No Living Voice | A Ghost Story by Thomas Street Millington | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубліковано 1 бер 2021
- As an after-dinner entertainment, Mr. Browne is prevailed upon to relate an adventure which befell him in Italy, when he became stranded near Naples without a bed for the night. He finds shelter at an isolated farmhouse/inn, but is not destined to have a peaceful night's sleep...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Thomas Street Millington (1821-c.1906) was a clergyman and apparently a prolific writer of "adventure stories for boys" in the mid-19th century. However, he has since fallen into such obscurity, that I've not been able to find out any more information about him. Millington isn't known for any other ghost stories, and indeed his authorship of this one is not absolutely certain. 'No Living Voice' was published anonymously in the periodical Temple Bar in April 1872. It was apparently ascribed to Millington at some point in the 20th century by the 'Wellesley Index of Victorian Periodicals'.
Regular listeners will notice that the title card above contains no picture of the author: I've not been able to find one. The image on the title card is a detail from the painting 'Salvator Rosa Sketching the Banditi' (1860), by the British-born American artist Thomas Moran (1837-1926).
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2021. - Розваги
Perfect way to spend quality time. No news!!! Is great news! No political theatre, no stress. It's all about time and quality! Thank you!
Wonderful, thanks Pirate Chuck!
Well Said! News is depressing and subjective and elective very little truth total buffoonery
👏 to all of you!
U are damn happy right buddy
Ignoring politics is a privilege.
Just as I was struggling to find something to listen to!
Many thanks.
Glad to help, thanks Glease
I came early to bed. I worked hard today and this is my reward.
Thank you, before I even hear the story
Excellent! I’m surprised this story isn’t better known - or the magnificently named Thomas Street Millington, for that matter. I think what I enjoy about the stories of that era (as well as the actual tales themselves) is the vision conjured up of a group of friends in front of a fireplace, glass of port in hand, as one of their number tells a story. It speaks of an age of companionship and simple pleasures, long gone. Nowadays when people get together, everybody starts looking at their phone (me too, I regret to say). I’d like to think that, post- COVID, we’d all appreciate the special happiness of human companionship again, but probably not!
Anyway - I digress - another great reading! Thank you Simon!
Wow!!! Well said for alot of us.
Thanks GradKat, a great observation, very true. Regarding the (supposed) author, I wish I could find out more information.... perhaps it's the lack of it that makes me question whether it has been attributed correctly, since I wonder why he isn't remembered for more stories in this vein. So many ghost stories in this era were originally published anonymously, especially by female writers. It's a fascinating area for research.
I think most people did not live like that.
So true! I would've loved to me in their company
A very interesting story from this unknown author. Thank you so much for bringing this story into our lives.
I always think these stories are very interesting. They are small windows to a time before us that shows us culture, ways of thinking, and satisfying language play.
Yes indeed, some fascinating insights into the era. Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment
There is a real talent in delivering a story with sufficient interpretation and maximum conviction. I am fast becoming a real enthusiast for Simon Stanhope’s readings.
Very kind of you to say so Mark, thank you very much!
Just lovely, Simon. Thank you! This would be a good one to listen to while lying in bed in the dark.👻😊
Thanks Shannon, sleep well!
I fall asleep to these stories too.
What Bliss , half an hour of listening to the Wonderful Words of Bitesized Audio Classics !
Let’s get comfortable , sit back and relax , we’re in good hands . 👌🏼 📚📕 ❤️🌹
Thanks Christine, hope you enjoyed it
very subtle, will have to listen to that one again tomorrow.
This story seemed like it could happen in real life
Excellent reading. Thank you again!
You're most welcome Rosie
Thank you so much for your stories. Please keep it up. I truly enjoy them all.
Thanks T Dunlop, I'll do my best!
And...just as enjoyable on a second listen. Even knowing the story and how it ends, the reading is so perfect I can listen to these over and over...
You always upload just when I need a new story for pre-bed listening XD Thanks!
Glad to know that! Serendipity.... Thanks for listening
So nice to listen to these at bedtime. Better than watching TV! Thanks for the post.
Wonderful, thanks Nick!
What an interesting version of the "traveller in danger" story! I thought I knew where it was headed, but I was wrong.
LOVED THE NARRATOR'S FORMAL VOICE.
Thank you Marian, glad you enjoyed it!
His voice runs its own fan club ! 🙂😁
Best one in the free audiobooks on UA-cam.
Well, there's also Alan Rickman.
Nice narration. These old stories are so much better than what's being written now.
Appreciated, thank you! Glad to say, I still have lots more on my to-do list....
