The Well Told Tale
by The Well Told Tale
Hi everyone. This is Robert. Welcome to The Well Told Tale. Every week I narrate a classic story; the greatest science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction stories ever written, not just in a small chunk at a time, but enough for you to really relax into. No adverts in the middle, just the story itself. All stories are pubic domain and free from copyright.
Episodes
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Frankenstein - Part 5 (of 10)
An innocent woman has been framed for the murder of Victor’s brother. Victor believes the monster is responsible, but how can he prove it? You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this…
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Frankenstein - Part 4 (of 10)
Victor Frankenstein's monster is missing. After Victor fled from the monster, he suffered a serious illness and was nursed back to health by his friend Henry Clerval. They have just returned from a restorative walking holiday to find a letter from Victor's family... You can support the channel…
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Frankenstein - Part 3 (of 10)
Victor Frankenstein has begun his studies in chemistry, which are about to lead him down a dark path... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local...
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Frankenstein - Part 2 (of 10)
Our story began in the artic, with Dr Viktor Frankenstein chasing a monster. This week Frankenstein is ready to share his tale of how he came to be there... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps...
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Frankenstein - Part 1 (of 10)
In the summer of 1816, at the age of just eighteen, Mary Shelley was visiting Byron at his home in Geneva. The bad weather prompted Byron to challenge his guests to write a ghost story. Shelley's story that night grew into 'Frankenstein', which was first published in 1818. Credited as the first...
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Feathertop
This week we have a classic American short story by Nathanial Hawthorne. Best known for his novel " The Scarlet Letter". Feathertop was the final story Hawthorne ever published, a moral story about human character. Mother Rigby's final musings are a lesson for us all... You can support the…
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The War of the Worlds - Part 9 (of 9)
Our nameless hero has escaped and a lot has changed in the two weeks he was confined. What has happened and will humanity survive the invasion? Please support The Well Told Tale on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org…
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The War of the Worlds - Part 8 (of 9)
Our nameless hero and the curate are trapped; their shelter is right next to an alien landing pad. Will they be able to observe the Martians and remain hidden? Please support The Well Told Tale on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying books from our...
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The War of the Worlds - Part 7 (of 9)
Our nameless hero is still in formerly leafy Surrey watching the destruction of London from afar with his new companion the Curate. What's next for our hero's brother? And how much destruction have the aliens left in their wake? Please support The Well Told Tale on Patreon -...
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The War of the Worlds - Part 6 (of 9)
Our hero is in Surrey watching the Alien invasion continue. The Martian assault has intensified, more tripods have landed, and a new poisonous gas is being released onto the streets of London. Panic has overtaken London as millions try to evacuate the city... Please support The Well Told Tale on...
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The War of the Worlds - Part 5 (of 9)
The Martians continue to advance, causing destruction everywhere. The British army has disabled one alien tripod, but they are outmatched and outgunned. Where will the Martians strike next? What will our nameless hero do now? Please support The Well Told Tale on Patreon -...
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The War of the Worlds - Part 4 (of 9)
Horsall Common is aflame, the Martians have opened fire, and our narrator is fleeing the area. The rest of the world is unaware of the threat, but how long will that last? Please support The Well Told Tale on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying…
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The War of the Worlds - Part 3 (of 9)
Last time the cylinder opened and out came the Martians, their heat rays destroying everything in their path. Our narrator was able to escape, but for how long? And will the British military be able to save the day? Please support The Well Told Tale on Patreon -...
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The War of the Worlds - Part 2 (of 9)
In our last episode, an alien cylinder crash-landed in Horsell Common and became a tourist attraction. What will happen when the cylinder opens?... Please support The Well Told Tale on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org...
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The War of the Worlds - Part 1 (of 9)
We begin a new tale, possibly the most important and impactful science fiction novel ever written, The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. Since it's publication it has never been out of print and has been adapted into movies, television and radio series. The story is set in rural England where,...
