These ghosts seem to be conjured from a whole genre known as “littérature fantastique” that pervaded the 19 th century, particularly in France. The tropes of loneliness, men with nervous conditions pop up everywhere. “Le Horla” comes to mind (Maupassant),etc. But your story about the author’s brush with death during WWI reminds me of a memory of Robert Graves in his autobiography “Good bye to all That”. In the trenches, he knows that he saw the ghost of his sargeant hours after his death. Haunting. There is So much to these stories!

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

I am very interested in your reference to French literature there can you point out some stories for me?

@conemadam

20 күн бұрын

@@ClassicGhost Of course. I taught French Literature for years , in particular The Fantastic . Do you read French? Guy de Maupassant is translated pretty universally. Some authors: Théophile Gautier, Baudelaire(who perfected his English just so he could translate the works of Edgar Allen Poe into French). Villiers de l’Isle-Adam , whose short stories towards the end of the 19th century remind me of George duMaurier. You can look into the translations of Gauthier’s Contes Fantastiques or Villiers’s Contes Cruels.Le Horla by Guy de Maupassant is very similar to Burrage’s tale. I hope this was helpful: I think all must be translated to English. I envy you discovering stories like La Morte Amoureuse (Gautier) or Vera and L’Intersigne(Villers). There are so many ! Good luck!

@lunablue745

20 күн бұрын

​@@conemadamoh! I would love to discuss Stendhal's Le Rouge et Noir with you. I am a self appointed pseudo expert on "the real Julien": Antoine Berthet.

@evelanpatton

20 күн бұрын

These French stories sound promising! What about The Torchere Garden by Octave Mirabeau.

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

@@conemadam My reading French isn’t what it was when i did my A level study . In the channel I’ve done a few French stories: Clarimonde, The Horla, Who Knows? and maybe some others I’ve forgotten ah and an Anatole le Braz one . There are many more to do!

Fun fact: I write weird fic and ghost stories, and the way I know a passage is working is if my brain starts to read it in Tony's voice.

Brilliant listening to you on my night shifts in security all alone in some old buildings 👻

@ClassicGhost

21 күн бұрын

i wrote a story about that …

@MH-rx7tn

21 күн бұрын

Great. What did you call it ?

@Bambisgf77

19 күн бұрын

Ooohh I don’t think I could do that! 🙈 Best wishes on not scaring the life out of ya! 😂

@matthewb.4606

16 күн бұрын

The Haunting of Unit 409. I’ve listened and read this Tony Walker story many times!

@MH-rx7tn

16 күн бұрын

Thanks

I absolutely love this story! I was delighted when I saw you were narrating this story! It is a true gem and is fantastically written. I love the transformation from the man the narrator starts out as to who he is by the end. Fantastic job. A decent number of these amazing authors served in the military, and I wonder how their experiences shaped their works. Those actions and images shape us, our decisions, and the way we think for the rest of our lives. Fantastic chat at the end. I sooo look forward to them. Passchendale....my hat is off to this man. Thanks!

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

I loved that story. It was quite touching and the maturing of both of the main characters and their growing fondness for each other was believable and poignant. Great narrating as well.

Tony, you're a gem! I wouldn't skip your commentary for anything!

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

I try and make them relevant and interesting, and of course you know my mind wonders and skips onto other things but people seem to like it

@craigoliver8712

12 күн бұрын

Not even for a Dairylee triangle?

Great story. Nice to have one end on a positive note once in awhile. I agree with your comment near the end about allowing for the possibility that we may be wrong about something. There are a lot of dogmatic people when it comes to "things unseen". Thank you for the story and commentary.

Glad to hear your confirmation of doing something good for somebody because your wallet was found. I once found a wallet, stuck in the gutter of my house. I found the owner and returned it. The person didn't thank me or respond very much one way or the other. The person, to be fair, was probably in some sort of distress. But still, nice to hear of your response. Good man.

