• The Tractate Middoth

  • By: M. R. James
  • Narrated by: David Suchet
  • Length: 42 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (422 ratings)
The Tractate Middoth  By  cover art

The Tractate Middoth

By: M. R. James
Narrated by: David Suchet

Publisher's summary

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

What listeners say about The Tractate Middoth

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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.

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6 people found this helpful

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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.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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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.

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2 people found this helpful

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Divine Suchet

David Suchet reads this ominous little story with a light, exquisite touch. An excellent way to pass 40 minutes.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An Horrific Treasure Hunt

Enjoyed this one immensely. To say anything more than that it is vintage M. R. James, wherein evil manifests itself amid library shelves and forgotten folios, would be to spoil the fun for you.

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1 person found this helpful

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Love to be pleasantly surprised.

This was a nice story. The narrator was the star though. I am impressed. Thank you

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Great story...had me on the edge of my seat

while somewhat predictable plot, the story is well told and engaging. several suspenseful parts. I will try more of these audible MR James tales.

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what an Incredible Book

this was an amazing story. you really need to pay attention because what you think and what happens are very different.

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Great Little Ghost Story

Sharply written and slyly structured. Even as one of M.R. James’s lesser works, it was thoroughly enjoyable.

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Chills, Chills and more Chills!

As it is with MR James, a lot of the chill factors come from the dialogue and the scenery. This one does not disappoint! It made me curious about the uncle and odd way to leave a will or be buried, but it was just the right bite or a story to escape in for about an hour. There is a reason that MR James is considered the Grandfather of Ghost Stories and in the country.

David Suchet it brilliant. His accents and changes of voice for characters and pacing is just wonderful. He is always talented and this extremely well done.

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