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The M. R. James BBC Radio Collection cover art

The M. R. James BBC Radio Collection

By: M. R. James
Narrated by: Mark Gatiss, James D'Arcy, Anton Lesser, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Derek Jacobi, Fenella Woolgar, full cast
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Summary

Spine-tingling stories by M. R. James, plus a chilling original drama and two bonus programmes about his life and work

M. R. James was the master of the uncanny. His classic supernatural stories have haunted readers for over a century, and been adapted countless times for radio, TV and film.

This collection features dramatisations of twelve of his most popular stories – The Mezzotint; Casting the Runes; The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral; A Warning to the Curious; Rats; Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come To You, My Lad; The Tractate Middoth; Lost Hearts; The Rose Garden; Number 13; Martin’s Close and Count Magnus. Among the star-studded casts are Mark Gatiss, Derek Jacobi, James D’Arcy, Anton Lesser, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Donald Wolfit.

Also included are a trio of readings by Benjamin Whitrow: Canon Alberic’s Scrapbook; A School Story and The Haunted Dolls’ House.

Neil Brand’s disturbing drama The Haunting of M. R. James, starring Mark Gatiss and Fenella Woolgar, sees horrific events from James’s own stories echoed in reality.

The life of M. R. James is discussed by Muriel Gray and Christopher Frayling in an episode of biography series Great Lives, presented by Humphrey Carpenter. Finally, in a fascinating documentary – The Ghosts of M.R. James – Michell Raper examines the author’s life and work, with readings from several of his stories.

Running Order:
The Mezzotint
Casting the Runes
The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral
A Warning to the Curious
Rats
Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come To You, My Lad
The Tractate Middoth
Lost Hearts
The Rose Garden
Number 13
Canon Alberic's Scrapbook
A School Story
The Haunted Doll's House
Martin's Close
Count Magnus
The Haunting of M. R. James
Great Lives: M. R. James
The Ghosts of M. R. James

©2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about The M. R. James BBC Radio Collection

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Not one of the BBC’s finest hours

Overall, this was quite disappointing. Some of the adaptations weren’t bad, most were just awful and the readings were abridged. Sure, they do that to fit the time but what’s wrong with making the time fit the performance? What else did they have going on that was so important that they had to abridge a short story? My advice is don’t waste your time. There are better renditions of M.R. James’s work out there.

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24 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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disappointing

very disappointing . completely flat. bring on Micheal horden. a waste of money . dont bother

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13 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Excellent performances but...

The performances are excellent. However, as a fan of MR James, I feel far too much of the original story has been cut out of each one. What’s left is good, but much, much too short.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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FANTASTIC ADAPTATIONS of WONDERFUL MR M.R.JAMES

Yes these are abridged but are still excellent performances and very enjoyable. I have had this collection for years and listen regularly as I Love his work, it is so unique. Just wish there were more as I can not get enough. M.R.James has great unique style. Please Audible.uk , let us have more of Mr James work.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Superlative

Scholarly, intelligent and gets to the heart of MR James with excellent dramatizations and documentaries.

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4 people found this helpful

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Wonderful

I am very familiar with all of James’ work and I think this collection is perfect for someone like me, as these are not straight readings of the stories. I would really recommend reading or listening to the full undramatised and unabridged books and only then treating yourself to this. The last recording is a kind of documentary which gives away a few of the plots entirely so please be aware of that!

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4 people found this helpful

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Brilliant


This is a great collection of M R James stories, which have been superbly bought to life through dramatisation at its best.

For me many great books are destroyed by using terrible narrators whose voices drive me crazy - l can't even get through the sample (Sirens at sea spring to mind) The narrators here though are great, they are easy on the ears and really bring out the best of their characters. This along with the clever use of sound effects delivers that extra air of excitement.

I have listened to this book many times and never tire of it.
Highly recommend

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent dramatisations

Dramatisation were very good, though these are edited versions of the original stories. Martins Close was a particular favourite.
The 2 documentaries were also interesting

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3 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Misleading Title

The stories being narrated aren't the ones that MR James wrote, they're highly abridged adaptations.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant version. Great cast. Masterfully acted.

Definitely one of the best versions of these tales I've heard. A very happy purchase.

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