I enjoy your chat at the end, Tony. 😊 I agree with your views on the stories of ghostly children. And I just listened to that chilling and creepy story - Woman in Black - a couple of days ago. So evil compared to the ghostly innocent children. Thank you once again. ❤

I also read this story in the Roald Dahl book, and it stayed with me all these years. I think you did a great job adapting it. Thanks.

I love your read at first I didn't like the talk after the end of the story but the more I listened to it, the more I found it really interesting and I really like it, so thank you. And thank you for reading. It's so enjoyable to listen to. I don't get sick of it in the middle and shut it off and never finished the end. But with yours sworries, I stayed with it to the end. And most of the time, will Read, listen to it again, thank you.😊

Wonderful commentary at the end. It's so interesting that we tend to give what we wish we had received from the important people in our lives. Thank you for recording and commenting on these stories.

@ClassicGhost

17 күн бұрын

Thank you for saying that

I loved this story and also your reading of “They.”

Good to hear another story from the writer of my favorite ghost story, Smee. And I was imagining the house in The Innocents the whole time I listened. Especially the schoolroom where Miss Giddens sees Miss Jessop crying...😰

Beautifully read, thank you. And I wouldn't miss your "yatter" for the world. It's all part of the experience.

Gripping. disturbing. Painful. Also this time around. Masterful as always, Tony. Thank you.

Firstly: I enjoyed this story. It has a relatively happy ending when one considers the characters' lives. Secondly: Before I found your channel, I listened to creepypastas and Stephen King type shit. (H.P. Lovecraft is my true thing but I have listened to and read everything he has ever written at least a hundred times.) Your narrations of long ago ghost stories are wonderful and I have absorbed some culture and dare I say "education". Thirdly: I don't have a thirdly....

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

I like me a bit of Lovecraft. One of my favourites is the dream quest of unknown Kadath but other channels here who do Lovecraft very well so I’ve left him by and large alone

@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos

10 күн бұрын

@@ClassicGhost I have the Lovecraft stories you have done on a playlist.

This story sounds amazing, looking forward to snuggling up with it tonight, thank you Tony, you're very much appreciated 🙏 💛

So glad your wallet was returned. There are so many good people in the world. I love hearing about them. The story was good too. Thanks for recording it. I just found your channel and I'm hooked. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

@ClassicGhost

18 күн бұрын

I am glad you're here!

Thank you sir 😊❤

You do something nice for us each time you spend your time chatting with us after one of your terrific readings. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and fondly recalled reading it not too long ago while relaxing on a cruise ship. So glad to hear that your wallet was returned. That man's thoughtfulness made me smile too - all the best to him.

A wonderful story, thank you

Loved the commentary! I wish I could retain as much knowledge as you do about the authors and genres of writing. I was thinking of Lady In Black also when I was listening. Every time I type or say this title, I almost make the mistake of referring to that song by Chris de Burgh!💃 You know the one!! Anyhoozel! Lady in Black is scarier to me because of the intense hatred within the ghost. I am an idealist and a sucker for a happy ending. Which is why part of your commentary called to mind A Christmas Carole. Scrooge had a sad childhood, so in turn, became cold and uncaring to everyone. I love his redemption arch, which is why I try to find Dickens in everything!! Question for everyone; Dickens or Tolstoy? Cheers!

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

I have never read War and peace though when I was young I remember Richard Seymour reading it. I was a pal of his brother Howard.

@lunablue745

20 күн бұрын

Richard Seymour?

My favorite story so far! I loved the end commentary too. Thank you for the suggestions on other narrations. I’m off to listen to those now!

What a lovely story, well read. I'd have not had this experience without you. You have my gratitude for sharing this with us.

Alright, another story which brought me to tears (albeit, good tears). Well done!

@ClassicGhost

2 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

After I got past the suspension of disbelief, I have to say this was a beautifully crafted story. I’ll keep a lookout for more of Barrage’s short fiction. : )

This is the first time I've listened to this podcast. I absolutely love it. I love the story, the writing, the narrator. I can't wait to hear another one!

