These stories are amazing. The narration is fantastic. Blackwood was so descriptive in his writing, which is almost as perfect and mechanical as can be. He followed all the rules long before the time of computers to check everything. Thanks for bringing these stories to us!
Oooooh my very favorite Blackwood. After hearing Silent+dog+cat vs Dead Witch, I more than ever appreciate Blackwood's fascination for cats. Really nice story, thanks!!!
I understand how Blackwood is too descriptive and slow paced for some. I, however, enjoy every one of his writings and found your reading as flawless as his writing (as usual). Much love, Ian
That's what I actually like about his stories - especially "The Willows". It takes time to develop atmosphere and allow the creep to inch closer. Blackwood and M R James were both masters in being able to create that.
Blackwood spends a long time developing certain scenes or characters that don't necessarily warrant so much time. If you've listened to the first John Silence (which I did just last night), then the introduction of the dog and cat is a prime example. Ian did an amazing job of making that less tedious than it would've been in text.
That's what I like about his work. I also enjoy many other horror and fantasy fiction writers for the same reason, such as Walter De La Mare, although his writing is much less introspective.
I agree. Sometimes I am impatient with an author's development of "atmosphere." Sometimes the author just isn't able to carry it off without sounding monotonous. But Blackwood does a wonderful job of being detailed without becoming tedious...
I find myself coming back to this story quite often, it's really marvellous. As always, thank you for providing these readings, it's been a blessing to hear authors I wouldn't have otherwise found.
@Rick 1776-1970 content has no....WHAAAAT!? They allow streamers to monetize their videos of playing a video game and claim this has no value!? What in...who the......I don't want to live on this planet anymore. Everytime I hear something as ridiculous as this ...the closer we are to losing all reason and bring forth the Great Old Ones....You want to summon CTHULHU BECAUSE THAT'S HOW YOU SUMMON CTHULHU!!!! XD
I thoroughly enjoy all your stories I’ve listened to. Every single story holds my interest entirely. And your narration is fantastic. Keep up the good work! It shows how hard y’all are working, especially in the care to attend to detail in your work! I greatly appreciate y’all!!
Spread the word far and wide! Lets show these "individuals" just how much value HB content really has to all of us!! This story sparks imagination...that kind of 😸can get a man into some tight spots😃😃Wonderfully done Ian.
Hmm....he has a rather irritating tendency to allow his sentences to fall off towards the end. And his modulations seem completely random ? Lack of theatrical experience I suspect.?
I'm really glad to see that Horror Bable keep continuing the John Silence stories. I really like this character, besides that I've been trying to read this story for such a long time but did not had time for it. It's good to know that I can finally listen to it in one of my favourite channels.
So so happy to see your subscribers increasing! I haven't listened or commented much and unfortunately had to cease my donations via Patreon, but I send as many people as I can your way because the readings you provide are so clear and wonderfully theatrical. Please keep doing what you're doing! Side note: I've been making painted canvasses wrapped in chainmaile. They're neat. I'd love to customize one for you guys and donate it to the cause. If you have a P.O. for fans that is.
Damn, that sounds awesome, Josh! But unfortunately we don't have a mailing address yet. Perhaps in the near future! Always appreciate hearing from you, sir! Ian
Oh I have been looking forward to this! The first John Silence was my first long reading from you and ever since then I have started to enjoy the longer readings the most.
"Satan is there!" XD On a more serious note, I begin to notice a pattern that the author has a soft spot for: middle-aged man meets an attractive, slender teenager and is bewitched because duh, she's a witch.
i’ve heard this read before, but your interpretation is very different and makes the story really live. it’s the way you read the meek little man - the story makes so much more sense. thanks :}
Great story. Puts me in mind of portions of "The Golden Bough" by Sir James Frazer, who differentiates the 'power' of sorcery and magic from cultural/religious thought.
I noticed the description of someone's whiskers as "dundrearies". Lord Dundreary was the most famous role of the comic actor, Edward Askew Sothern, whose life is well worth looking up.
