The Wondersmith cover art

The Wondersmith

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection - including bestsellers and new releases.
Unlimited access to our all-you-can-listen catalogue of 15K+ audiobooks and podcasts
Access exclusive sales and deals.
£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

The Wondersmith

By: Fitz-James O'Brien
Narrated by: Walter Covell
Try Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Buy Now for £6.99

Buy Now for £6.99

About this listen

 Fitz-James O'Brien was an Irish-born poet, journalist, and short-story writer who migrated to America in 1852. He died from an injury acquired during the Civil War. O'Brien was called "the preeminent writer of supernatural stories of his time", and he is best remembered for two or three widely anthologized stories that border on science fiction. Among them is this masterpiece.©1981 Jimcin Recordings (P)1981 Jimcin Recordings Classics

Critic reviews

"A superb short story, this marvelously crafted tale of horror and fantasy....The story entices one instantly with its intrigue and incredible plot, and the recording captures the atmosphere of the story brilliantly, conveying the horror so well that the listener is nearly breathless by the time the ironic conclusion is reached. This gem from one of nineteenth-century America's finest short story writers will find a ready audience." ( Booklist)
All stars
Most relevant
This is a decent short story with a sinister plot about murderous dolls. However, for me, it was spoiled by hurtful racist stereotypes. Some allowances may be made since social attitudes have changes from the time when the book was written but for me it was uncomfortable listening at times.

Uncomfortable listening at times

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.