Casting The Runes by M. R. James
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- Опубліковано 25 вер 2024
- M.R. James (1862-1936) was an English author, medievalist scholar, and provost of King's College, Cambridge. Best known for his ghost stories, which are widely regarded as among the finest in the genre, James redefined the traditional ghost story by abandoning many of the formal Gothic clichés of his predecessors and using more realistic contemporary settings. His stories often reflect his academic background, with the protagonist being a scholar or antiquarian.
"Casting the Runes" is a short story by M.R. James, first published in 1911 as part of his collection "More Ghost Stories." The story tells the tale of Edward Dunning, a researcher who crosses paths with a vindictive occultist named Karswell. Karswell seeks revenge by cursing Dunning with a slip of paper containing runic symbols, which will cause his death unless he can pass the curse back to Karswell. The story has been adapted several times for television and film, most notably as the 1957 movie "Night of the Demon" (released in the US as "Curse of the Demon"), directed by Jacques Tourneur and starring Dana Andrews and Niall MacGinnis.
The structure of "Casting the Runes" is somewhat unconventional, with the narrative shifting focus between various characters and events. The story begins with a series of letters, followed by a conversation between the Secretary and his wife about Karswell. The lunch scene where Harrington's death is mentioned serves to introduce the main protagonist, Dunning. The spotlight then shifts to Henry Harrington, the brother of the deceased, as he aids Dunning in understanding the curse. The Secretary makes another appearance before the climactic scene on the train, where Dunning manages to pass the rune back to Karswell. This uneven structure contributes to the story's sense of unease and unpredictability.
Many have noted the similarities between the fictional character Karswell and the real-life occultist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947). Both were deeply involved in the study and practice of the occult, had a reputation for eccentricity and mischief, and authored numerous works on alchemy and magic. While James never explicitly stated that Crowley was the inspiration for Karswell, the physical description of Karswell in the story bears a resemblance to photographs of Crowley from the early 20th century. It has been suggested that James, who was at Cambridge during Crowley's time there, might have met or been aware of the young occultist. Crowley enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1895, during James' tenure at King's College. Although there is no direct evidence of a meeting between the two, it is plausible that James, who was known to interact with students, might have encountered or heard about the flamboyant and controversial Crowley.
The idea of cursing someone by giving them a piece of paper or a "black spot" has roots in various occult practices throughout history. In ancient Rome, curse tablets known as defixiones were used to invoke the power of gods or spirits to bring misfortune or harm to an enemy. These tablets were often made of lead or other metals and inscribed with the name of the intended victim and a formula of curses. The tablets were then typically buried or deposited in a place associated with the underworld, such as a grave or a well. The Roman Baths in Bath, England, have yielded a large number of these ancient curse tablets, attesting to the prevalence of this practice.
At its core, "Casting the Runes" is a story about the consequences of offending a narcissist and the lengths to which such an individual might go to exact revenge. Karswell's fragile ego and vindictive nature are the driving forces behind the curse he places on Dunning, who unknowingly slighted him by criticizing his work. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of crossing those with inflated senses of self-importance and the potential for seemingly minor actions to have far-reaching and deadly consequences. James' masterful storytelling and his ability to create an atmosphere of mounting dread have solidified "Casting the Runes" as a classic of the horror genre, one that continues to resonate with readers over a century after its publication.
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Casting the Runes was one of the very first stories I'd ever read that kept me from sleeping. There's something so haunting about the way he describes that night in the bedroom and the sensation of /something/ under the pillow that left me uncomfortable for a few days. I couldn't sleep with my own hands under my pillow LOL I always love hearing people read this story and how they do the dialogue with the tram keepers too--it's a great bit of brevity in the middle of an unsettling tale of pettiness.
Thank you, Tony, for an excellent narration of MR James' "Casting the Runes". Very much enjoy the variations in your voice for each speaker.
Oh, I’ve been waiting for your reading my James favorite! What a treat!
I thoroughly enjoy the writings of M. R. James. I also enjoy your review of the authors and writings after your readings 📚 😊. Keep up the good work 👏.
LOL The creatures appearing to get in among the audience accompanied by a dry rustling sound has to be a peak moment in the genre 🐛 great reading
Fun fact: I'm reading an anthology of weird tales and I had just started this very one today 😁 my life, itself a weird tale
Thanks Tony. A perfect bedtime story for my Friday night relaxation. I always did think James had Crowley in mind when drawing Carswell. They were contemporaries, as you said both at Cambridge at the same time. Crowley was famous enough even sheltered James would have been aware of him. And he was in some nasty feuds with other occultists, so even the personality is spot on. I can easily see a student at one of James's Christmas readings asking about his thoughts on Crowley, perhaps giving him a story idea. There is a ton of occultism in James's work, it certainly is in keeping with his themes.
Woo hoo! M. R. James for my birthday!
Thanks Tony. 😊
Now my day won't be runed.
😁
I see what you did there . happy birthday !
Thank you Tony.
😊
This guy can tell a story 👻
This is a " weird " story, indeed!