Oh, that was one word? I thought 'dun, dreary whiskers' - as in light brownish (e.g. 'Book of the Dun Cow') and kind of droopy. This is what I get for not using the Closed Captioning. :D
I've really been enjoying these horror babble stories! One question, when you deliver these stories your eloquence and the way you flow through the story is amazing. Do you have to practice a lot before getting started?
Have you checked out A Podcast to the Curious yet? They are dedicated to discussions on M. R. James, Blackwood, & other classic horror writers. Figured you might enjoy them
Please do more of these long-form stories/novellas! I realize it's a lot of work, but they are so damn enjoyable. The short stories just go by too quickly.
Absolutely, Russ - at the moment I'm trying to deliver at least a couple of longer tales per month, despite the fact that my time, unfortunately, is limited. All the best! Ian
This is the big one, quality wise, as far as these John Silence stories go. Looking forward to your reading of Secret Worship too, as that one is pretty good too. IMO I am in the same mind as I am with the Carnacki stories: a couple of good one and a lot of meh.
I need a story with as many different elder gods from as many different stories as possible kinda like the 7 geases but even more gods and unnatural primordial places
I have noticed that The Great & "Original" Steven King has seemed to have barrowed quite a bit from Algernon Blackwood and H.P. Lovecraft. I don't believe that Steven King has credited these Truly Great Authors. Instead, he mentions other Authors. Most of whom are so obvious, that he must mention them. Then there are the decoys. For some reason Mr. King thinks he can get away with what he has done & it seems that he has.
Does not god gather souls, as well ?? If you ask me the difference is academic , they "angels" bicker like children. Why, all gods need souls to have power ,to say different is ludicrous, we shall see ,2000yrs have past,someone heal your soul now and I do not mean 'the fallen one'.
These stories are amazing. The narration is fantastic. Blackwood was so descriptive in his writing, which is almost as perfect and mechanical as can be. He followed all the rules long before the time of computers to check everything.
Thanks for bringing these stories to us!
Oooooh my very favorite Blackwood. After hearing Silent+dog+cat vs Dead Witch, I more than ever appreciate Blackwood's fascination for cats. Really nice story, thanks!!!
I've been listening to you EVERY SINGLE NIGHT for months now. Thank you so much.
Another first class narration. Thank you!
I understand how Blackwood is too descriptive and slow paced for some. I, however, enjoy every one of his writings and found your reading as flawless as his writing (as usual). Much love, Ian
That's what I actually like about his stories - especially "The Willows". It takes time to develop atmosphere and allow the creep to inch closer. Blackwood and M R James were both masters in being able to create that.
I don't understand, however. Detail and colour, place and personality, background and surroundings make it WORK.
Blackwood spends a long time developing certain scenes or characters that don't necessarily warrant so much time. If you've listened to the first John Silence (which I did just last night), then the introduction of the dog and cat is a prime example. Ian did an amazing job of making that less tedious than it would've been in text.
That's what I like about his work. I also enjoy many other horror and fantasy fiction writers for the same reason, such as Walter De La Mare, although his writing is much less introspective.
I agree. Sometimes I am impatient with an author's development of "atmosphere." Sometimes the author just isn't able to carry it off without sounding monotonous. But Blackwood does a wonderful job of being detailed without becoming tedious...
Ian Gordon is a wonderful story teller
I find myself coming back to this story quite often, it's really marvellous.
As always, thank you for providing these readings, it's been a blessing to hear authors I wouldn't have otherwise found.
This channel is a treasure trove, Thank you, so much.
You never let me down. Despite the undeserved slander by Utube you continue to amaze.
@Rick 1776-1970 What happened? I'm 6 months out of the loop and just coming back.
@Rick 1776-1970 Damn it. When was this? This isn't even a political channel or anything.
