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Classic Ghost Stories

Classic Ghost Stories

Tony Walker

A weekly podcast that reads out ghost stories, horror stories, and weird tales every week. Classic stories from the pens of the masters Occasionally, we feature living authors, but the majority are dead. Some perhaps are undead. We go from cosy Edwardian ghost stories (E. F. Benson, Walter De La Mare) to Victorian supernatural mysteries (M. R. James, Elizabeth Gaskell, Bram Stoker, and Charles Dickens) to 20th-century Weird Tales (Robert Aickman, Fritz Lieber, Clark Ashton-Smith, and H. P. Lovecraft) and wander from the Gothic to the Odd, even to the Literary, and then back again. Each episode is followed by Tony's take on the story, which can ramble on to discuss the weather, books, his dogs, what Sheila is foraging, and what he thinks of hauntology. Perfect to fall asleep to, and perfectly optional if you only want the tale itself. Get exclusive members episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud

255 - The Judge's House by Bram Stoker
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  • 255 - The Judge's House by Bram Stoker

    Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born on November 8, 1847, in Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland. He was the third of seven children born to Abraham Stoker and Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley Stoker. Stoker spent much of his early childhood bedridden due to an unknown illness, during which he entertained himself with stories and books. Despite his illness, he eventually made a full recovery and went on to study at Trinity College Dublin, where he excelled in athletics and graduated with honours in Mathematics. After graduation, Stoker pursued a career in civil service while also working as a freelance journalist and theatre critic. His passion for writing led him to become the manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, where he met and formed a close friendship with the renowned actor Sir Henry Irving. Stoker's association with Irving greatly influenced his literary career and provided inspiration for some of his most famous works. Although Stoker wrote numerous novels, short stories, and non-fiction works, he is best known for his Gothic horror masterpiece, "Dracula," published in 1897. The novel, which tells the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England in order to spread the undead curse, has become a timeless classic of English literature. "Dracula" introduced many of the vampire conventions still prevalent in contemporary culture, including the portrayal of vampires as charismatic and aristocratic beings with a thirst for blood. Despite the success of "Dracula," Stoker struggled financially throughout much of his life. He continued to write prolifically, producing several more novels and short stories, but none achieved the same level of success as his iconic vampire tale. Stoker passed away on April 20, 1912, in London, at the age of 64. While he did not live to see the full extent of "Dracula's" enduring legacy, his creation has since become one of the most iconic and influential figures in popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations, sequels, and reimaginings in literature, theatre, film, and television. Bram Stoker's contribution to the horror genre and his enduring legacy as the creator of one of literature's most iconic monsters continue to be celebrated by readers and scholars alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Fri, 22 Mar 2024
  • 254 - The Vampyre by John Polidori

    John William Polidori, an Italian-English physician and writer born in 1795, was a notable figure associated with the Romantic movement. As the eldest son of Gaetano Polidori, an Italian scholar, and Anna Maria Pierce, a governess, Polidori was exposed to intellectual pursuits from a young age. He received his medical degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1815 at the remarkably young age of 19. Polidori's literary talents and connections led him to serve as personal physician to the renowned poet Lord Byron, embarking on a European tour with him in 1816. During their travels, Polidori found himself in the company of other literary luminaries, including Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley. It was during this time, at the Villa Diodati by Lake Geneva, that the idea for "The Vampyre" took shape. Inspired by a fragment of a story by Lord Byron, Polidori penned his own tale, which would go on to become the first vampire story in English literature. Originally published in April 1819 in the New Monthly Magazine, "The Vampyre" was falsely attributed to Lord Byron, likely to capitalize on his fame. This misattribution persisted for years, causing confusion over the true authorship of the story. Polidori's "The Vampyre" introduced several key features of the vampire archetype that would influence vampire literature for generations to come. Notably, his portrayal of Lord Ruthven, the titular vampyre, departed from the traditional folkloric depictions of vampires as grotesque creatures. Instead, Polidori's vampyre was an aristocratic figure, seductive and charming, preying on high society. Lord Ruthven's aristocratic allure, coupled with his predatory nature and mysterious aura, set the template for the modern vampire, ushering in a new era of vampire fiction characterized by sophistication and allure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Fri, 15 Mar 2024
  • 253 - The Ghostly Rental by Henry James

