The Tractate Middoth

By: M. R. James

Narrated by: David Suchet

A young librarian receives a request for an obscure Hebrew book from a sinister gentleman, unaware of its contents.

Montague Rhodes James was a noted British mediaeval scholar and provost of King's College, Cambridge (1905–1918) and of Eton College (1918–1936). He is best remembered for his ghost stories which are widely regarded as among the finest in English literature.

One of James's most important achievements was to redefine the ghost story for the new century by dispensing with many of the formal Gothic trappings of his predecessors, and replacing them with more realistic contemporary settings.

'Montague Rhodes James has an intelligent and scientific knowledge of human nerves and feelings; and knows just how to apportion statement, imagery, and subtle suggestions in order to secure the best results with his readers.' HP Lovecraft.

Actor David Suchet is best known for his definitive portrayal of Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective created by the legendary mystery author Agatha Christie, in a number of international television productions. He narrates his story in Poirot and Me.

©1911 M. R. James (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Fun ghost story about relatives no one wants.

There are relatives no one wants to have. What's even worse is if they can't quite manage to die. This is very fun and very much a case of that. Enjoy.

Superbly Narrated Spooky Tale

This was one of the best stories in my M.R. James book. A selfish elderly man attempts to cheat a relative out of an inheritance, but fate intervenes. Suspenseful tale magnificently narrated by the superb David Suchet. I wish he had done all of the stories.

Not Agatha Christie

This story is hard to follow but the narrative is very entertaining and so I was obliged to finish. I’m glad I did.

Great reading, classic story

One of my favorite readers. One of my favorite storytellers. What’s more to say? Stellar performance of a rare MR James story that had the inkling of a budding romantic relationship in it — not the focus at all, but a nice relational touch to the usual MR James formula.

Be careful in Libraries!

M.R. James uses many unusual tools for setting for his ghost stories: stately homes, trees,
churches, vicarages, and here.. a library.. with a bit of a story. He never just leaps in,
but his usual manner is a story within a story...well done again.