Shows
The Ghost Stories of E F Benson, read by Richard CrowestGhost Stories read by Richard Crowest“I'm delighted to announce a new series of ghost story readings from E F Benson and other authors. Search YouTube for Ghost Stories read by Richard Crowest.”2022-12-2400 min
The Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiFor the Duration of the War“It was there, among the gooseberry bushes and beneath the medlar trees, that the temptation to the perpetration of a great literary fraud came to him.”2018-09-2000 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Cupboard of the Yesterdays“War is a cruelly destructive thing.”2018-01-3100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Purple of the Balkan Kings“Luitpold Wolkenstein drank his coffee, but the flavour had somehow gone out of it.”2017-12-3100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Image of the Lost Soul“There floated up to him, through the noise and bustle of the Cathedral world, a faint heart-aching message from the prisoner in the wicker cage far below.”2017-11-3000 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiHyacinth“‘Children with Hyacinth’s temperament don’t know better as they grow older; they merely know more.’”2017-10-2200 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Oversight“‘Intensive bear-gardening was Sir Richard’s description of the whole affair, and I don’t think he exaggerated.’”2017-08-1100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Sheep“‘I’m afraid I lost touch with the audience rather over that remark,’ said the Sheep afterwards.”2017-05-3100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Occasional Garden“‘It’s too large to be ignored altogether and treated as a yard, and it’s too small to keep giraffes in.’”2017-05-0100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Seven Cream Jugs“This particular scion was known by the ignominious and expressive label of Wilfrid the Snatcher.”2017-03-3100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiShock Tactics“‘Don’t forget the jewels. They are a detail, but details interest me.’”2017-01-3100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiMorlvera“They were the sort of toys that a tired shop-assistant displays and explains at Christmas time to exclamatory parents and bored, silent children.”2016-12-2500 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Bull“Now, the man of pigments was going to be shown a real picture, a living model of strength and comeliness."2016-11-1400 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiFate“There are occasions when one must take one’s Fate in one’s hands. Rex took the lamp in his.”2016-11-0100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Mappined Life“‘We are just so many animals stuck down on a Mappin terrace…’"2016-09-1700 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Hedgehog“‘I sometimes think these garden-parties are a mistake.’"2016-07-3100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiMark“‘A friend of mine said only the other day that he would as soon think of going into the tropics without quinine as of going on a visit without a couple of Mark Mellowkents in his kit-bag.’"2016-06-0400 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiExcepting Mrs. Pentherby“‘The hand that rocks the cradle rocks the world, in a volcanic sense.’"2016-05-0100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Threat“‘In the process of recapture the birds learned a quantity of additional language which unfitted them for further service in the Suffragette cause.’"2016-04-0500 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiCanossa“‘And may the Lord have mercy on the poll...’"2016-01-2800 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiQuail Seed“‘We might be living in the Arabian Nights,’ said Miss Fritten, excitedly."2015-09-3000 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Interlopers“A man stood one winter night watching and listening, as though he waited for some beast of the woods to come within range of his vision, and, later, of his rifle."2015-08-0300 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiForewarned“Never, in any novel that she had read, had a defenceless young woman been confronted with a situation like this."2015-07-0200 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiBertie's Christmas Eve“In the course of half an hour or so everything that it was permissible to say about Bertie had been said some dozens of times."2015-05-3100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiA Bread and Butter Miss“Bread and Butter wins! Good old Bread and Butter."2015-04-3000 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Penance“Beast!"2015-02-2800 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Guests“… any one will admit that it was an embarrassing predicament to have your only available guest-room occupied by a leopard…"2015-01-3000 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiLouis“… all that Lena will find when she comes home late in the afternoon will be a placidly defunct Louis."2014-11-2900 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Wolves of Cernogratz“When one has nothing left to one but memories, one guards and dusts them with especial care."2014-10-3100 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Disappearance of Crispina Umberleigh“He got a message one day telling him that his wife had been kidnapped and smuggled out of the country."2014-09-3000 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiTea“If one’s soul was really enslaved at one’s mistress’s feet how could one talk coherently about weakened tea?"2014-08-2900 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiLouise“If you say things like that, quite loud, in a Tube lift, they always sound like epigrams."2014-07-3100 min
