Great Stories Well Told

Barbara Kline
  • 5.0 (3)
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Great Stories Well Told is a storytelling podcast featuring beautifully written works of fiction read aloud by Barbara Kline. From timeless classics to lesser-known literary treasures, each episode offers the pleasure of a carefully crafted story, thoughtfully told.

  1. 1d ago

    The Last Leaf by O. Henry

    Send us Fan Mail The Last Leaf — O. Henry In a small Greenwich Village neighborhood, two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, share a little apartment and their hopes of becoming painters. But when Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia, she becomes convinced that her life will end when the last leaf falls from an ivy vine outside her window. As the leaves disappear one by one, Sue does everything she can to keep her friend from giving up hope. And nearby lives an aging artist who has spent years dreaming of painting a masterpiece. O. Henry's The Last Leaf is a story about friendship, hope, sacrifice, and the unexpected ways one person's courage can change another person's life. O. Henry's “The Last Leaf” was first published in the New York World in 1905 and was later included in his 1907 collection, The Trimmed Lamp and Other Stories. A Look Ahead: October 7th   - "The Open Window"  by Saki October 14th  -  "Vasilisa the Fair" a Russian Folktale October 21st  -  "The Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham October 28th  -  "God Sees the Truth but Waits" by Leo Tolstoy November 4th  - Prologue:  13 Bones by Tish Knapp  November 11th  -  Chapter 1: 13 Bones by Tish Knapp NOTE: A complete transcript of every episode is available on the Great Stories Well Told website for listeners who prefer to read along or refer back to the story. https://greatstorieswelltold.buzzsprout.com/ "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry is a work in the public domain. A podcast by SBKA LLC

    The Last Leaf by O. Henry

  2. Sep 23

    The Adventure of the Speckled Band by By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to  Part 2 of "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  This story was first published inThe Strand Magazine in 1892. In Part 1, we met Helen Stoner who is afraid that she may be facing the same terrible fate as her sister.   We also met her unpleasant stepfather Dr. Grimesby Roylott and heard his threats against Sherlock Holmes.   In Part 2, we travel with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to the lovely Surrey countryside and to the old manor house of Stoke-Moran. Please enjoy the conclusion of "The Adventure of the Speckled Band".   And join me for the next episode:  "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry AND THANK YOU for the FAN MAIL   I love to hear from my listeners!   A Look Ahead: September 30th  -  "The Last Leaf"   by O. Henry October 7th   - "The Open Window"  by Saki October 14th  -  "Vasilisa the Fair" a Russian Folktale October 21st  -  "The Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham October 28th  -  "God Sees the Truth but Waits" by Leo Tolstoy November 4th  - Prologue:  13 Bones by Tish Knapp  November 11th  -  Chapter 1: 13 Bones by Tish Knapp NOTE: A complete transcript of every episode is available on the Great Stories Well Told website for listeners who prefer to read along or refer back to the story. https://greatstorieswelltold.buzzsprout.com/ Part 2 of "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a work in the public domain. A podcast by SBKA LLC

    The Adventure of the Speckled Band by By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Part 2

  3. Sep 16

    The Adventure of the Speckled Band by By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail                      Welcome to Season 3 of Great Stories Well Told When a frightened young woman arrives at Baker Street, she brings Sherlock Holmes one of the strangest cases he has ever encountered.  Her sister died under mysterious circumstances after speaking the haunting words, "the speckled band," and now the same terrifying events seem to be happening again. In one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most celebrated Sherlock Holmes adventures, Holmes and Dr. Watson must untangle a mystery filled with family secrets, looming danger, and a race against time. Widely considered one of the greatest detective stories ever written, The Adventure of the Speckled Band showcases Holmes at his brilliant, observant best. This story was originally published in The Strand Magazine in 1892. Because this is a long story, I have divided it into two parts for easier listening.   A Look Ahead: September 23rd -  Part 2 of "The Adventure of the Speckled Band"   by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle September 30th  -  "The Last Leaf"   by O. Henry October 7th   - "The Open Window"  by Saki October 14th  -  "Vasilisa the Fair" a Russian Folktale October 21st  -  "The Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham October 28th  -  "God Sees the Truth but Waits" by Leo Tolstoy November 4th  - Prologue:  13 Bones by Tish Knapp  November 11th  -  Chapter 1: 13 Bones by Tish Knapp NOTES: A complete transcript of every episode is available on the Great Stories Well Told website for listeners who prefer to read along or refer back to the story. https://greatstorieswelltold.buzzsprout.com/ "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a work in the public domain.  A podcast by SBKA LLC

