The Five Jars
M. R. James
Read by Peter Yearsley
The Five Jars is the only novel written by James, who is best known for his ghost stories. It is a peculiarly surreal fantasy apparently written for children. While he is out walking, the narrator is drawn to a remote pool, and finds a small box that has been hidden since Roman times. He gradually learns how to use its contents, fighting off a series of attempts to steal it, and becomes aware of a strange world hidden from our own. (Summary by Peter Yearsley) (2 hr 11 min)
Chapters
| 1 - I: The Discovery | 16:42 | Read by Peter Yearsley |
| 2 - II: The First Jar | 9:16 | Read by Peter Yearsley |
| 3 - III: The Second Jar | 12:25 | Read by Peter Yearsley |
| 4 - IV: The Small People | 18:58 | Read by Peter Yearsley |
| 5 - V: Danger to the Jars | 19:17 | Read by Peter Yearsley |
| 6 - VI: The Cat, Wag, Slim and Others | 21:36 | Read by Peter Yearsley |
| 7 - VII: The Bat-Ball | 17:23 | Read by Peter Yearsley |
| 8 - VII: Wag At Home | 15:33 | Read by Peter Yearsley |
Reviews
What a fantastic story!
ListeninginChicago
This is a short fantasy - with little people and magic. I found it wonderfully entertaining and diverting and would highly recommend it for both adults and children. Peter Yearsley does an excellent job of bringing the story to life.
Fun Story, Well Read
How interesting to here Mr James' detail rich, conversational style normally applied to ghost and monster stories applied to children's fantasy. This is a delightful story very well read (as usual) by P.Y. Give it a listen.
loved it
novelreader
I loved the story and the reader did a great job. Thankyou.
This (sort of) adult enjoyed the Story!
gl1200phil
What a great little story! This is the only children's story, written by M R James, better known as a horror story writer. This adult enjoyed the story, and would recommend it highly for children and parents too! Mr Yearsley does a superb job reading and it was a real treat to hear his personifications of all the characters! He has few equals!
best story on here!!!
CC
love the story and love his voice. listen to this one over and over again. listen to it at night to put me to sleep.
what a great book!
Stephanie
very imaginative tale, and very humorous (especially in relation to the cat 🐱). this is almost too brief, I'd love it even more if it continued with more discoveries made by the narrator. of course, Peter Yearsley is an excellent Reader, definitely one of my favorites. I could easily listen to him read the ingredients label on a can of green beans. thank you once again, Librivox & Mr. Yearsley.
A Fine Worrysome tale...
Jocelyn1180
I didnt realize it was a childrens book until about half way through. I'm still amazed and awed at Wag's "toy" or "gadget" the author describes in the final chapter. Seem familiar? For a book written almost 100 years ago, it will mess with your head.
A whimsical turn for the usual Jamesian Dread
quo vadis?
An amusing an lighthearted story from a classic writer of the horror and supernatural. If you’re looking for a tale of dread, this isn’t your mark, but otherwise it’s quite charming. Many a fae folk and talking animal abide within.