Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad

Written by M.R. James

Narrated by Susan Ericksen

M.R. James was a prolific and hugely successful author, now
credited with redefining the ghost story form. By
abandoning many of the formal gothic clichés of his predecessors and using more
contemporary settings, James set the stage for future generations of writers. 

Originally published in 1904, “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll
Come to You, My Lad” is the story of a man who digs up a bronze whistle, which,
after blowing it, leads to unexpected consequences. Haunting yet realistic,
“Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad” ranks among his best and most
underrated tales.

Proceeds from sale of this title go to Reach Out and Read, an innovative literacy advocacy organization.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blackstone Audio
• Release date: Jun 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481535977

M.R. James

Montague Rhodes James was born in 1862 at Goodnestone Parsonage, Kent, where his father was a curate, but the family moved soon afterwards to Great Livermere in Suffolk. James attended Eton College and later King's College Cambridge where he won many awards and scholarships. From 1894 to 1908 he was Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and from 1905 to 1918 was Provost of King's College. In 1913, he became Vice-Chancellor of the University for two years. In 1918 he was installed as Provost of Eton. A distinguished medievalist and scholar of international status, James published many works on biblical and historical antiquarian subjects. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1930. His ghost story writing began almost as a divertissement from his academic work and as a form of entertainment for his colleagues. His first collection, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary was published in 1904. He never married and died in 1936.

Reviews for Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad

[lgandt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Had the atmosphere I want in a short tale, love the setting. I liked this one

[leslie398 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great classic spooky short story!

[armand_inezian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a classic ghost story that I picked up because Michael Chabon said it was one of the best short stories he ever read. Part of what makes this so interesting is- even though it was written in the early 1900's- the narrative style has a modern feel to it. The unnamed narrator (never part of the story) is ironic, witty and playful. The framework itself is a traditional ghost story in which a very non-superstitious college professor is frightened out of his mind by an apparition. MR James does spooky well including odd dream sequences and a very creepy bed that keeps getting "un-made." The writing is top form.

[nrturner_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I listened to an audio reading of a short story. A curious artefact is found in the ruins of a Knights Templar church.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A young college professor disbelieves in the supernatural. He finds a whistle in the ruins of a Knights Templars’ preceptors, and later that night, he blows on the whistle. He has a vision of a lone figure in vast expanse. It also seems like the whistle has caused a gust wind to envelope him. More strange events follow, and the professor is unable to explain them away. Classic ghost story.

[liz.mabry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Creepy and awesome.

[kristelh_15 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Story of a holiday to golf along the sea. The character is called Professor and he does not believe in anything supernatural. He takes a walk, looking for a archaeological dig sight and finds a whistle. It was a very fun read.