The Black Widow by John Glasby
Ойын-сауық
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.Exclusive Videos For You!
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Пікірлер: 177
Thanks, Tony! As a retired psychiatric RN and an advid reader whose eyesite has failed, I depend on your videos to keep me on top of things at 74! Your narations are excellent and your rambles are like having a friend over for a chat. Please don't let nay sayers get you down. I listen to a bevy of similar ytubers but you are my favorite.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Thank you Adam
Who could possibly hate a Tony Walker podcast/ghost story??? I love this and every other story by you Tony. Thank you
@WestVirginia1959
2 ай бұрын
He is a troll, made it up for comments, difficult to understand why they write BS
I can’t believe you have haters. Your voice is so comforting. Listening to you at night I often find myself being lulled to sleep. Scary stories or not! Keep doing what you’re doing. I love the stories. I have been introduced to so many wonderful authors. I have been promoted to buy books by such authors. Can read their short stories and pick up on the nuances I may have missed. Thank you for all the enjoyment you have given me.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
What a lovely comment
It's friday night and raining. My cat has cabin fever and I'll have my usual insomnia, but now I'll have conpany. Thanks Tony. My friday night would have been lonely otherwise (I have no human friends). spooky, huh? I had to get rid of my bad friends (only ones I had) when I decided to be a different person. Nuff said.
How many times can I say this? You are an exceptional reader. The clash of emotion in your voice illuminates this work.
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
Very kind . thank you
@scathatch
2 ай бұрын
He certainly is. Love listening to Tony.
2 March 2024 - Listened from Kentucky, USA. Beautifully read. Love the agent’s accent. 😃 I had never heard of this author before. It’s amazing he was so prolific across many genres. That’s my kind of writer. I think I am going to listen again, right now.
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
Of course we need the opinion of a French person on the accent...
I honestly enjoy your little chats at the end and how informal they are. It feels comfortable. 🙂
@JT_Soul
2 ай бұрын
Agree 100%.
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect Narration ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As always, I love your ramblings ❤
It’s dark outside 😮I’m going to take my chances 😵💫 and listen to lol. These are my 1 st ghost stories I’ve always been scared. But at age 61, I’m trying new things n I love these stories especially Tony voice🥳 it makes it all perfect
A very creepy Tale, I have read lots of horror, ghost, detective and such tales. But I never came across the name John Glasby (nor any other nome de plume). He writes (or wrote) very good. Thanks for this treat. (I'm Dutch, so I loved Schalken the painter, as well, of course....😉) All the best from Holland.
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
I enjoyed doing Schalken. Try The Cold Embrace by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
@JT_Soul
2 ай бұрын
Roland, I recognized your name, and I just wanted to say thank you for your excellent collection of Clark Ashton Smith, Robert E. Howard, and Seabury Quinn. I've subscribed to your channel for a few years and often return for another listen. Also, I'm Canadian but I studied for a year in Leiden - wonderful university, city, and country. The Netherlands will always be a special place for me.
Consider this: I usually don't read comments unless I have an urge to say something that seems like something somebody else has already said so I look for someone who already said it so I can give it a thumbs up and avoid giving you another thing to read which you already read (was that a run-on sentence? Oh, well, I ain't a writer but love a good read and good listen). Anyway, somebody like me would never know you have haters who say things which haunt you unless you say something. And, it was such a surprise (for me). Just sharing a point of view. BTW, you are a good listen and good read. Thank you for sharing.
@evelanpatton
3 ай бұрын
I am a bit of a wordy commenter partly because I too wonder where all these haters are knocking Tony about because I feel like there’s a core group of YT listeners who’ve grown through the channel from when it was just Tony’s writing mostly, & I think we come for the full “seminar of a short story, author, historical & environmental context. I’m always learning something new. As for the haters, I just think they must not be smart enough to CHANGE their own device’s CHANNEL! Am I right? -👻📚🗣️📖🪭
@misscharlotte160
2 ай бұрын
Yup you’re right!
@Deldelo-
2 ай бұрын
Tony is excellent 👍
My favorite type of scary story. Well done. Thank, you.
The Great Glasby. Honestly, that was a sterling example of the genre. Thanks for bringing it to life!
I love listening to you chatting away at the end of each story as much as I enjoy listening to you narrating them!
I had goose bumps listening to this one. I'm glad I listened during daylight.