I genuinely love your storytelling style & have been binge-watching your channel for weeks now, but today's story literally brought about a sense of the weird in my brain. I kept thinking I knew the next turn in this story and, for the most part, was right until the final reveal during your outro: I had seen the movie based upon this story, "Curse of the Demon," as a child - many many years ago.
Thank you for reading this gem and reminding me of my early days as a weird tales enthusiast, watching black and white scary movies at my grandparent's house.
Not sure what's creepier, the story or that picture of Aleister Crowley...😱
They were contemporaries. I've often wondered if James had him in mind with this story.
I had just watched the film, "Curse (Night) of the Demon" before I found this reading. Many thanks, Tony, for your excellent telling of a truly classic and creepy tale. Have you done a reading of "The Ash Tree" by M. R. James? All the best. -- W
They've been showing it on UA-cam. I watched it the other day thinking it would be great if Tony read the original and here it is. Now that's magic.
@@angelachouinard4581 Yes, I viewed that film on UA-cam the other day. That film terrified me - even as a teenager. Yes, I'm glad that Tony did a reading of this very "unsettling" tale. You, I and Tony were on the same "wavelength." Ha! Great minds often think alike, eh? Cheers. -- W
Hi, dear Tony! I thought this story was fascinating, very well presented. As always, thank you for entertaining us so royally. ❤
Thank you
🙏
Such a well written tale. Thank you for the accents, keep doing them.
I love your rendition of this classic!👏🤓
Oh boy, one of my favourite MR James stories - I'm looking forward to my bedtime story tonight!
I love this story. It is fantastic.
Karswell is quite the rascal. He cracks me up, and is a tenacious old bugger! The "slideshow" he did for the kids is awesome.
12:10 - This statement makes me laugh
Fantastic narration, as always! This is a heck of a story! Great job on the picture for the video. It is very fitting.
I took your call to action from an old video and shared your channel and think I got you another fan!
Hooray ! Thank you
I like MR James when I require entertainment but I do not want the Hell scared out of me (sometimes I like the Hell to stay inside me). I call this kind of story a "comfortable ghost story" like Edith Wharton's stories. I don't need all the lights on or to call upon Odin to restore my viking badassness yet again... Oh and Happy Belated Birthday Tony Walker
I love all the M.R. James stories, especially as read by you. This one played on my fear of having someone who is not only unreasonable, but evil, come after me. It was tempered by two items. The first is that I have never heard of anyone using (nordic or celtic) runes in any capacity, except for that of divination. However, there is the idea using a rune or runes for protection and I suppose this would be an extreme use in the other direction. The other item is that the devil doesn't seem inclined to do much for his followers. Very good read; thank you!
Love the art. Your voice is charismatic and soothing at the same time.❤
Wow, thank you! I just need an agent :)
Oh this should be fun! 😊
I’d say the sin he was guilty of is unkindness. Criticism is necessary for us all but it doesn’t need to be unkind
Thanks so much for a great reading. James is one of my favourite authors and this reading was excellent. Now... if you do 'An Episode of Cathedral History' or (and?) 'An Evening's Entertainment', that would be just perfect...😉
Excellent reading as always. I’m never disappointed; you read so well. And of course James is a favorite.
Really enjoyed this one. And your commentary, as usual. Intelligent musings.
Happy Birthday, Tony! 🥳🎂🎉🎉🎉
I've heard the story before, but it was worth listening to again to hear your take on it as well. As your commentary at the end which I really, really do enjoy hearing your thoughts and just your anecdotes, really. I am definitely of the mindset that he is referring to Alister Crowley As you and many others, I'm sure are where Crowley did create his own religion/order 'Thelema'. Which Jame's character mentions that Carswell created his own religion so that also points to the likelyhood that James is referring to Crowley. I also have some of Crowleys books as well. I dont follow Thelema nor his ideas but I am a fellow Occultist and I believe it is beneficial to have an assortment of works even if you dont necessarily follow it. Anyways, thanks for another great narration Tony!
+@TwilightCreation Yes. the starting joe own religion clinched it for
me. Good Old Uncle Al
AWESOME
This has always been one of my favorites! 😘
Thank you for this rendition of a favourite M. R. James story. I never thought of it as clunky framework but I see your point. We seem to be addicted to fast information but I confess I like probably like long prologue way too much. By the by the helpful brother is definitely mentioned at the lunch.
I don't know why I like this story so much, perhaps because it's just a neat little story with (to me) a tidy end for that nasty Carswell.Not to mention some lovely Jamesion notes: the ad on the tram and the leaflet, the white hopping creature and that hairy mouth with teeth beneath the pillow, (that's right up there with the primal fear of the 'boggle under the bed). Yes it definitely has the ring of a boys own adventure, and yes, I am a long time lover of Treasure island.
Thanks again Tony, great listening and great end ramble, as always.
Thanks again Tony.
I really enjoyed your reading of this; for someone who is never able to just sit and read it, is a literary oxygen mask.
By the way I don't do the not meaning it thing.
I guess that's another way in which I am awkward.
