Horror Babble. Excellent as always. Until next time.
I so appreciate you and your crews' work. Thank you for sharing it with us, and thanks to those who support the site. Y'all have helped alot of people get thru many a long night.
I absolutely love this story. The narration is excellent. Thanks for narrating this.
This story was in the first book of Lovecraft stories I read and I have a great fondness for it. The description of the ruined architecture is awesome. This one never gets old!
You did a great job with Charles' words at the end.
I wish I had a collection of CD 's . The way you read is surely poetry. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Thank you. Ian
I wish you had a collection of CD's nutz
I have been waiting for this one ..... AWESOME ! Thank you HorrorBabble :-)
Thank you for another magnificent Lovecraft reading. Utterly addicted to HorrorBabble and loving revisiting these fabulous tales.
I think his real surname is Le Saucier. Down there making sauces for 600 years.
You didn’t think Pierre did the cooking did you?
He did 'em in with his killer bechamel.
Lost in the sauce
Yes!!!! I’ve been waiting for this one. Think I suggested this n the very beginning of my discovery of you. Thanks Ian.
My favourite Lovecraft story perhaps because I study alchemy
kim north so, ignorant chemistry?
@@Inquisitor_Zama More likely something along the lines of understanding alchemical theories for the sake of their historical significance. There's no clear dividing line between magical or protoscientific ideas and ones that modern people tend to take seriously, it's more of a gradient. That's not to put chemistry and alchemy on even footing in terms of which gives better tools for understanding how chemicals work and how to use them, just that alchemy isn't _just_ protochemistry, it's also a kind of philosophy.
You know how chemists will refine a natural substance into just the part of it that's useful to them, leaving it unrecognizable in the process? That's what happened to alchemy to turn it into chemistry in the first place, so to speak.
@@blarg2429its been 4 YEARS
@@Mrhandgrenade And?
Wonderful reading! I just started to delve into the works of Lovecraft and am deeply entrenched in his gripping and vividly chilling prose. Your voice is a perfect fit for his tales and I am excited to listen to more.
Thank you so much.Somehow I missed this story.Glad I found it here.You are the best.
Hard to get by each night without your daily uploads! So glad you’re back! ❤️
Perfect timing I thought I would miss it today xD
This was definitely a superb find and tale. Thanks for a great narration.
I’m used to Wayne June but your damn good. A nice mix up. I enjoy your almost fantastical speech makes it genuine fun, which is rare found in lovecraft work
Thanks for stopping by!
And here I am.
And there you are. All at 8 o'clock.
Hh- ... How?
@@XRAY20000 How indeed.
You can really see Poe’s influence in this one
Awsome!Happy belated New Year HB!
Yay! you finally did my favorite Lovecraft story!
Blimey, narration in _real_ (the Queen's) English *and* HPL pen-fruit galore??
I will have me some more of that, thank you very much! [clicks sub button]
So, the curse was just... Him killing them normally?
Lol and living for 600 years
@@rachweatherilll69 Okay, but that's not a curse on somebody else, that's just a thing you do. Was the guy actually a really crappy wizard who who only knew one spell?
@@markuscriticus8278 a 600 year old troll, fam.
You're being too critical Markus Criticus lol
P.s I wish I knew that one spell but look like I'm age 25 for 600 yrs hahaha
The only story that gave me chills and made me truly terryfied. 10/10
This is a truly great TH-cam channel. My favorite is Edgar Allan Poe. After that Nathaniel Hawthorne and H G Wells. Lovecraft, Kafka, Borges are close behind. I also like Mrs Riddell, Leonid Andreyev, and R Murray Gilchrist.
Hell yeah,more lovecraft!More cthulu mythos!
Love your reading. Thank you Ian.
Thx once again for ensuring my entry to the fleeting halls of sleep.
I love your short stories!
What a coincidence! I just read this one on my channel today. I'm still listening though! ;)
Awesome thanks so much for your nice story Lovecraft is cool
I wonder if this is HPL's first use of the 'uttermost revelation at the very end of the narrative' trope.
Other than that, this is like Clark Ashton Smith doing a Dunsany pastiche. Which is to say, completely delightful.
Wonderful tale!
Good read as always Ian !!
This made my day :)
Gotta say, just came across your channel recently after I started diving back into lovecraft, and I have to say your voice is perfect for it.
Now I want to play some advanced dungeons and dragons......
