That is SO funny. I was literally listening to this on an audiobook when your post came through. Having re-read it, I do think that it's a little bit different from The Mezzotint. I love the antique dealer background, the collectors' mentality. Also written, on commission, for Queen Mary's Dolls House. But unlike the other Dolls House authors, James wisely kept the copyright.
That is funny! I’m keeping an eye out for James TV adaptations over Christmas. And I always read some of his stories on Christmas Eve. Along with re-watching The Muppet Christmas Carol, it’s become a tradition 🎄✨
Can I also point you in the direction of Richard Williams' brilliant Christmas Carol animation from 1971, based on the original engravings by John Leech and Gustave Doré. A truly wonderful production: https://lukehoney.substack.com/p/a-christmas-carol-1971-e19
Brilliant! Thank you for the recommendations, and sharing your post. I look forward to checking it out. And I didn’t know about the new Mark Gatiss adaptation. My Christmas Eve is complete 🤍✨
I never would have found this story without you--and the painting is a so evocative of being trapped. Do you think Ibsen might have read the story? I didn't check dates.
I recently purchased a doll’s house, not in the same league as the one described in the story but fortunately without the ghostly ghastly apparitions! I do enjoy an M.R.James story particularly at this time of the year. Many thanks for this post.
It's far less disturbing than the Mezzotint! The dramatisation of that a couple of years ago, I think Rory Kinnear was in it, scared the bejesus out of me!
That is SO funny. I was literally listening to this on an audiobook when your post came through. Having re-read it, I do think that it's a little bit different from The Mezzotint. I love the antique dealer background, the collectors' mentality. Also written, on commission, for Queen Mary's Dolls House. But unlike the other Dolls House authors, James wisely kept the copyright.
That is funny! I’m keeping an eye out for James TV adaptations over Christmas. And I always read some of his stories on Christmas Eve. Along with re-watching The Muppet Christmas Carol, it’s become a tradition 🎄✨
Can I also point you in the direction of Richard Williams' brilliant Christmas Carol animation from 1971, based on the original engravings by John Leech and Gustave Doré. A truly wonderful production: https://lukehoney.substack.com/p/a-christmas-carol-1971-e19
Brilliant! Thank you for the recommendations, and sharing your post. I look forward to checking it out. And I didn’t know about the new Mark Gatiss adaptation. My Christmas Eve is complete 🤍✨
And I think Mark Gatiss has directed/produced another M R James story for Christmas Eve?
There are three of the Christopher Lee readings from 2000 on BBC i player. Great fun, lots of props. Atmospheric set.
I never would have found this story without you--and the painting is a so evocative of being trapped. Do you think Ibsen might have read the story? I didn't check dates.
Thank you Mary. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. The painting was earlier, 1899-1900. I hope you’re well and enjoying the season 🤎✨
I recently purchased a doll’s house, not in the same league as the one described in the story but fortunately without the ghostly ghastly apparitions! I do enjoy an M.R.James story particularly at this time of the year. Many thanks for this post.
You’re very welcome, Ruth. May your dolls house stay spooky free. Merry Christmas 🎄✨
I have always thought there is something rather spooky about dolls houses, but I still love them. Thank you for sharing this story, Victoria.
You’re very welcome, Maureen. Thank you for reading :) ✨
It's far less disturbing than the Mezzotint! The dramatisation of that a couple of years ago, I think Rory Kinnear was in it, scared the bejesus out of me!
It was difficult to decide which of his wonderfully spooky stories to share 🤎✨