I really do want to know how people are.
This story scare the hell out of me like the way the movie"Rosemary's Baby" does. I can't ever watch that film 📽️ again. Well done Mr. James!😱
There is a mention of Henry, but not by name, only that the first victim had a brother who was looking into the death. It was a casual, almost throwaway line during the luncheon.
Hurray! One of my favorites! I've been off UA-cam a bit, lovely to hear your cultured voice again :-)
My real voice isn’t cultured :(
Thank you though
I'm US American from New Jersey (think The Sopranos), so all UK/Irish accents are cultured to me XD@@ClassicGhost
@@ringingthechanges If only that were true !
Just wait until you hear someone in Short Hills order a cuppacawfee anna chawklate cubcake, you'll feel better :-) @@ClassicGhost
This is certainly an unconventional story for James, and probably not his most popular, at least as originally written--I think it's telling that Tony, Simon, and Ian have all recorded many other MRJ stories before taking on this one. At the same time, this might possibly be his most adaptable; I am aware of more adaptations of this than of any other story by James. Several listeners have already referenced 'Night of the Demon'/'Curse of the Demon,' which is worth watching (I would say the same for Jacques Tourneur's work in general; I've seen his RKO collaborations with Val Lewton from the 1940s and I can recommend all of them). I'm also aware of a CBS Radio Mystery Theater drama under the title 'This Will Kill You!'--which is, as far as I know, their only adaptation of a James story.
This is a plot that lends itself easily to dramatisation. Compared to some of James's more internal stories, like 'Whistle,' there is a lot of interaction between characters, and a very tense climax. This is probably the only James story in which a character who has fallen afoul of the supernatural manages to avert his doom--probably because his antagonist, unusually for James, is alive. And Mr Karswell himself is a memorable character. James's protagonists notoriously tend to conform to the same type, but his villains can be a memorable menacing presence, even if their victims know of them only from brief glimpses and hearsay for most of the story. Karswell stands out because he is both in command of terrifying forces and, at the same time, hilariously petty.
Wonderful commentary of this story. Thank you.
@@ClassicGhost Thanks! I'm listening to your new Christie story now.
More beautiful than the other one. 😉
Quite similar to the amazing movie Night of the Demon 1957!
That movie was quite good for its time, but there is something to be said about the theatre of the mind…
Did you notice that the story ends on a slightly questioning note, as far as the morality of Dunning's and Harrington's actions are concerned? Dunning is a bit uncertain if they've done the right thing, whereas Harrington is emphatically sure that they did. Karswell is a murderer, and they have executed justice upon him. Maybe because he has personally suffered at Karswell's hands, and has waited a long time for this injustice to be avenged, Harrington is not sentimental about turning the tables on him and letting him suffer the consequences of his own evil. But Dunning is not such a stern moralist: he persuades Harrington to let him send a message to Karswell, warning him that he's in danger. It's unknown if Karswell even received the message - in any case, his creature catches up with him and carries out the punishment. But on listening to you reading this story it occurred to me that Dunning's sentimentality could have had dire consequences. What if Karswell HAD received the message and understood it? Might he not have hastily passed the runes on to some passing stranger, and left him to suffer the onslaught of the demon? And then he'd have returned to England bent on vengeance, and Dunning might not have had the good fortune of escaping a second time. I think Harrington's more extensive experience with Karswell's villainy should have made his the deciding vote.
Beautifully read, man! Thank you. Your voice is ambrosial.
Loved the scene of the fellow, safe and cozy in bed, suddenly horrified at fingering something's wet mouth hole! And the fur covering the thing!! Wow Terrifying.
Sigmund Freud would probably say this scene was the author subconsciously revealing his deepest fears and explains why the author avoided the company of women, and the lower classes. Lol
I go through the comments when I wake up because lots of them done overnight when I’m asleep. this was a lovely comment which I really enjoyed thank you
I've never been bothered by the sort of jerky structure of this story. The switching from one narrator to another reminds me a bit of Wilkie Collins's style of story-telling, like in 'The Moonstone' where you go from one person's diary to another person's letters then another memoir, all contributing little bits to the tale. And it's not quite true that Henry Harrington comes into the story unheralded: he's mentioned at the beginning, when the Secretary and his wife are hearing about how John Harrington skewered Karswell's first book 10 years earlier. After Harrington's bizarre death, his brother Henry had tried to find an explanation for it, but had not succeeded. After Dunning starts having strange experiences and tells the Secretary (Gayton) about them, as well as how the name Harrington has cropped up, Gayton's wife reminds her husband about Henry Harrington who'd been trying to investigate his brother's death, and that's how he and Dunning meet.
I'm sure I have listened to what appeared to be essentially the same story recently but the runes were passed on to the originator by a lady when she passed him her telephone number in an envelope on a train to Edinburgh. Is that another version by the same author or a different author, does anyone know?
Am I the only one noticing slight audio problems with the last couple of stories? Like the endings of sentences being cut off?
is it the he beginnings rather than the ends? that’s a serious question by the way !
First