That's a long time to hold a grudge lol
🌵🐺🇲🇽¡Saludos desde Flagstaff Az!🇺🇸🐺🌵
Wonderful story from a young Lovecraft
Great story.
“I! I! I! I AM CHARLES LE SORCIER”
Great reading. Good story.
Excellent story
Chuck Wizard's curse of 'shoot you in the face'
Part of me thinks the old alchemist chose to meet his end... after all whats left when all you've lived for will be gone?
The last of his cries seem to be in fear of the very thing he tried to do. Render his enemies forgotten.
Pretty good maiden voyage story!
Excellent video dude! Very well read!☺👍
Scary-as-shit cool!!!🙂🖤💀☠👻⚰🦇🕷🕸
18:56 “Oi ‘as it ben two an tirty yars olraidy then?” 😵🎩
Great book
Charles le sorcier seems like a nice guy!
I would swipe right.
Crysomandiaz 😂 anyone who writes that he’s interested in dark magic in his tinder profile is husband material!
@moonknight 8 and he can prove he can give you a very long life :D
13:52 nothing important, just saving my spot.
So did he just sit around for 32 years before killing them?
For a magicak mastermind that unlocked the gift of immortality he seems rather stupid
It does sound silly, but upon reflection I find it to make sense. Having a routine repeat every 32 years may be the perfect way to structure an eternal life. Like a New Year’s/Christmas celebration. Reminds him what life is all about. He doesn’t have to just sit around in the meantime, 32 years gives complete freedom to take on other projects as well.
Fantastic xoxo :)
Kinda saw that ending coming. Still a fantastic tale.
I really wish I had CD 's
Chuck the Wizard’s spell of “I kill you!”
Oh, it is *that* infamous story.
What are you referring too? What is this story known for?
"IT IS I, I ,I THAT HAS LIVED FOR 600 _years_"
I heard that sneaky edit lol
Still, fantastic reading!
I had to listen to that 6 times in order to figure out what you were referring to! We sometimes add FX to character voices, but in this instance, you're listening to the raw take.
Ian really is just _that good_
The Demons Head
Back when Lovecraft wrote like a modern Hollywood screenwriter - saying the quiet part aloud and telling rather than showing. Still, pretty good for 18.
You can transmute without a circle?!?
The Hardly-Metal Alchemist
(he'd be a lot more like Hohenheim, tho)
Hey Ian, I know this is an old video. But if I credit you can I borrow a few lines of your narration for a review of the short story?
I actually linked your reading of the hound on my review for that story. I didn't take any part of your video, I just like your narration of that story best.
Absolutely!
Thank-you Ian. You're the best.
Would you mind if I reviewed one of your origonal stories? I always liked "The Things that Came From Winter Hill".
its literally just- hm a wizard hasplaced a curse on my family that is killing them. how do i stop this curse!! magic?! (panic ensues)
meanwhile the wizard is straight up murdering his family
I know i asked before but would you consider reading An Offering To The Moon by Clark Ashton Smith? You actually read the sequel thereto The Uncharted Isle.
Would you mind sending your suggestion via our website? That way we can keep track of it. Here's a link: www.horrorbabble.com/contact
A Lovecraft story without the word eldritch or tentacles? 5/10
💙🙋🏼♀️💙
.....what happened next? I must know!!!!!
Why is it all curses have to rhyme?
No notification of this...NOT COOL Y.T. ❗❗❗
I'm not sure if this will be of any use to you, KB: support.google.com/youtube/answer/3382248?co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&hl=en
Have you considered doing Carmilla? It is wonderfully creepy at times, and she has a far more vibrant personality than Dracula ever haf.
It's on our working list, DVH. We're hoping to record it eventually. :)
So the elixir of eternal life is metal af
I listen to these when I have to sleep at work - I work in residential home for disabled people. I wonder if I'm odd loving the macabre before I sleep.
♊✨🙏
I feel like I'm also this petty
:D
Amateur ?
He was no
Amateur
Ha
onivia
Anyone else are because of Full Metal Alchemist? 😏
H.P. wrote this when he was 18... and it shows. Honestly not great. lol
I do a variation of the reading here! th-cam.com/video/_r98TJfdQ9s/w-d-xo.html
What makes this writer so popular? I don't get it. I loathe his writing style. Is it name fetishizm? I think so.
So many wonderful H.P. stories. What is your H.P. source ? Hahahahahahahaha............um, I'll leave now.
So bro didnt expand his magical prowess in the meantime, he could've used the immortality to learn more and more magic over the time .