@Rick 1776-1970 content has no....WHAAAAT!? They allow streamers to monetize their videos of playing a video game and claim this has no value!? What in...who the......I don't want to live on this planet anymore. Everytime I hear something as ridiculous as this ...the closer we are to losing all reason and bring forth the Great Old Ones....You want to summon CTHULHU BECAUSE THAT'S HOW YOU SUMMON CTHULHU!!!! XD
@@Zarryon12 We deserve a visit from Cthulu and other celebrated ppl from the Necronomicon!!!!! This is more unreal than Lovecraft story...
I missed the slander thank God. Only seen deep appreciation!!
I thoroughly enjoy all your stories I’ve listened to. Every single story holds my interest entirely. And your narration is fantastic. Keep up the good work! It shows how hard y’all are working, especially in the care to attend to detail in your work! I greatly appreciate y’all!!
Your voice is amazing!! NEVER EVER STOP READING US STORIES!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PASSIO.N AND OUR ABSOLUTE PLEASURE!
Thank you so much for introducing me to this series!! Beautiful work as always!!
Spread the word far and wide! Lets show these "individuals" just how much value HB content really has to all of us!!
This story sparks imagination...that kind of 😸can get a man into some tight spots😃😃Wonderfully done Ian.
I love this type of story. Everything is so well described and the minds of the characters are opened up.
Your narrations are audiobook worthy.
Hmm....he has a rather irritating tendency to allow his sentences to
fall off towards the end. And his
modulations seem completely
random ? Lack of theatrical experience I suspect.?
Great writing. Love characters I can visualize. Really enjoy Blackwood. Thanks
I'm really glad to see that Horror Bable keep continuing the John Silence stories. I really like this character, besides that I've been trying to read this story for such a long time but did not had time for it. It's good to know that I can finally listen to it in one of my favourite channels.
Fantastic! This reading was so immersive. I had no trouble visualizing the events
So so happy to see your subscribers increasing! I haven't listened or commented much and unfortunately had to cease my donations via Patreon, but I send as many people as I can your way because the readings you provide are so clear and wonderfully theatrical. Please keep doing what you're doing!
Side note: I've been making painted canvasses wrapped in chainmaile. They're neat. I'd love to customize one for you guys and donate it to the cause. If you have a P.O. for fans that is.
Damn, that sounds awesome, Josh! But unfortunately we don't have a mailing address yet. Perhaps in the near future! Always appreciate hearing from you, sir! Ian
Oh I have been looking forward to this! The first John Silence was my first long reading from you and ever since then I have started to enjoy the longer readings the most.
This is beautifully written (and read!). One of Blackwood's best in my opinion.
"Satan is there!" XD
On a more serious note, I begin to notice a pattern that the author has a soft spot for: middle-aged man meets an attractive,
slender teenager and is bewitched because duh, she's a witch.
Perfect for my work road trip tomorrow
i’ve heard this read before, but your interpretation is very different and makes the story really live. it’s the way you read the meek little man - the story makes so much more sense. thanks :}
Great story. Puts me in mind of portions of "The Golden Bough" by Sir James Frazer, who differentiates the 'power' of sorcery and magic from cultural/religious thought.
I really enjoy Algernon Blackwood's stories; and I especially like Dr. Silence stories. I have always found this one particularly haunting...
I love the John Silence Stories. Thank you!
Your show just keeps getting better and better ..... love it :-)
Oh, so THIS is how you become a Jellicle Cat.
I noticed the description of someone's whiskers as "dundrearies". Lord Dundreary was the most famous role of the comic actor, Edward Askew Sothern, whose life is well worth looking up.
Oh, that was one word? I thought 'dun, dreary whiskers' - as in light brownish (e.g. 'Book of the Dun Cow') and kind of droopy. This is what I get for not using the Closed Captioning. :D
The radio series Escape did this one as well as The CBS Radio Mystery Theater which called it Velvet Claws.
Yeah, this easily the most popular John Silence story. BBC also did a multi part, unabridged radio reading of it years ago.