Love these friends-gathered-around-fire-evening telling spooky stories. Must be Victorian/Edwardian time period.
Always a treat! Thank you.
Very enjoyable. Thank you for posting.
Thanks for listening Lynneda
Just perfect! Thank you so much! Blessings!🌹🧚🏻♀️🌹
Thanks Maria!
How very simple but impressive a ghost story can be, when properly done!
A simple but heart touching story read out so beautifully, eloquently. The work of a seasoned accomplished pro. Very well done!
Thanks so much Simon Stanhope Sir.
I am always genuinely so happy to hear your living voice. Thank you every time!
Thanks k-g!
Excellent... Thank you!
Thanks again Simon, the stories you choose , your voice & spirit gather me up & take me to the scenes, you're a reliable, friendly -sometimes frightful escape- thanks again
So glad to know that, thanks Odell Hicks!
Thank you for all your hard work. So grateful to find another little gem x
Thanks Jilly, you're most welcome
Hello.You' re very passionate about your subscribers and readers.It's quite an interesting story.Thank you, dear Simon.Have a pleasant and a lovely week.
Thank you again...Great stories 😊
Thanks Stella
What a great story, very much enjoyed. Thankyou!
London Calling. That was Fabulous. Thank you 🙏
Superb narration as usual - very enjoyable - thank you.
Eloquently spoken, thank you!
I really appreciate your work... Thank you!
Thanks for your support KiKi
Woo Hoo, another BAC drop!! LOVE these-
Thanks Scout!
Thanks Simon! Very enjoyable.
Well worth waiting for, thoroughly enjoyed the story, wonderfully narrated as always, Thank You
Appreciated, thanks Irena
@@BitesizedAudio your Very Welcome
thanks, Simon. you always bring such pathos to your readings, though not overly so :) 🌷🌱
A lovely reading of this little known tale. Thank you Simon.
This is great bedtime and a new story to listen too 💜💙💜💙🇦🇺🇦🇺
As a religious man, I found it strangely moving.
This story moved me.
I appreciate the dead an(pro?)tagonist of this tale a great deal: whilst I find the unreasonable dead more natural and terrifying - change and reason being the domain of living brains - the tale of a force of will to do good stronger than Death is terribly poignant, especially when contrasted to the living's lack of will to simply cease doing ill. I hope the lad got his ticket.
I wonder if 'Thomas Street[,] Millington' actually lived there, or whether it was simply a significant place to them...nevertheless, I appreciate the author's subtlety, too, and yourself for seeking out their work and reading it to the public. Appreciation all round!
Another wonderful story and perfect narration. Many thanks for all you do to make these possible.
Pleasure Mrs. C, glad to know you enjoyed it
I loved it! Thank you🤗
Glad to know that, thanks L Parsons - lovely to hear from you, I hope you're well
I love these stories
I literally just ripped my spleen out listening to this one. Thank you.
That sounds painful! Thanks for listening
It's always a special occasion to find a new story read by you! Thank you for this special treat! Wow, such an archaic thought to have to call for a candle! Makes you appreciate how fortunate we are to have electricity! lol Great Italian accent btw!
Thanks sugarfalls1. Yes indeed, where would we be without the light switch. Although... I seem to remember a character in 'Thurnley Abbey' says something to the effect of everyone knows electric light drives away ghosts (spoiler alert... he may have spoken too soon...)
Thank you 🙏 for another wonderful story. You are such a awesome story teller !! I’ve enjoyed so many of your reading. I’m hoping to listen to many more . God Bless !!
Very kind, thank you! Best wishes, thanks for listening and taking the time to comment
Interesting to realize that Italy was a series of Kingdoms and provinces before being unified.
I am now a member!!! Yay
The story and storytelling were fabulous. Thank you
Thanks so much for your support Tammy, I hugely appreciate it! I hope you're able to see the Community tab (I know some devices can't show it), but I do post member updates there so check it out if you can. Best wishes
Excellent reading, thank you!
Appreciated, thanks j malko
An interesting little ghost story, with an added dash of Italian banditti. I'd never heard of Thomas Street Millington before.
Fantastic as Ever
Thanks Frank!
Thanks for sharing, Simon. Happy New Year everyone! 😊
Happy new year 2024!
Thanks Simon! Let's all make 2024 a wonderful year! God is good! 😊
Wonderful as always, Simon. Does anyone know the meaning of the Latin phrase right at the end?
Thanks Greg. Yes indeed, it's more familiar to us in English as "Rest in Peace" (RIP)
Read brilliantly.
Thank you!