I was ill and I'm getting better - thank you 🥰🥰🥰 It was lovely to hear that. I'm sorry for your loss and wish you all the best. Thank you for yet another wonderful reading 💖💖💖
Tony, a week ago I didn't know your podcast existed, now I'm addicted to it!! You always bring great tales to the table, and you are a master storyteller!!! Excellent stuff!
Speaking of mums not throwing things away, I recently found a tub of Fine Fare Cream of Tartar powder in my mum's cupboard. Must date back to 1985 or earlier.
@kerrymartin9698
3 ай бұрын
I remember fine fare too. Used to have a shop down the road in Guildford Surrey, where I lived. I'd forgotten all about them until you said lol
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
Fine Fare! When moved house in 2008 she brought everything with her from the old house even rubbish bins full of rubbish . My nana was the same / chocolate biscuits 15 years old
@kerrymartin9698
3 ай бұрын
@@ClassicGhost My husband is American and when we moved back to the UK his Mum gave us some of his favourite tiny pasta for soup. We didn't have the heart to tell her it was 10yrs out of date lol xxx
I only listen to you when I'm awake so I don't miss a word.
@stewartlancaster6155
Ай бұрын
we all have to be awake or else we are not listening.....your comment is very odd.
@donnasandstrom6286
Ай бұрын
Thanks for pointing that out.
@stewartlancaster6155
28 күн бұрын
@@donnasandstrom6286 np problem ! your comment is now famous in my local pub.....I only listen when Im awake ! ha ha ha comedy gold sweetheart.
I enjoyed this one! Now... As for the trolls and ogres that wind you up and manipulate you into focusing on them and their meaningless words, try very very hard- (I know it's hard, I find a mean comment will stick within my mind so much longer than a kind comment, but fuck that.) to allow the comments from those of us that adore you to take that space in your mind given to haters, to unwind you, because when you wind up a pocket watch too much it snaps and then it refuses to work... I'm prattling... I forgot what I came her to say. I had something profound in my attention deficient mind and it was sincere but now it's lost. You, Tony Walker, are the cat's pajamas or meow or socks, whatever the saying is... 🥰
@kerrymartin9698
3 ай бұрын
If troll stew could be the answer to the ones who are bereft of any literary love eh?
Ooh! Looks a good one to drop off to. Not that I'll need a lot of help with the beer I've imbibed. 😂
@PortmanRd
3 ай бұрын
Home at last..storytime.
@morticiag
3 ай бұрын
@@PortmanRd Shouldn't you be watching documentaries about the Apes instead ?
And nobody in the village had the decency to warn them until AFTER he had left her alone in the house. 😮 Hello from New Zealand, Tony. I'm relatively new to your channel/podcasts. Am enjoying them very much.
Thanks so much Tony - and I enjoy your American accent! 😊❤
@evelanpatton
3 ай бұрын
I’m American & I have never found it “offensive” either, just agreeing with you!
I've been looking out for a story from you Tony, I always get excited to see one up there, thank you so much 🙏💛
My typical Friday evening. Tony Walker's release with a nice whiskey. I really like this story. Fantastic story and narration. It's quite horrifying in its own right. The last minute... What a fantastic author! He did a lot! I love the room and fireplace picture you used during your chat. I love your narrations and chats. Those who wind you up are free to go play marbles in the road. I believe "Bone to His Bone" was the story you narrated you were discussing. Thanks!
I love this channel! Btw, put that ghost reader image on a fridge magnet or high-quality V-neck, and I will buy it instantly! Diolch yn fawr iawn!
2:02 I have these same feelings about some things. They give me the creeps before I've even seen them.
seldom have I encountered a story where every word drives me into the atmosphere so completely ineffectively . Magnificent writers craftsmanship.
@mlsg8
2 ай бұрын
The delivery of that every word is a unique labor of love and devotion to the genre. Btw did you mean effectively? Sounds like AUTO CORRECT read your mind incorrectly. The bane of "smart phones".
@stewartlancaster6155
Ай бұрын
what ?
Oh Tony thank you! I've been checking nightly for the next great storytelling! This one was truly terrifying! Several times I thought to myself,, stop and pick it up during the day! You aren't just reading us a story - you're performing it!! And I for one, look forward to your post story commentary to help talk me out of my fears!!!