Reginald, by SakiNow available - The Toys of Peace and Other PapersMy next Saki audiobook podcast, The Toys of Peace, is available now. Visit http://corvidae.co.uk/saki/ or subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/toys-peace-other-papers-by/id8946886442014-06-3000 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiThe Toys of Peace“Once back at the Louvre and the girls are mine!"2014-06-3000 minThe Toys of Peace and other papers, by SakiForeword: Hector Hugh Munro“I have always looked forward to the romance of a European war…” A portrait of Saki, his beliefs and his attitude to World War I, by his friend Rothay Reynolds.2014-06-3000 minReginald, by SakiThe Mouse‘… he proceeded with violent haste to extricate himself partially and the mouse entirely from the surrounding casings of tweed and half-wool.’2014-05-3100 minReginald, by SakiThe Baker’s Dozen‘“We can’t wait indefinitely for one of the children to take after a doubtfully depraved great aunt.”’2014-05-2400 minReginald, by SakiCross Currents‘To be beyond reproach was one thing, but it would have been nicer to have been nearer to the Park.’2014-05-0200 minReginald, by SakiThe Strategist‘Rollo faced the company with a smile that he imagined the better sort of aristocrat would have worn when mounting to the guillotine.’2014-04-2200 minReginald, by SakiThe Bag‘Major Pallaby was a victim of circumstances, over which he had no control, and of his temper, over which he had very little.’2014-03-3100 minReginald, by SakiThe Soul of Laploshka‘Laploshka was one of the meanest men I have ever met, and quite one of the most entertaining.’2014-03-1700 minReginald, by SakiThe Saint and the Goblin‘The goblin was too well bred to wink; besides, being a stone goblin, it was out of the question.’2014-02-2800 minReginald, by SakiGabriel-Ernest‘“Flesh,” said the boy, and he pronounced the word with slow relish…’2014-01-3100 minReginald, by SakiJudkin of the Parcels“And Judkin was even as these others; the wine had been suddenly spilt from his cup of life...”2014-01-1800 minReginald, by SakiA Young Turkish Catastrophe - in Two Scenes“Ali had wasted little effort on election literature, but had been heard to remark that every vote given to his opponent meant another sack thrown in the Bosporus.”2013-12-3000 minReginald, by SakiThe Blood-Feud of Toad-Water“Thus all communication between the households was sundered. Except the cats.”2013-12-1500 minReginald, by SakiThe Sex That Doesn’t Shop“Agatha apparently has an idea that blotting-paper is only sold in small quantities to persons of known reputation, who may be trusted not to put it to dangerous or improper uses.”2013-11-3000 minReginald, by SakiThe Lost Sanjak“Any one who has valeted a dead Salvation Army captain in an uncertain light will appreciate the difficulty.”2013-11-2400 minReginald, by SakiThe Reticence of Lady Anne“As a rule Lady Anne’s displeasure became articulate and markedly voluble after four minutes of introductory muteness.”2013-10-3100 minReginald, by SakiReginald in Russia“I always refused to learn Russian geography at school,”; observed Reginald; “I was certain some of the names must be wrong.”2013-10-2100 minReginald, by SakiThe Innocence of Reginald“Youth,” said the Other, “should suggest innocence.” “But never act on the suggestion.”2013-09-3000 minReginald, by SakiReginald's Rubaiyat“She said it wasn’t Persian enough, as though I were trying to sell her a kitten whose mother had married for love rather than pedigree.”2013-09-1900 minReginald, by SakiReginald's Christmas Revel“I privately wished that the bears would win sometimes on these occasions; at least they wouldn’t go vapouring about it afterwards.”2013-08-3100 minReginald, by SakiReginald on Tariffs“Mrs. Nicorax says I have no delicacy; she hasn’t forgiven me about the mice.”2013-08-2400 minReginald, by SakiReginald’s Drama“Wolves in the first act, by Jamrach.”2013-07-3100 minReginald, by SakiReginald on Besetting Sins: The Woman Who Told the Truth“The cook was a good cook, as cooks go; and as cooks go she went.”2013-07-2400 minReginald, by SakiReginald at the Carlton“The Duchess ate an anchovy in a shocked manner...”2013-06-3000 minReginald, by SakiReginald on House Parties“There's such a deadly sameness about partridges; when you’ve missed one you’ve missed the lot...”2013-06-2200 minReginald, by SakiReginald on Worries“I think she must have been very strictly brought up, she’s so desperately anxious to do the wrong thing correctly.”2013-05-3100 minReginald, by SakiReginald’s Choir Treat“The most virtuous women are not proof against damp grass.”2013-05-2400 minReginald, by SakiReginald's Peace Poem“I'm afraid I shall have to drop the aasvogel.”2013-04-3000 minReginald, by SakiReginald at the Theatre“That is the worst of a tragedy,” he observed, “one can’t always hear oneself talk.”2013-04-1900 minReginald, by SakiReginald on the Academy“To die before being painted by Sargent is to go to heaven prematurely.”2013-03-3100 minReginald, by SakiReginald on Christmas Presents“Unlike the alleged Good Woman of the Bible, I'm not above rubies.”2013-03-2100 minReginald, by SakiReginald“I did it - I who should have known better...”2013-02-2800 min