I usually love all these ghost stories but with this one, I can see why he was obscure. Deflated story that I for one was do disappointed with unlike ALL the others I listened to. Thank you for posting it anyway. It's just my opinion. Hope everyone else loved it. Blessings
Thanks keekee hawk, appreciated
@grandkat Indeed! Maybe I will invite my family to gather around and listen to this ghost story! Happy New Year to you.
What a surprisingly lovely story - so well narrated! If he did write it, it would be good to know what else he wrote - or to know any other story/stories by whoever did write it.
The more I think about it, the finer it seems: the bothersome bureaucracy, the admirable sincerity of its functionaries, their limitations - and successes: wow!
I'd heard this one elsewhere recently but nobody does it better than you, Simon. ❤
Heard it elsewhere, Bob?? And there was I, thinking I was digging up lost and forgotten gems... Ah, well, I'll keep digging... Thanks for your kind words, as always
It is a rarity for sure but what you bring to it makes all the difference. I heard one recently called, I think, A Woman's Ghost Story. Now you doing that gem would be epic. ❤
I shall add it to my list! Is it Algernon Blackwood? I'd like to do some of his stories, but there are copyright complications (his early work is public domain in the US, but not in the UK... the rules are a bit complicated). I shall investigate further anyway.
@@BitesizedAudio Yes Mr Blackwood. And The not A as I said previously. Deep joy. ❤
Thank you for this evening's reading. It was a pleasure. You never dissapoint!
Simon. This story would be a good one to include in your proposed collection. Also I would say include Some Strange Disturbances in Angiers Street. That one is so very powerful in my opinion. Thank you for all of your wonderful narrations!
Thanks Carol; both this story and the Le Fanu are strong contenders for the first collection
💖
This is the same story as the one with the bed that silently crushes people but with a ghost and no mechanism.
I think you're referring to 'A Terribly Strange Bed' by Wilkie Collins? I have recorded that one: ua-cam.com/video/tdMVtQXAaEQ/v-deo.html
Yes, I what you mean and I think the two stories have been confused with one another in the past. I think the supernatural element of this one does distinguish it, but personally I think that 'A Terribly Strange Bed' is a better story overall
@@BitesizedAudio YES! that's the one! It's nearly beat for beat. It really stuck with me.
Dear Simon, I have to tell that I didn't quite catch the meaning of one expression here.Would you mind to clarify this thing.
A perfect Sunday evening relaxing after dinner with you reading another of you well chosen yarns in fact this week two for your great yarns so perfection plus ! no Author portrait for this one and sadly I dont recognise the artist can you help
As always many many thanks RNK
Thanks Bob. Yes indeed, I did put a note in the description but it's a bit buried at the bottom, the picture is a detail from 'Salvator Rosa Sketching the Banditi' (1860), by the British-born American artist Thomas Moran (1837-1926), which seemed appropriate given the storyline. Regarding the portrait of the author: I've searched high and low and simply been unable to find one. I've encountered difficulties finding a verifiable portrait of obscure writers previously but have always managed to track one down eventually, but I've drawn a blank with this one unfortunately! If I ever find one, I shall update the card!
@@BitesizedAudio Sorry I should have checked !! but thanks for the information That fact that there was not an authors portrait was not meant as a criticism merely a comment , indeed I am always impressed by the trouble you take , as I am sure all your many fans are .Regards RNK
Oh, not taken as a criticism at all, Bob, I assure you! Really appreciate your support and comments
2 "a matter - of - fact person"...
What does it mean, dear Simon.
Hello Natalya. A "matter-of-fact" person generally means someone who tells a story "straight", without elaborating or embellishing it, or making it up from their own imagination. The implication may be they might be a bit boring, or unimaginative, but they are speaking truth, fact, rather than fiction. I hope that helps?
@@BitesizedAudio Sure.You're so kind...friendly and helpful, as usual.Many thanks!!!
👻👻👻😲😲😲👍👍👍👍👍
Excellent as always but what was the "Diligence"?
Isn't that the name of a kind of horse drawn wagon, like a bus nowadays?
Yes, Ramey Zamora is quite right, it's the name given to the stagecoach in France, and presumably Italy and other European countries in the 19th century: www.britannica.com/technology/diligence
@@BitesizedAudio Thanks'
0 52 in consequence of the l u l l of the conversation...what does it mean, dear Simon?
"A lull in the conversation" - this is that experience I'm sure most of us have had at some point, where you're having a conversation in a crowded room with lots of other people talking around you in groups, when everyone else seems to stop talking at about the same time, the room goes quiet, and everyone suddenly hears the one remaining conversation...
@@BitesizedAudio Great explanation.I'm very thankful.