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
I am becoming more ham actor ish as the stories progress :)
@jayfox28
2 ай бұрын
Ha you're the best! I'm happy when you give my comment a like, so you can imagine when you give me a reply!! 👻
Gl ad you're feeling better than before. Mom I'm sure was smiling! Enjoy your dogs and allowing everyone to be friends. Hello from California!
I love you and I love listening to you. There's always gonna be haters unfortunately, whatever😩 just know that most of us think you are the best.
I knew of John Glasby because I work in a library but I had no idea of all the pseudonyms he used! Chuck Adams westerns are still published and quite popular for that genre in our library. What a great story, so well read. Thanks!
I work the midnight shift, in a huge warehouse, where it is just me and one other guy. The lights are designed to go out unless you are right under them. So most of the warehouse is dark around us. The perfect setting and atmosphere for your narrated stories. And like many here, I love the after story chats. So informative and friendly. Thanks a bunch.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Did you hear The Haunting of Unit 409 my kzread.info/dash/bejne/iqSsz9KimsW3drg.html on the perils of night shift. Come to think of it I have another night shift story somewhere. They must have haunted me!
I enjoy and appreciate all you do. With much thanks from Western Canada 🙏🏻🇨🇦
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
thanks so much
My condolences to you regarding the passing of your mother. But I agree that she would like that her family is reconnecting while sorting out her possessions.
I have a strange instinctive feeling that this is a good spooky story, and that I’ll have a good time listening to it! Thank you for another excellent reading. 💜
Waking the dog over 8 miles today ? It's the dog that turned you into an athlete. the ravages of old age have recently caused me to give up my habit of many decades of taking my dog for a Daily 3 Mile walk. I was not destined to be an athlete and for me the three mile walk was quite an accomplishment in my mind . Your eight and a half miles boggles my mind but more power to you and your canine friends
I am captivated by your truly marvellous renditions of these stories. Thank you for this podcast. ❤
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
Glad you like them!
@vickisampson408
Ай бұрын
@ClassicGhost I love your narrations. Your stories are my new obsession.
"Let's Go!" Indeed. Oh S*it! This has the magic of (on paper) would seem a simple theme, but the way it was told, Chief's kiss! 💋 Tony, your French accent was also! Shirley Jackson's stories scare the heck out of me!😱
Wow! I got Chills, excellent as usual Tony. You would be great at audiobooks. I love the way you take me away! Thank you and God Bless.
Another fantastic story! Thank you so much, Tony! 🎉
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
My pleasure!
Excellent reading as always, Tony.
I'm so glad I haven't got any paintings up in my new house yet...... so glad lol You know the haters are that one kid sat at the back of the class blowing chewed up wads of paper at people through a straw because he can't understand the lesson, so feels bored & lonely, right...just checking you've got the right perspective on the lil gets....laugh at their ignorance & bask in the adoration of those who truly appreciate you & your work :)
Captivating,, Also spell- binding also this time around. Love the story, your narration, "ramblings" also this time around. Again, again, masterful tony for all you do for us, Tony. Thank you!
Excellent narration, excellent writing. Thank you.
My mother died in the fall. It is a unique experience, going through her things. My brother and I are her executors, and it is a bit of a headache, but, it is also a great time of remembering. My heart goes out to you.
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
I’m with you ❤️
I so much enjoyed the French accent,…always do.he does it so well
Lovely as always. Thanks so much for your time and work. Will check out the detective works but it truly is your voice and delivery I love, personally. Cheers!
Tony..don't change a thing. Whether we hear the dogs,the scrap man, Sheila's singing bowls or the Carlisle rain .it all adds to it! Sun is lovely here it Tynemouth and I hope the weather is nice in Carlisle I really liked this story..all ghost stories where the ghost is a woman really spook me out and always have. This story reminded me of an episode of 'Strange but True' that used to be on UK TV in the 90"s,hosted by Michael Aspel. The episode was about a group of well heeled tourists from London,one being Joan Collins,who hired a house in Venice, Italy,for a week. Supposedly the ghost of the Comtessa used to come out of the painting..I must see if I can find it on KZread. It's very bitter sweet after a close family member dies,in that it's sad but it also brings you back into orbit with family you may have drifted away from. It's a gift from your mum xx
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
We had a lovely day today. You usually have drier but colder weather than us
@elaineparker6171
2 ай бұрын
Not this winter..it's been non stop rain since October!
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
@@elaineparker6171 it’s been really damp here too
Love these
love the way you read. thank you.
