Chris Lackey Chris Lackey

Study 082 - The Skeleton Count

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We're taking a skeptical look at The Skeleton Count, or The Vampire Mistress, a story from the penny dreadfuls attributed to Elizabeth Caroline Grey.

Special thanks to our reader: Maeve Sawyer!

You can investigate the authorship of this story along with us, starting with these resources:

Taliesin Meets the Vampires 

The Elizabeth Caroline Grey Hoax at Yesterday's Papers

The Many Mrs. Greys from The Papers of the Bibliographic Society of America

This episode features an excerpt from Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor by Frédéric Chopin.

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Chris Lackey Chris Lackey

Study 076 - The Spirit Fakers of Hermannstadt

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One hundred years ago a ripping yarn by celebrity illusionist Harry Houdini graced the pages of Weird Tales - it's The Spirit Fakers of Hermannstadt!!

Special thanks to reader Andrew Leman - grab up The Temple of Jupiter Ammon now!

Investigate this article on Houdini's ghost writers, as well as this one from Deep Cuts in a Lovecraftian Vein.

Check out the silent film Terror Island featuring a swimming Houdini.

And don't forget to pick up your copy of FHTAGN! which will be releasing February 2nd from Mayhem Lettuce!

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Chris Lackey Chris Lackey

Study 072 - Hansel and Gretel

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We take our final trip into the woods of Grimm's Fairy Tales, accompanied by the original wonder twins: Hansel and Gretel!

Special thanks to our reader, Rachel Lackey of Rachel Watches Star Trek!

Check out Harryhausen's Hansel and Gretel.

And here's Bugs Bunny's version: "Bewitched Bunny"

Save big money AT MENARDS!!!

We are reading this month's selections in The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, translated and annotated by Jack Zipes.

Non-Fifer musical selections: Carnival of the Animals: XIII. The Swan and VII. Aquarium by Camille Saint-Saëns | Nocturnes in C-Sharp Minor and E Minor by Frédéric Chopin

Next up: a look at 100 years of Weird Tales with The Thing of a Thousand Shapes!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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Chris Lackey Chris Lackey

Study 071 - The Elves & Rumpelstiltskin

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It's a double-feature of Grimm's Fairy Tales!

First up, The Elves, a tale in three parts, followed by our headliner: Rumpelstiltskin.

Special thanks to our reader, Heather Klinke!

We are reading this month's selections in The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, translated and annotated by Jack Zipes.

Non-Fifer musical selections: Carnival of the Animals: XIII. The Swan and VII. Aquarium by Camille Saint-Saëns | Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor by Frédéric Chopin | It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Meredith Willson.

And here's all the info you need on the Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index!

Next up: Hansel and Gretel

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Chris Lackey Chris Lackey

Study 070 - The Juniper Tree

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Our month on Grimm's Fairy Tales continues with a disturbing tale of decapitation, cannibalism and shiny-happy songbirds: The Juniper Tree!

Special thanks to our reader: Greig Johnson! Don't forget to check out his Etsy shop!

We are reading this month's selections in The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, translated and annotated by Jack Zipes.

Non-Fifer musical selections: Nocturne No. 19 in E Minor, Op. 72, No. 1 by Frédéric Chopin | The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act II, No. 12b, Divertissement. Coffee, Arabian Dance by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Get a load of Grimm's John Wick: The Dog and the Sparrow 

Next up: The Elves and Rumpelstiltskin

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Chris Lackey Chris Lackey

Extra Credit 018 - A Holiday Ghost Story

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Ghost stories are a tradition this time of year, and we want in!

Our story is The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall by John Kendrick Bangs.

Bangs was a New Yorker best known as the Editor of the Department of Humor for Harpers’ publications, and later the editor of Puck, the first successful humor magazine in the United States.

This is a humorous tale that first appeared in Harpers Weekly, way back in 1891, and is suitable for all audiences.

Our production is a full reading by Fifer with an intro by Lackey and some short discussion at the end.

Have a listen with the family and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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