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Tonight, to continue our 6th annual “Spooky Sleep Story Series”, we shall read the opening to “The War of the Worlds”, written by H.G. Wells and first published in 1898. Tune in every Wednesday this month for sleep stories of the darker variety- like classic horror literature and ghost stories. If you prefer to avoid the mildly macabre we hope you’ll enjoy one of our many other stories available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Catch up on previous years by finding our free standalone podcast series “Snoozecast Presents: Spooky Stories” or if you are a premium subscriber, look for “Snoozecast+” or “Snoozecast+ Deluxe: Spooky Stories” instead to listen ad-free.
H.G. Wells, often referred to as the “father of science fiction,” published The War of the Worlds in 1898, marking a groundbreaking moment in the genre. Born in 1866 in England, Wells was a prolific writer whose works spanned both fiction and non-fiction, often reflecting his deep interest in social issues, science, and human evolution. The War of the Worlds stands out as one of his most enduring and influential works, imagining a catastrophic alien invasion of Earth.
Set in Victorian England, the novel explores the vulnerability of humankind in the face of superior extraterrestrial forces, an idea that was revolutionary for its time. Wells blended scientific ideas with thrilling narrative, vividly imagining Martian invaders wielding advanced technology like heat-rays and enormous tripods. This portrayal of a technologically superior race wreaking havoc on humanity mirrored concerns of imperialism and the unknown, while questioning the assumptions of Western dominance.
The story's cultural impact is immense—most notably when Orson Welles’ 1938 radio adaptation apparently caused public panic, as listeners mistook the dramatization for a real Martian invasion. Although new data seems to suggest the extent of this “panic” may have been minimal. Wells' tale remains timeless, continuing to inspire adaptations, films, and discussions on human survival and the role of science in society. In The War of the Worlds, Wells not only entertains but also offers a compelling critique of humanity’s fragile position in the universe, showcasing the blend of imagination and intellect that defined his career.
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The White Cat, written by Madame d’Aulnoy in 1698, and originally broadcast by Snoozecast in July 2020, is part of the early wave of literary fairy tales popular in France at the time. These tales were not just for children—they were enjoyed by adults, especially in the aristocratic salons of Paris, where storytelling was a fashionable pastime.
Madame d’Aulnoy was one of the key figures in this genre, alongside writers like Charles Perrault. Her stories often featured magical elements, royal characters, and challenges, but they also had more elaborate plots and strong, clever female characters. The White Cat tells the story of a prince who encounters a talking white cat living in an enchanted castle.
This story reflects the style of the period, blending traditional folklore with the social dynamics and expectations of the court.
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Tonight, we’ll read the 21th chapter of “Anne of Green Gables”, the classic 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This chapter is titled “A New Departure in Flavorings”
In the previous chapter – Anne is captivated by the beauty of spring, especially the Mayflowers and enjoys a day gathering them with her classmates. Later, Anne’s vivid imagination causes her to fear “The Haunted Wood,” (a name she made up herself) but Marilla forces her to confront her fear by walking through it alone at night. Terrified but unharmed, Anne completes the walk and vows to appreciate the ordinary rather than romanticizing spooky happenings.
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Tonight, to start off our 6th annual “Spooky Sleep Story Series”, we shall read the opening to “How He Left The Hotel”, written by Louisa Baldwin and first published in 1895. Tune in every Wednesday this month for sleep stories of the darker variety- like classic horror literature and ghost stories. If you prefer to avoid the mildly macabre we hope you’ll enjoy one of our many other stories available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Catch up on previous years by finding our free standalone podcast series “Snoozecast Presents: Spooky Stories” or if you are a premium subscriber, look for “Snoozecast+” or “Snoozecast+ Deluxe: Spooky Stories” instead to listen ad-free.
Louisa Baldwin was a British writer known primarily for her contributions to the genre of supernatural fiction. She was part of the illustrious Baldwin family, with connections to notable figures in politics and the arts. Louisa was one of the "Macdonald sisters," four siblings whose descendants include celebrated authors and artists. Despite this distinguished familial background, she forged her own path in literature, creating ghost stories and other eerie tales that captivated readers with their chilling atmospheres and suspenseful narratives.
Baldwin's most famous works include the collection The Shadow on the Blind (1895), which features several of her ghost stories, showcasing her ability to weave psychological tension into supernatural occurrences. Her tales often delve into the uncanny, where ordinary lives are suddenly disrupted by inexplicable, ghostly events. Baldwin’s prose combines a sharp observational style with a deep understanding of human nature, leading readers into unsettling, suspenseful narratives that leave a lasting impression.
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Tonight, we’ll dive into the second part of our tale, "The Rose and the Ring," written by William Makepeace Thackeray and first published in 1854. The first episode in this series aired 4 weeks ago.