@ClassicGhost

16 күн бұрын

Thanks for listening and welcome

Such a great story - reminds me of when I was about 4 years old, and I had no children near me to play with, and one day I had a little girl called Jane who appeared from (and told me she lived in) our fireplace. My parents always said it was my "imaginary friend", but I always thought that she was real. Once I started school and mixed with other children, I never saw her again.

Well wow .. I found myself tearing up at the end. What a lovely story. Thank you.

I loved listening to Tony Walker telling this tale! If he would narrate every story in the Little Blue Flames anthology, I would be very happy. Thank you, Tony Walker. Many scritches to the pups!

This is a great story! I was so glad to listen to your commentary afterwards! It put everything in perspective for me. Please continue sharing your thoughts and insights after you narrate these wonderful works? You are so well versed on these subjects! Thanks 🙏 🤗

The love-gush of the modern female fiction mongers - classic. This is not only perfect but I've not heard it before.

Love your commentary and love these sweet ghosts. Wish more ghost stories were like this one. ❤

Unexpectedly tender and poignant, rather than dark. The nuance of the clergyman's warning was also interesting and shrewd.

I heard a page turn once or twice, and was surprised at how much I liked it. It made me feel like a small child cozy in bed. And in romantic way it sort of made me aware of how listening to stories in this way makes us part of a long tradition of people spanning time who did the same and felt the same.

@ClassicGhost

19 күн бұрын

I actually left the page turns in on purpose because people told me they enjoyed it.

Thank you. I enjoy your narration, and love your commentary afterwards, it makes me think of writers in a different way than I had. 😃🌺

I loved this story! Never heard it before, thank you! I am sorry,Tony, that you now feel you must warn people and almost apologize, for continuing to talk and chat to us after the conclusion of the story. It is half the interest of any work of art or literature, that one may discuss and compare one's impressions with others. So, you are sharing your impressions with us and inviting us to reply in the comments. Moreover, it also somewhat feels like you showing a friendly, affectionate reluctance to abruptly dismiss us and close the curtain. You are a wonderful storyteller, but your chats at the end make you seem like a caring friend. And I am sure you are a friend to humanity. Thank you, for caring to chat!

@ClassicGhost

19 күн бұрын

I have just deleted such a comment from my detective channel. that’s my new policy. ignore them and delete them

Oh, great luck, Tony, that someone found your wallet! I learned about Pay It Forward in the 1960s and I have practiced it ever since.

I was listening to this story today and it made me think of ICP- Play with me, after you read 'Play with me' I think I was getting nostalgic.

This is one of my favorite gothic ghost stories, for I really love that the ghostly spirits are considered good, benevolent, kind, angelic little beings- there to warm the heart of a “ill be gotten” lonely little child. It has with it all the gothic necessaries but there rests a universal truth behind the desire to connect with peers, to have cheer in one’s heart! 📮📡📬📯👻📖🪭

Loved this story ❤

What a charming story!

Such a short story, but great character development. Good reading and rambling

And THAT'S what you call an ending...such a sadly beautiful tale, and wonderfully read, thank you ❤

I get the impression you would have done exactly the same thing as the lovely golfer who returned your wallet,when you say you will "have to go out of your way to be nice to somebody" i get the impression that is what you do anyway+who you are.I liked the upbeat ending to this story,i think they'll both give+receive the love they both deserve

Great reading! I love how this story builds tension throughout but the ending really surprised me

Cheers on another well done story!

@ClassicGhost

12 күн бұрын

Thanks again!

I've read this story in an anthology. As always your narration brings it to life. ❤

Great story. As he admits at the end to the ghost children, he is a lonely man, which is I think why he adopted the girl, even if he told himself it was an experiment. I watched 'Bodkin' last week and really enjoyed it - a great example of how a story can work even with three initially rather unlikable characters. Followed it up with Mike Flanagan's 'Midnight Mass' - which I had somehow missed two years ago, Another corker of a series.

I loved the story, especially the optimistic note at the end. I also enjoyed your discussion about the various writers of ghost stories and their different styles. Your comments about the story itself are so perceptive.

I loved it♥️the ending was so sweet-thank you Tony😎

Love this story - even though it broke my heart.