Thomas Swafford you have to be over 70
@@fatstheusertheuserfats286 no, I listened to it when I was a kid.
I appreciate this, thank you. I know it is no small effort making this long of a tale...
Great story masterfully told Thank you for it
The greatest and oldest emotion is fear, and the greatest and oldest fear is the fear of the furries.
I look forward to the next installment.
Great job. Congratulations!
‘’A cause du sommeil et a cause des chats’, is ‘Because of sleep and because of cats.’ 🐈 🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈
Thanks for the vid sir.👍🏼👍🏼
Read them all and now enjoying your fine readings.
Thank you
I've really been enjoying these horror babble stories! One question, when you deliver these stories your eloquence and the way you flow through the story is amazing. Do you have to practice a lot before getting started?
Thanks Robert! There's no short answer to your question I'm afraid. It's just a case of getting to it on a regular basis! All the best, Ian.
Have you checked out A Podcast to the Curious yet? They are dedicated to discussions on M. R. James, Blackwood, & other classic horror writers. Figured you might enjoy them
We are indeed aware of the podcast - it's superb!
Please do more of these long-form stories/novellas! I realize it's a lot of work, but they are so damn enjoyable. The short stories just go by too quickly.
Absolutely, Russ - at the moment I'm trying to deliver at least a couple of longer tales per month, despite the fact that my time, unfortunately, is limited. All the best! Ian
Reminds me of HPL Shadow over Innsmouth
thank you!!!!!!
That was amazing. Old Algernon knows about cats allright.
Is there a link to the 1st case?
The Silence playlist is on the main channel page, Nicole. :)
Algenon Blackwood is brilliant
I'm going to have to research him.
I remember reading this story when I was young and thinking why did he run, I'd have stayed and joined them. I thought it again today.
🙏🏻danke!!!
This is the big one, quality wise, as far as these John Silence stories go. Looking forward to your reading of Secret Worship too, as that one is pretty good too.
IMO I am in the same mind as I am with the Carnacki stories: a couple of good one and a lot of meh.
Which Carnacki stories do you think are the best? Not listened to them yet.
I see many cat memes in your future!
Loved this story……Blackwood was so unique. He has inspired me for 50+ years. Thanks Uncle Algie.
Clearly influenced the shadow over innsmouth
Better cat witches than skinwalkers.
I wholeheartedly approve of your sentiment.
Indeed. :) Also I wouldn't mind living with cat witches just as long they control the rodent situation.
Is this in public domain?
The story is, but not the recording.
I need a story with as many different elder gods from as many different stories as possible kinda like the 7 geases but even more gods and unnatural primordial places
So, what is this story really about?
It should have been made into a film in about 1973, with Donald Pleasence and Leonora Fani, and no John Silence.
Year of the Cat by Al Stewart.
You've thrown away your choice and lost your ticket, so you'll have to stay on.
Do you mean 'the furies' ?
I guess they were playing Schoenberg
👍
It reminds me of the Balkan music
Seventee… abort! Abort!
I have noticed that The Great & "Original" Steven King has seemed to have barrowed quite a bit from Algernon Blackwood and H.P. Lovecraft. I don't believe that Steven King has credited these Truly Great Authors. Instead, he mentions other Authors. Most of whom are so obvious, that he must mention them. Then there are the decoys. For some reason Mr. King thinks he can get away with what he has done & it seems that he has.
My dog didn't like this story. It makes her ... anxious. LOL
First haha. Yesss
A bit silly. Nicely read though
Does not god gather souls, as well ?? If you ask me the difference is academic , they "angels" bicker like children. Why, all gods need souls to have power ,to say different is ludicrous, we shall see ,2000yrs have past,someone heal your soul now and I do not mean 'the fallen one'.
108.05
1:49:02 "...and the Nazi untied whereof tongues trains"
Ah just another decadent christian themed story .
So you should demand a refund.
I was waiting for this 2ed part ...thanks for this .. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🕷👣🕸❗