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Rattle Of Bones
We have a Robert E Howard short story this week. Solomon Kane is on a mission to rid the world of evil wherever he finds it. What dark magic will our hero encounter in today's tale... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from…
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 11 (of 11)
In our last episode, our heroes found a mysterious tunnel marked by Arne Saknussemm, whose writings sent our heroes on their journey to the centre of the Earth. They now need to blast their way through, but where will this tunnel take them? You can support the channel via our Patreon:...
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 10 (of 11)
What lies ahead for our heroes? In the last episode's finale, they found that the storm had taken them back to their starting point on the raft. Will they make another attempt across the subterranean sea or return to the surface? You can support the channel via our Patreon:...
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 9 (of 11)
Our heroes have discovered a vast ocean beneath the Earth. They are now on a raft speeding across it. How large is this ocean (or is it a sea?) and will they reach the other side? You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our...
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 8 (of 11)
In our last episode, Axel had fallen and slipped into unconsciousness. He had been separated from the group and was returning to them through sound. Will the professor and Hans find him in time? You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying...
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 7 (of 11)
Our heroes have been travelling steadily toward the centre of the Earth. With their water replenished, they have decided to rest for a day and calculate exactly where they are and where they should head next... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale...
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 6 (of 11)
Our heroes are running out of water. The professor urges them to continue, but to survive, they must find a way to replenish their dwindling supplies... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps...
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 5 (of 11)
Our heroes have found the crater and are ready to begin their descent to the centre of the Earth... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local…
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 4 (of 11)
Axel and Professor Lidenbrock are travelling to Snæfellsjökull with their guide, Hans, where they believe they will discover the gateway to the centre of the Earth. You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org…
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 3 (of 11)
We pick up our tale in Copenhagen, where Axel and Professor Lidenbrock are about to head to Iceland. They have followed the clues and are hoping to find the entrance to the centre of the Earth... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying...
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 2 (of 11)
Last week, our main characters Axel and his uncle, Professor Lidenbrock, discovered a coded message from a 16th-century alchemist, Arne Saknussemm. Axel has decoded the message but has decided not to share this information, with his uncle. You can support the channel via our Patreon:...
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Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Part 1 (of 11)
Our next story has seen numerous adaptations, including films, plays, radio dramas, and even a theme park ride. 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth', a classic by Jules Verne first published in French in 1864, gained further popularity with the English translation by Frederick Amadeus Malleson in...
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The Oversight
Our story this week is by Miles J Breuer, an American-Czech physician who wrote science fiction and short stories in his spare time. This story is typical of Breuer's writing: fast paced and full of interesting ideas. In this case, what would you do if, driving down the road, you suddenly...
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The Shadow Out of Time - Part 4 (of 4)
We rejoin Nathaniel in Australia, where he is excavating ancient ruins. He believes these ruins are the place where he was held captive during his period of amnesia. Despite his apprehensions, he finds himself increasingly drawn into the darkness of the excavation site. What horrors await him?…
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The Shadow Out of Time - Part 3 (of 4)
Last week, we learned more about our protagonist, Nathaniel Wingate Peaslee, as he worked through what happened to him between 1908 and 1913. Piecing it all together from his dreams and accounts of others who seem to have gone through the same thing, it seems too incredible to be true - could...
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The Shadow Out of Time - Part 2 (of 4)
Last week, we were introduced to our protagonist, Nathaniel Wingate Peaslee, who cannot remember what happened to him between 1908 and 1913. During that time, it appears he was overtaken by another personality. He has dreams of being a prisoner in an alien land. Nathaniel also discovered that he…
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The Shadow Out of Time - Part 1 (of 4)
We revisit one of our favorite authors, H.P. Lovecraft. In this story, Lovecraft delves into themes of psychological horror and the fragility of sanity. Influenced by the film Berkeley Square, Lovecraft believed that writing this novella helped him solve the conceptual problems of time travel...