    The Adventure of the Speckled Band by By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Part 1

  4. Season 3, Episode 1 Trailer

    Preview of Season 3: Great Stories Well Told

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Great Stories Well Told — a storytelling podcast for listeners who love timeless tales. I am Barbara Kline and I am very happy that you have chosen to be here! In my ad-free podcast, I share fairy tales, fables, folk tales, myths, and classic short fiction — stories that have endured because they speak to us in some fashion. Each episode, released on Wednesdays, usually runs between 15 and 50 minutes and is created for anyone who enjoys hearing a great story. Thank you for listening! NOTE: A complete transcript of every episode is available on the Great Stories Well Told website for listeners who prefer to read along or to refer back to the story. https://greatstorieswelltold.buzzsprout.com/ A Look Ahead: September 16th  -  Part 1 of "The Adventure of the Speckled Band"   by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle September 23rd -  Part 2 of "The Adventure of the Speckled Band"   by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle September 30th  -  "The Last Leaf"   by O. Henry October 7th   - "The Open Window"  by Saki October 14th  -  "Vasilisa the Fair" a Russian Folktale October 21st  -  "The Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham October 28th  -  "God Sees the Truth but Waits" by Leo Tolstoy November 4th  - Prologue:  13 Bones by Tish Knapp  November 11th  -  Chapter 1: 13 Bones by Tish Knapp   A podcast by SBKA LLC

  5. Jul 22

    Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving

    Send us Fan Mail For generations, readers have wondered what really happened to Rip Van Winkle in the Catskill  (or Kaatskill) Mountains. When the easygoing villager follows a mysterious stranger carrying a heavy keg, he discovers a silent gathering of oddly dressed men playing ninepins in a secluded mountain hollow. After sharing their drink, Rip falls into a deep sleep—and awakens twenty years later to find that everything he once knew has changed. Washington Irving's beloved tale blends American folklore, quiet humor, and gentle fantasy into one of the first enduring classics of American literature. The story was first published in 1819 as part of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon Gent.  Geoffrey Crayon is the pen name used by Washington Irving.   Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859)  Some of you may notice that I have done some editing of the wife's role in this story.  I hope that you approve of the changes. NOTE: This episode marks the end of Season 2 of Great Stories Well Told.   Season 3 is scheduled to begin with a preview episode on September 9th and the first story on September 16th.    Please join me for more:  Great Stories Well Told.   A complete transcript of every episode is available on the Great Stories Well Told website for listeners who prefer to read along or refer back to the story. https://greatstorieswelltold.buzzsprout.com/ "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving is a work in the public domain A podcast by SBKA LLC

    Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving

  6. Jul 15

    The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

    Send us Fan Mail A man insists that he is sane. Yet as he recounts a series of carefully planned events, his own words begin to reveal a mind consumed by obsession. Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" has captivated readers since 1843 with its masterful blend of suspense, psychological insight, and unforgettable storytelling. More than a tale of mystery, it is a haunting exploration of conscience, perception, and the fragile boundary between reason and madness. It is an excellent example of Gothic horror which was popular from about the middle of 1700’s to the middle of the 1800’s. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is another famous example.   “The Tell-Tale Heart” was first published in January 1843 in the debut issue of The Pioneer, a Boston-based literary magazine edited by James Russell Lowell.  Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) "The Tell Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe is a work in the public domain. A Look Ahead: July 22nd - "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving NOTE: A complete transcript of every episode is available on the Great Stories Well Told website for listeners who prefer to read along or refer back to the story. https://greatstorieswelltold.buzzsprout.com/ A podcast by SBKA LLC

