Ghost Stories, Volume One cover art

Ghost Stories, Volume One

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Ghost Stories, Volume One

By: M. R. James
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
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About this listen

 Sir Derek Jacobi reads a collection of tales from the master of ghost stories, M. R. James, whose stories have for many years inspired the BBC's A Ghost Story for Christmas TV adaptations. M. R. James was described as "a man who, in company with Sheridan le Fanu, is the best ghost-story writer England has ever produced".Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Fantasy Scary Ghost Horror

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I had, of course, heard of M.R.James as a master of gothic horror and was surprised to find these tales very pedestrian and predictable. To be fair, perhaps the ideas were fresh and new when he wrote them. However, that consideration won't make the stories any less ordinary for the 21st century consumer.
Derek Jacobi's typically excellent narration lifts the listening experience a little.

Disappointingly ordinary

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Good old fashioned ghost stories which are handled brilliantly by David Jacobi. Entertaining and very spooky.

Old school and beautiful use of language

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These stories are enjoyable. Spooky rather than scary. The narrator's style is perfect for these Victorian stories.

Good old fashioned ghost stories

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Nearly 120 years after the publication of his first collection, the stock of M.R. James continues to rise. As befits his influence upon the Ghost Story medium, James has been well-served by readings of his work. The gold-standard still rests with those recordings made by Michael Hordern back in the '80s (now mostly available in a bargain set from Audible, albeit with a few sound quality issues), but many other excellent versions also exist (more recently, the late David Collings gave Hordern a run for his money). TV readings by Robert Powell and Christopher Lee are easily available online, whilst Mark Gatiss has successfully revived the Ghost Story for Christmas tradition that served James so well. To this illustrious company, Derek Jacobi adds his celebrated tones. If I were to be hyper-critical, I might argue that his voice is rather kindly, so that it warms rather than chills, but it is beautifully read, even so.
The five stories contained here demonstrate a decent range of James' work, and include two of my personal favourites ('A View From A Hill' and 'Rats, whilst 'The Ash Tree' and 'The Story Of A Disappearance And An Appearance' are both solid pieces; only 'A School Story' is - arguably - a more minor work).
Plus, this audiobook is free to members (likewise, volume two), so it's something of a no-brainer.

Sortes Sacrae & Other Adumbrations

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Really well narrated and stories unusual and interesting.

A good relaxing treat. Recommended listening.

Surprisingly good

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