The Chronicles of ClovisThe Treasure ShipIn which the Duchess of Dulverton discovers that gold diggers make poor treasure seekers.2010-09-2900 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Open WindowIn which the restfulness of romance is greatly over-estimated.2010-08-3100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe HenIn which Mrs Sangrail commits a social faux-pas and Clovis performs a miracle.2010-07-3100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe BrogueIn which the Mullets lose a horse and gain a son-in-law.2010-06-2700 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Boar-PigIn which Mrs Stossen attends a party, and Matilda makes a killing.2010-04-0100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisLauraPetty vindictiveness is stronger than death.2010-02-1400 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe She-WolfWhite Fang meets White Mischief...2009-12-2300 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Remoulding of Groby LingtonA man is known by the company he keeps.2009-10-2500 minThe Chronicles of ClovisMinisters of GraceThe Duke of Scaw is on the side of the angels - but whose side are the angels on?2009-09-2000 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Secret Sin of Septimus BropeWhat dark impulses lurk in the breast of the editor of the Cathedral Monthly?2009-08-0900 minThe Chronicles of ClovisA Matter of Sentiment"Lady Susan disapproved of racing. She disapproved of many things; some people went as far as to say that she disapproved of most things."2009-06-2700 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe RecessionalIn which Clovis pens an ode and Mrs Packletide finally bests Loona Bimberton.2009-05-3100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Hounds of FateThey're in the trees. They're coming.2009-04-2300 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Talking-Out of TarringtonIn which Clovis covers his aunt’s escape with a peach of a story.2009-03-3100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Peace of Mowsle BartonThe peace and quiet of the countryside is like a duck pond - calm and tranquil on the surface, but with secrets hidden in its murky depths...2009-02-2800 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Peace OfferingIn which the Baroness plans an entertainment, and Cassandra foretells disaster - with a little help from Clovis.2009-01-3100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Way to the DairyIn which the Brimley Bomefields find an aunt - and lose a fortune.2008-12-2700 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Story of St VespaluusHoney for the Prince?2008-11-3000 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Music on the HillBeware of horned beasts in autumn time.2008-10-3100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisFilboid Studge - The Story of a Mouse that HelpedCredit Crunch for breakfast, anyone?2008-10-0100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Easter EggA seemingly innocent story with a bleak and bitter twist in the tail - one with startling pre-echoes of an event that would lead ultimately to Saki's own death, along with millions upon millions of others. Perhaps its real tragedy, though, lies in the way it highlights how little has changed in the last century.2008-09-1100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisWratislavBaa baa black sheep - have you any conscience?2008-08-1500 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe QuestClovis braves hysterical parents and Christian Scientists in his search for hollandaise.2008-07-2700 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe ChapletIf music be the food of hatred...2008-06-2800 minThe Chronicles of ClovisAdrian - A Chapter in Acclimatization"One can discourage too much history in one's family, but one cannot always prevent geography."2008-05-2800 minThe Chronicles of ClovisSredni VashtarSaki's darkest tale, a stark warning to all domineering guardians not to go ferreting around where they're not wanted...2008-04-2200 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Jesting of Arlington StringhamThe quest for domestic harmony is no joking matter...2008-03-1900 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Unrest-CureWhen Clovis overhears a railway passenger lamenting his humdrum life, he wates no time in devising a remedial program - or should that be pogrom?2008-02-2000 minThe Chronicles of ClovisHermann the Irascible - A Story of the Great WeepAn alternative history of the Suffragette movement, where the cat-and-mouse act is replaced by the cat-and-cream act...2008-01-3000 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe BackgroundBeauty may be only skin deep, but what about art?2007-12-2600 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Stampeding of Lady BastableClovis finds a revolutionary way of avoiding an unpleasant stay at the Bastables' country seat.2007-11-2300 minThe Chronicles of ClovisMrs Packletide's TigerEnvy, envy, burning bright...2007-10-3100 minThe Chronicles of ClovisTobermoryIf you can talk to the animals - and they can talk to you - it's time to reach for the strychnine.2007-09-2800 minThe Chronicles of ClovisThe Match-MakerClovis finds ultimate spiritual fulfilment in the unselfishness of an oyster, and announces his plans for his Mother's third marriage.2007-08-1200 minThe Chronicles of ClovisEsméClovis lends a reluctant ear as the Baroness relates a hunting story with a difference.2007-07-0100 min