Brilliant !!!!!! So well read
So very sorry to hear your sad news Tony. Lots of Love ❤
“Dodgy locals!” 😹⚡️. I like how he describes the old man putting both hands on his cane, like to bear his weight…. Little details. Your enthusiasm is what drew me in. Talent as a narrator…. Thanks! Scary.
Well, I enjoyed it - short and simple, but with a real air of menace. Liked the reflections also on writers and writing.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Thank you very much!
Condolences on the passing of your mum😢.
Love the call to action. Thank you for another great reading. 😄
Wonderful narration, lovely voice. 👏🏽♥️👏🏽♥️👏🏽♥️ Nice classic spooky tale. First time listener, I’ll be back!
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Please do return
Thank you and your wonderful voice
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for listening
Lovely talking with you Tony!
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
Nice to see you here
I love your narrations. Thank you ❤
Loved this story!! Sorry to hear about your mum.
Nice one, Tony. Great narration. Enjoyed the ramble at the end. Thank you!
Thank you! Absolutely wonderful introductions and ^epilogues!!
Cracking story & very well read as usual … for some reason it put me in mind of The Crooked House (Mark Gatiss) I don’t know why, like Syd Barrett, I must have a very irregular head 😂
Thanks for the information after as I don't otherwise know the writers.Hope all's ok Tony.
Excellent narration, thank you for all you do 🤩
I certainly enjoyed this story, and equally enjoyed hearing about this gentleman's life. Thank you
Great story - thank you for the wonderful reading! I have to listen another time - once was not enough. A James story would be great (going to listen to that one now) - and perhaps the author reading his own story?
Hi Tony just discovered your podcast absolutely love it .. sorry about your Mum .. lost my Mum 3 years ago i know exactly how your feeling 💔 take care .. im going too enjoy your story .. thankyou best wishes Barb ps you have a lovely voice very young sounding xx
Till I heard you say "nowt" I hadn't realised I missed hearing my local accent.
Spooky. Re:minds me of the short story about the man that finds the woman in a frame that asks for his soul, only for everything to go up in a hell fire, literally. Wonderfully spooky, though I think I’d be pulling my partner off the property as soon as I woke from those nightmares! It IS a great title! I’ve also noticed a real quality in your unique images! Just another feather in your cap! Kudos! P.S. What does “house name” mean please? Anyone :)
Tony, you are a wonderful storyteller. Thank you 😊
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
You are very welcome
Hurray!
I watched a film last night called 'Burnt Offerings' (1976) which had a similar storyline as this story especially the beginning of a couple driving to a gothic looking big house given to them and their son for the summer for a very low price. Amazing author. Its satisfying to know authors like this have left such a vast catalogue. It makes me feel like we shall never run out of stories in our lifetime if there were more authors like this. I am a horror genre man but i am warming up to mixed genre movies too. Maybe you can turn your collection of books into a gothic library using your walls and then start turning your stories into gothic horror short films. Just a suggestion. Yes this story made me feel a little less lonely for a while during my escape from reality. I love that other realm of escape from this material world as i listen to your narrations in the dark.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
I don't have the skill or the contacts to make short films of my stuff, but I like the idea!
@murtazaarif6507
2 ай бұрын
@@ClassicGhostI am glad to spark that inspiration.
I have always fallen asleep before I realized that there is a commentary (I may have sort of known but only sleepily). I enjoy the commentary afterwards. Reminds me of a time when I still had friends.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Oh no. Well I can be your friend.
@daemeonation3018
2 ай бұрын
@@ClassicGhost I have to figure out how to respond to this in a way that doesn't make me sound like a person with no social skills. 😂 I live in Shanghai. I get invited out. I just don't want to go anymore. Maybe I don't WANT friends. Maybe I am not pleased with the limited choice of friends that I have been prevented with. Maybe it was the cold weather which I will need to become accustomed to again. One thing is true that since my wife died six years ago and then basically everyone I have ever really liked to be around, that I just don't have a lot of energy left. But thanks for the stories and the commentary. Your channel is really one of the best around. Maybe my favorite right now.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
@@daemeonation3018 I probably can’t make it to Shanghai just now anyway :)
@daemeonation3018
2 ай бұрын
@@ClassicGhost haha. Yeah. Of course not. We just got a new teacher from Zimbabwe so at least it's someone new to talk to.
Love love love this! You are amazing.