    Henry James (1843–1916) was an American author renowned for his contributions to literature, particularly within the realm of psychological realism. Born in New York City, James spent much of his life traveling between Europe and the United States, which greatly influenced his cosmopolitan worldview and writing style. Known for his intricate character studies and keen exploration of human psychology, James's works often delved into themes of social conventions, personal freedom, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Throughout his prolific career, he authored numerous novels, short stories, and essays, earning him recognition as one of the foremost literary figures of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Henry James made a special contribution to the ghost story genre through his unique blend of realism and supernatural elements. His ghost stories are characterized by their vague, psychological qualities, featuring unreliable narrators and a chilling mixture of realism and romantic suggestiveness. James challenged conventional notions of what constitutes a ghost, exploring the haunting power of guilt and remorse alongside more traditional supernatural elements. His works, including "The Turn of the Screw" and "The Ghostly Rental," continue to captivate readers with their rich prose, intricate character portraits, and haunting themes. "The Ghostly Rental," first published in Scribner's Monthly in September 1876, exemplifies Henry James's exploration of themes within the ghost story genre. This tale revolves around a grad student's fascination with an old soldier who visits an abandoned mansion to collect rent from his supposed ghostly daughter. Themes of guilt, redemption, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination permeate the narrative, as James challenges readers to ponder the nature of truth and the power of perception. Through its atmospheric setting and complex characters, "The Ghostly Rental" remains a timeless exploration of the human psyche and the haunting effects of past misdeeds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Fri, 08 Mar 2024
  • 252 - The Black Widow by John Glasby

    John Stephen Glasby (23 September 1928 – 5 June 2011) was a British author born in East Retford, Nottinghamshire. Trained as a research chemist and mathematician, Glasby's early career saw him balancing his scientific pursuits with a burgeoning passion for writing. His literary journey began in the 1950s and 1960s, during which he emerged as a prolific figure in the pulp publishing industry. Despite his scientific background, Glasby's literary ambitions led him to explore a wide array of genres, from speculative fiction and romance to westerns and spy thrillers. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres showcased his versatility as a writer, earning him a dedicated readership across various literary circles. Throughout his career, Glasby's output was characterized by both quantity and quality. Under numerous pseudonyms and house names, including "A. J. Merak," "John E. Muller," and "Chuck Adams," Glasby penned over 300 novels and short stories. His imaginative storytelling and attention to detail captivated readers, while his scientific acumen lent authenticity to his speculative works. Notably, Glasby's foray into speculative fiction produced enduring classics such as "Project Jove," showcasing his ability to blend scientific concepts with compelling narrative arcs. Additionally, his contributions to genres like westerns, romance, and espionage underscored his versatility and adaptability as an author, cementing his reputation as a multifaceted literary talent. Despite the commercial constraints of the pulp publishing industry, Glasby's literary legacy endured beyond his prolific output. His works continue to be celebrated for their enduring appeal and cultural significance, reflecting the diverse interests and talents of a writer who defied categorization. Beyond his literary contributions, Glasby's dedication to both scientific inquiry and creative expression left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike. With a career spanning decades and genres, John Stephen Glasby remains a revered figure in British literature, remembered for his prolific output, imaginative storytelling, and enduring impact on the world of letters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Fri, 01 Mar 2024
  • 251 - The Tarroo-Ushtey by Nigel Kneale

    Nigel Kneale was a highly acclaimed British screenwriter and novelist, best known for his pioneering work in the science fiction genre, particularly the creation of the iconic character Professor Bernard Quatermass. Born on April 28, 1922, in the Isle of Man, Kneale began his career as a journalist before transitioning to writing for radio, television, and film. He was brought up in Barrow-in-Furness. His breakthrough came in the early 1950s with the BBC television series "The Quatermass Experiment," which introduced audiences to the brilliant and enigmatic scientist Professor Bernard Quatermass. This character, portrayed as a determined and sometimes morally conflicted scientist, became an enduring figure in British popular culture. Kneale continued to develop the Quatermass character in subsequent television series, including "Quatermass II" (1955) and "Quatermass and the Pit" (1958-1959), each exploring themes of science, technology, and the supernatural. These productions were praised for their intelligent storytelling and social commentary, earning Kneale a reputation as a master of speculative fiction. In addition to his work on Quatermass, Kneale penned numerous other scripts for television, including adaptations of classic novels and original dramas. He also wrote several acclaimed novels and contributed to feature films. Throughout his career, Kneale's writing was characterized by its thought-provoking themes, sharp dialogue, and innovative storytelling techniques. He was a key figure in establishing science fiction as a serious genre in British television and film. Nigel Kneale passed away on October 29, 2006, leaving behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking work that continues to influence writers and filmmakers to this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Fri, 23 Feb 2024
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