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

Now now Aine.

This was so beautiful... thank you.

Such a good story!!

Bhai you are too good 😊😊❤❤❤🎉🎉😊❤🎉🎉🎉best experience for ever 🎉🎉🎉❤❤😊🎉🎉🎉

That was lovely!

Gosh this version is much darker than another I've heard.

This was so engrossing and wonderfully read! Subscribed:-)

Lovely!

Ive never encountered this before, it is a very good story.

I loved this. ❤

Another story I've never heard of or read, so thanks for that, first off. I loved it, and enjoyed your characterizations, vocally---as well as the After-ramble. I liked your point of the parson being the key, but I will slightly expand that to saying, they were all keys to one another. It was written with excellent insight, I feel. I take the view that the ghost children are 100% real---and that the "sensitive" gentleman who takes on Monica is really doing so not for the reasons he tells himself. His justification is at complete odds with his ego and outward persona----no, he senses that in Monica, there's some hidden chance he'll be able to retrieve the lost aspects of his own childhood. Of course he has no conscious notion of this at all---but, step by step---he's drawn to remove to this haunted house of a rental, and even before he has realized that Monica has "imaginary friends", he'd already sensed them. I propose that as a child he was a psychic sensitive himself, and it got stopped out of him by the conventions of the adults around his. So, He is a Key for Monica, providing a bare bones platform for sustenance and odd self-guided education. Monica is a Key for him, allowing her direct contact to re-expose him to the realms of "Other'...and then the Parson is a Key as well, a conduit for Monica to expand outward into the world, but our man then will expand inward...and set up with the little girls all around him. I got a chill at the end of the story. Too much seclusion with the spirits of the dead may lead who knows where? Sorry to go so long! Talk about a ramble. Just thinking through my keyboard on a Friday evening. Much love from across the pond. Have a nice weekend, Tony.

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

I love your analysis. We should do a series of spark note type things where we look at the stories. We could even do a book about it. Pick 10 stories and their analysis. It might even sell.

This story Is written just right not sure what I mean but it makes the hair stand and not in a spooky way maybe it’s just that a good man is trying to do right by the girl without some creepy intent. To have it all read by the Master Ghost story Narrator. We need to have you knighted for your work is impeccable. This should be a movie directed by you. Sir. Tony Walker P.s we need to change up the ending though. Just to see him take care the 7 children 😢

Enjoyed listening, quite a few narraters are bland. You have cadence and a voice that uses modulation. Thank you. Cheers Rosemary Western Australia 73yrs

@ClassicGhost

6 күн бұрын

Thank you !

thank you so much

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

Welcome 😊

I listened to your reading of They by Rudyard Kipling a long time ago.

This is a great story. It seems to have something in common with Henry James' The Innocents?

My feeling was that he had probably murdered his first wife+that is where the guilt came from as it merely stated she went to Canada,after he had agonized as to how could he leave her as they were childhood sweethearts,then all of a sudden she has gone to Canada,there is also the fact he never sold the house,the large tree in the yard was alluded to with its branches beating on the windows(was she buried under there?)plus the question she could never ask+the answer she did not want to know,this was my take anyway,unless i missed a reference to where+how she died?

I found the story sweet then sad.

So glad you got back your wallet and your already nice to all us listeners but go be even nicer. One suggestion, when you reference other stories, please put the link to your reading of it in the notes. Your version is preferred anyway so I'm going to go listen to the your version of They by Kipling.

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

Great suggestion! that is a really good suggestion

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

There is a story with a gothic stable, i think its called 'Curfew' or 'The Curfew Bell'. Its really scary😱

@ClassicGhost

20 күн бұрын

+@ropeburnsrussell I don’t know that one

@ropeburnsrussell

20 күн бұрын

@@ClassicGhost I'm not sure I've got the title right, its about digging up a medieval bell. Terrible idea, of course. Its English, 20th century and I'm afraid that is all I remember. But very scary.

👍👍👍

What a touching story! So glad Everton wasn't a complete twat