Thackeray, known for his sharp wit and social commentary, infuses The Rose and the Ring with humor and fantasy, offering a playful critique of royalty and social expectations in a magical setting.
Previously, King Valoroso of Paflagonia received a letter about Prince Bulbo's visit, sparking excitement and a whirlwind of preparations. In this episode, we explore Princess Angelica's early life, filled with whimsical palace events and a hint of royal mischief.
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Tonight, we’ll read the next chapter of “Good Wives” written by Louisa May Alcott titled “A Friend”. This is also known as the second half of the “Little Women” novel and is considered the 34rd chapter as part of that work as a whole.
Our last episode was the chapter focused on letters Jo wrote from the New York boarding house she is working within as governess to the girls Kitty and Minnie. She also befriends a professor who lives in the house named Frederich Bhaer, a kind and playful older man that gives German lessons. He is poor and raising his two nephews. Jo also becomes friendly with Miss Norton, who requests she escort her sometimes to lectures and concerts. Jo enjoys a masked New Years Eve party and is generally quite content in her new role.
— read by 'V' —
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Tonight, we’ll read a non-fiction sleep story we call “A Dream of the 1890s in Portland” that we first aired back in 2020. It comes from excerpts from “Oregon, Washington And Alaska: Sights And Scenes for the Tourist” published in 1890 by E.L. Lomax. Our title is a reference to a sketch from the show “Portlandia”, as the creators behind Snoozecast, who are from New England, both lived in the Pacific Northwest in the past when we were younger and found it to be a dreamy place.
The author Edward Lloyd Lomax remains a somewhat enigmatic figure, with scant biographical information available. However, Lomax's legacy is particularly tied to this seminal travel guide we will read tonight. His contribution to travel literature is significant for its detailed first-hand descriptions, which served as valuable resources for travelers and enthusiasts of American frontiers.
Officially incorporated in 1851, Portland grew steadily, forming an identity as an industrial trading town. Up into the 1890s, Portland hosted the Pacific Northwest's largest port, only to be surpassed later by Seattle.
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Tonight, we’ll read a Snoozecast original sleep story with a pulp-magazine vibe titled “Max Morrow and the Train of Tomorrow pt. 1” the conclusion will be available next month.
When Max Morrow finds a forgotten train ticket to a seemingly defunct line in his grandfather's old coat, he realizes the boarding date happens to be today. Deciding to visit the platform on a lark he’s soon whisked away on a mysterious adventure.
Pulp fiction is a genre of literature that was popular in the United States from 1896 to 1955. Read and enjoyed by millions, pulp magazines reached their zenith in the 1930s, though the genre began in earnest in 1896 with The Argosy, a monthly magazine that was printed on low-cost pulp paper. The genre is characterized by its action-packed stories, often featuring stereotypical characters. The term "pulp" comes from the cheap, low-quality wood pulp paper used to print the magazines.
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Tonight, we shall read the next part to “Persuasion”, the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen, and published in 1817. The story concerns Anne Elliot, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses and reduce their debt, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.
In the last episode, we find Anne obliged to go on what should be a very awkward walk through the countryside with her sister Mary, their cousins Henrietta and Louisa, her brother-in-law Charles, and Captain Wentworth. We observe the degree to which Captain Wentworth prizes conviction and loyalty in a woman in reaction to how Anne had allowed herself to be persuaded against him eight years earlier. Their long walk seems random but when they reach the grounds of the cousin’s relation’s The Hayter’s home, Henrietta and Charles go in to visit while the rest of the party stay out in the woods to enjoy the fresh air. Anne rests quietly while the others go walking around. She accidentally ends up privy to a conversation between Louisa and Captain Wentworth where Louisa gives the captain an example of her sister being indecisive towards her old lover Charles Hayter, and the captain uses this as an example of what he most abhors. We will pick up in this private conversation.
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Tonight, we’ll read the final half of the story “Tears of Gold” found in “Folk-Tales of the Khasis” which was compiled by Mrs. Rafy and published in 1920. The original story in the book is titled “The Blessing of the Mendicant”. We first read this back in 2020. The first half of this story aired last week.
In part one, a boy named U Babam Doh grows up not knowing that the father he had never known had was eaten by the dragon U Yak Jakor. The boy was bestowed the ability to cry tears of gold nuggets, because the boy’s mother had consumed a magical rabbit stew. The rabbit was a gift from a wise beggar. U Babam Doh grows up with another boy that is the heir apparent of his father’s chiefdom. This prince grows jealous of U Babam Doh’s uncanny luck at winning, and charges him with witchcraft.
— read by 'V' —
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