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
No! You are !
So awesome. Tx, T
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
nice to see you
The author used the phrase "actinic glare" to describe the light during the thunderstorm; I'd never heard it before. I'm sure that's his chemical engineering education coming through. He managed to convey not only a spooky blue light, but imply that it somehow transmuted the atmosphere as well.
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
Interesting, UFO lights are supposed to give actinic burns to the eyes according to John Keel
one of my favorite 'westerns' is a side story complete with comic irish idiom in flann o'brien's AT SWIM TWO BIRDS.
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
I’m a big fan of Flann / Miles
Oh man. That bit about the dogs becoming athletes had laughing my ass off.
I am very surprised I don't recall having heard of this author. At one time I considered myself a knowledgeable expert about science fiction . I suspect Glasby may be one of those writers published prolifically by British publishers like Badger books but never seen in the states. I find it very strange when I read that he has left a lasting impression on science fiction or imaginative literature. Judging by this story, he is a fine writer but I have no knowledge of his reputation at all .
Excellent "Call to Action" 😊
@ainemoroney9965
2 ай бұрын
Really like the Black Widow picture later in the story. Nicely done 👌
A few years ago, having enjoyed Salem's Lot, I read Pet Sematary. I posted on FB that the novel was TWENTY TIMES as long as W. W. Jacob's iconic story The Monkey's Paw, and wasn't half as good. (Salem's Lot, however, is excellent, an example of what can be done in the storytelling line by adhering strictly to literary protocols; in this case, what might be called the Bram Stoker protocols of vampire stories.) The novel, which is about the dead being reanimated, ends with the main character's wife/zombie slowly opening the door and entering the house. Very widely read person, Mr. King, and I'll leave it at that. 😉
Thanks!
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
Very kind! Thank you
@scoutrifle6827
3 ай бұрын
For the record, Tony, I absolutely love the post-story chat. Wish it could be around a blazing fire in a dark, gothic mansion, though. :) @@ClassicGhost
Yes
Beautiful story and narration. Your commentary is always enlightening and provides a wonderful sense of connection to the writers and especially to the supernatural. A very short story that I think you might enjoy reading is " And Only I Have Escaped to Tell" by Roger Zelazany. It first appeared in the Twilight Zone fiction magazine back in the eighties. It's only a few pages in length but is worth the search. Cheers 🌠💀
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
I don’t know that one but i like a bit is Zelazny. My favourite is Jack of Shadows
This feels like a lesson in gaslighting. So many horror stories are a woman who is pleading with her husband to believe her but he's too smart to, until it effects him. This reads to me like a twist on this trope, where he learns how it feels to be dismissed
Tony, unfortunately on this medium where people can type anything, we now know along with the good comes the bad, the human condition, thankfully not everyone, it gives some people the opportunity to “spout”.. it only comes back to the schoolyard bullying , their jealousy prompts them to be obnoxious especially as they never have to say to you in person, it’s sad but as my dad used to say, in the 70’s , they just sad because they are not your friend yet. If they are expressing themselves, even negatively, they definitely listening to you. 😉👍🌻
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
I suppose ! Thanks for the positive spin. There aren’t many of them
I really enjoyed your comments at the end of the story so much. One of the comments you made about the accent if the reader is so important. I cant bear Sherlock Holmes read in an American accent or as you say a western in a British accent. Best wishes for your channel.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
I agree
The title intrigues me.
Good Narrative!!!
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for listening
Until the ad came up, i liked it. im gonna check out ur older stuff to see if u have ad free stuff that doesn't steal time from my life. I noped so fast.
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
nothing in life is free
Great channel 👍
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the visit
I adore The Mistress in Black! Have you done that one? This one was excellent too. Edit. Yes you did, going to listen to it now!
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Yes I’ve done The Mistress In Black. it’s a cracker
❤❤ 50k subscribers 🎉🎉🎉
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
🎉I know! who da thunk it ?
I would hope if my guy said to me, "we've got to get out of here!" that I would "ok! whatever you say!"
💛
👍
I liked the atmosphere of this story, but I was a bit baffled by the ending (alas, I'm not great with subtext 😂). Was the figure on the other side of the door supposed to be his wife or the Black Widow?
@ClassicGhost
3 ай бұрын
Spoiler alert..... His wife.
@KristinChoruby
2 ай бұрын
@@ClassicGhost Thanks!