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The Ugly Duckling
This week we have an original fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen: The Ugly Duckling. Was it inspired by the bullying Hans Christian Andersen faced as a child, or by his discovery that he was the illegitimate son of Prince Christian Frederick? Whatever the inspiration, it's a tale that still...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 13 (of 13)
Mr Cavor's messages from the Moon continue. In his latest communication, he has revealed that he is set to meet the leader of the Selenites: the Grand Lunar. Will this be the last time we hear from him? You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books -...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 12 (of 13)
A Dutch Scientist has contacted Mr Bedford: Mr Julius Wendigee, who claims he has received messages from Mr Cavor on the Moon. Mr Bedford is eager to find out what happened to Cavor... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 11 (of 13)
After finding the Sphere, Mr Bedford was unable to find Mr Cavour. Without knowing Mr Cavour's fate, Mr Bedford has left the moon. Now, all he needs to do is figure out how to land the Sphere on Earth... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books -...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 10 (of 13)
Things aren’t looking good for our duo. Although they have managed to escape the Selenites, they still need to find the sphere to return to Earth. They have split up in hopes of locating the sphere before the cold lunar night sets in... You can support the channel via our Patreon:...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 9 (of 13)
Mr Bedford & Mr Cavour managed to escape the Selenites, but is their freedom going to be short-lived? You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 8 (of 13)
In our previous episode, Mr. Cavor and Mr. Bedford tried to communicate with the Selenites, hoping to prove they, too, are intelligent beings. So far, their efforts have been unsuccesssful. However, our duo still hopes to escape. Will an opportunity present itself as the Selenites move them to...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 7 (of 13)
The mysterious Selenites have captured Mr Bedford & Mr Cavor on the moon. How will they escape? You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops…
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 6 (of 13)
In our last episode, Mr Cavour and Mr Bedford found plant life on the surface of the moon. But lost the sphere in the course of their investigations. What other surprises does the moon hold for our heroes? You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books…
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 5 (of 13)
After surveying the surface of the Moon, Mr. Bedford and Mr. Cavor have found living plants. The next logical step is to leave the sphere and investigate, but are they ready? You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 4 (of 13)
Mr Bedford and Mr Cavor have landed on the moon and are ready to explore... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you):...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 3 (of 13)
Mr. Bedford and Mr. Cavor have set off on an adventure, heading to the moon in their spaceship... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops,...
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 2 (of 13)
Last week, we were introduced to our main characters: the businessman Mr. Bedford and the scientist Mr. Cavor, who has invented a new anti-gravity material called "Cavorite." Mr. Bedford believes that Cavorite has the potential to be profitable, but they still need to find a practical use for…
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The First Men in the Moon - Part 1 (of 13)
This week, we're starting a classic science fiction novel, "The First Men in the Moon" by H.G. Wells. It's not as well-known as Wells' other works, but it's equally important. This book seems to be inspired by Jules Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon" and is believed to contain the first…
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The Thing from Outside
Today's Tale was one of six stories to appear in the very first issue of 'Amazing Stories' magazine. In 1926 it was the first magazine devoted to science fiction. You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop...
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Tom Thumb and Rumpelstiltskin
This week we return to The Brothers Grimm and two of their classic fairy tales. Tom Thumb: an old English folk tale and Rupelstiltskin a German folktale with roman and greek traditions. You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from...
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Conan: Black Colossus - Part 2 (of 2)
We continue the story of Black Colossus. Natohk a mysterious and powerful sourceror advances upon the kingdom of Khoraja, ruled by Princess Yasmela; who has enlisted Conan to lead her army against Natohk. But who is Natohk and how will Conan beat him in the battle to come?... You can support the...
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Conan: Black Colossus - Part 1 (of 2)
We return to the tales of Conan: Black Colossus by Robert E. Howard. This story is a turning point for Conan from mercenary to the road to becoming a King... You can support the channel via our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps...
About this show
Hi everyone. This is Robert. Welcome to The Well Told Tale. Every week I narrate a classic story; the greatest science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction stories ever written, not just in a small chunk at a time, but enough for you to really relax into. No adverts in the middle, just the story itself. All stories are pubic domain and free from copyright.
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The Well Told Tale