    The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

  7. Jul 8

    The Monkey’s Paw by W. W. Jacobs

    Send us Fan Mail An old soldier returns from India carrying an unusual souvenir - a small monkey's paw said to grant three wishes.   At first the tale seems impossible, even amusing. But as one family discovers, some gifts are better left untouched.   "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs was first published in book form in the short story collection, The Lady of the Barge released in late 1902 W. W. Jacobs' classic tale of fate, temptation, and unintended consequences has frightened and fascinated readers since 1902.  Prior to its release in the book collection, the legendary horror story made its initial debut in the September 1902 issue of Harper's Monthly Magazine.    More than a ghost story, it asks whether changing destiny is ever worth the cost. I would love to hear from you either through Fan Mail or: greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs is a work in the public domain.   A Look Ahead: July 15th  "The Tell Tale" Heart by Edgar Allan Poe July 22nd "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving NOTE: A complete transcript of every episode is available on the Great Stories Well Told website for listeners who prefer to read along or refer back to the story. https://greatstorieswelltold.buzzsprout.com/ A podcast by SBKA LLC

    The Monkey’s Paw by W. W. Jacobs

  8. Jul 1

    Beauty and the Beast by Madame de Beaumont

    Send us Fan Mail Beauty and the Beast is one of the world's most beloved fairy tales, but long before it became a movie, it was told in the literary salons of France. 'Beauty and the Beast,' by Mme Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1781), In this classic version, Beauty chooses kindness over comfort and discovers that appearances can hide unexpected truths.  Set in a world of enchanted castles, mysterious promises, and quiet courage, the story explores what it means to see beyond outward appearances. This tale has been shared for generations because its message remains timeless.     A NOTE ON THE AUTHORSHIP OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: "La Belle et la Bête" (Beauty and the Beast), was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and was first published in 1740.  A more succinct version of Villeneuve’s story was later published in 1756 by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. (1711-1781)   This is the version of "Beauty and the Beast" that you will hear in this episode.   Many people thought that this story was written by Charles Perrault, the famous author of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Before I did some more research on the story,  I thought so myself.   Charles Perrault who was born on January 12, 1628, and died on May 16, 1703 had nothing to do with this story.  He was not yet born when it was written.   "Beauty and the Beast" is credited to Charles Perrault in Tales of Passed Time Told by Master Charles Perrault, published in 1900.  Possibly, the publishers simply wanted to use his more famous name to sell the book.    In Old Time Stories Told by Master Charles Perrault, published in 1921.  There is a PREFATORY NOTE that includes this:  "To the eight tales of Perrault three others have been added here.  'Beauty and the Beast,' by Mme Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1781), has a celebrity which warrants its inclusion, however inferior it may seem, as an example of the story-teller's art, to the masterpieces of Perrault."  I would love to hear your thoughts: greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com    OR Send me some fan mail.    "Beauty and the Beast" by  Mme Leprince de Beaumont is a work in the public domain A Look Ahead: July 8th " The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs July 15th "The Tell Tale Heart" By Edgar Allan Poe NOTE: A complete transcript of every episode is available on the Great Stories Well Told website for listeners who prefer to read along or refer back to the story. https://greatstorieswelltold.buzzsprout.com/ A podcast by SBKA LLC

    Beauty and the Beast by Madame de Beaumont
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About

Great Stories Well Told is a storytelling podcast featuring beautifully written works of fiction read aloud by Barbara Kline. From timeless classics to lesser-known literary treasures, each episode offers the pleasure of a carefully crafted story, thoughtfully told.

Information

  • Creator
    Barbara Kline
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Great Stories Well Told
  • Show Website
    Great Stories Well Told