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The Well Told Tale

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.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 41 min
  • English

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Episodes 20

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  • August 5 · 49 min

    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 channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Books by Mary Shelley: Frankenstein - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781982146160 Mary Shelley Gothic Tales - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781454947042 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward and Cho Jinn Support the show

  • S1 · E263
    June 3 · 55 min

    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 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): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Books by Mary Shelley: Frankenstein - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781982146160 Mary Shelley Gothic Tales - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781454947042 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward and Cho Jinn Support the show

  • S1 · E262
    May 20 · 46 min

    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 bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Books by Mary Shelley: Frankenstein - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781982146160 Mary Shelley Gothic Tales - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781454947042 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward and Cho Jinn Support the show

  • S1 · E261
    April 15 · 41 min

    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 support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Books by Mary Shelley: Frankenstein - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781982146160 Mary Shelley Gothic Tales - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781454947042 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward and Cho Jinn Support the show

  • S1 · E260
    April 8 · 35 min

    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 science fiction novel, this is a tale that has stood the test of time... 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): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Books by Mary Shelley: Frankenstein - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781982146160 Mary Shelley Gothic Tales - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781454947042 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward and Cho Jinn Support the show

  • S1 · E259
    Dec 10, 2025 · 47 min

    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 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): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E258
    Nov 12, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min

    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 shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E257
    Oct 15, 2025 · 34 min

    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 Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E256
    Oct 8, 2025 · 52 min

    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 - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E255
    Sep 3, 2025 · 41 min

    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 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E254
    Aug 27, 2025 · 31 min

    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 - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E253
    Aug 13, 2025 · 45 min

    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 books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E252
    Jul 30, 2025 · 26 min

    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 - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E251
    Jul 16, 2025 · 22 min

    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 shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E250
    Jul 9, 2025 · 28 min

    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, "Across the gulf of space, intellects vast and cool and unsympathetic, regarded this earth with envious eyes, and slowly and surely drew their plans against us..." Please support The Well Told Tale on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thewelltoldtale The Well Told Tale Books - (buying books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The War of The Worlds - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008590178 Thank you for watching! I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E249
    Jul 2, 2025 · 17 min

    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 our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale The Solomon Kane Omnibus: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781789431926 The Complete Chronicles of Conan: Centenary Edition - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780575077669 The Conan Chronicles Volume 1: The People of the Black Circle - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781857989960 The Conan Chronicles Volume 2: Hour of the Dragon - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781857987478 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E248
    Jun 25, 2025 · 50 min

    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: 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): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Jules Verne: Journey to the Centre of the Earth: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781665934183 Seven Novels - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781435122956 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781513265926 Around the World in 80 Days - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008514280 From the Earth to the Moon - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781398810594 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E247
    Jun 18, 2025 · 42 min

    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: 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): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Jules Verne: Journey to the Centre of the Earth: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781665934183 Seven Novels - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781435122956 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781513265926 Around the World in 80 Days - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008514280 From the Earth to the Moon - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781398810594 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E246
    Jun 4, 2025 · 45 min

    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 Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Jules Verne: Journey to the Centre of the Earth: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781665934183 Seven Novels - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781435122956 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781513265926 Around the World in 80 Days - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008514280 From the Earth to the Moon - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781398810594 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

  • S1 · E245
    May 28, 2025 · 40 min

    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 books from our Bookshop.org shop helps support this channel while also supporting local bookshops, at no cost to you): Books by our favourite authors - https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/the-well-told-tale Jules Verne: Journey to the Centre of the Earth: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781665934183 Seven Novels - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781435122956 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781513265926 Around the World in 80 Days - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9780008514280 From the Earth to the Moon - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/9522/9781398810594 I would like to thank my patrons: Maura Lee, Jane, John Bowles, Cade Norman, Matt Woodward, Cho Jinn and Douglas Harley Support the show

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