Great Stories Well Told

Barbara Kline
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Books

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. 2d ago

    The Verger by W. Somerset Maugham

    Send us Fan Mail   Welcome to "The Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham, a classic short story about an ordinary man and an extraordinary turn of events.   Albert Edward Foreman has served as verger at St. Peter's Church for sixteen years. Tall, dignified, and meticulous in his duties, he takes great pride in his work and in the traditions of the church. But when a new vicar discovers something about Albert Edward that he considers unacceptable, the verger faces an unexpected turning point. What follows is a story about opportunity, resourcefulness, and the surprising directions life can take. W. Somerset Maugham brings his characteristic wit and keen understanding of human nature to this quietly delightful story, reminding us that the path we imagine for ourselves is not always the one we are meant to follow. "The Verger" was first published in 1929, in Cosmopolitan magazine under the title "The Man Who Made His Mark".  It was  later included in the anthology The Favorite Short Stories of W. Somerset Maugham published in 1937. Great Stories Well Told — Timeless Stories, Simply Told. A Look Ahead: 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 Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham is a work in the public domain in the United States.  A podcast by SBKA LLC

    The Verger by W. Somerset Maugham

  2. Oct 15

    Vasilissa The Fair a Russian Folktale

    Send us Fan Mail Vasilisa the Fair — A Russian Folktale A little doll. A dark forest. And a journey to the home of a fearsome witch. When Vasilisa's mother dies, she leaves her daughter a small doll with a remarkable gift: whenever Vasilisa faces trouble, the doll can offer advice and help. But when her cruel stepmother sends her into the forest to seek a light from Baba Yaga, Vasilisa must find the courage to face a world of strange magic and terrible dangers. An enchanting Russian folktale about courage, wisdom, and the unexpected help that can come when we need it most. This version of "Vasilissa The Fair" comes from:  Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore Translated by William Ralston Shedden Ralston, 1828-1889, of the British Museum, Corresponding Member of the Imperial Geographical Society of Russia, Author of Songs of the Russian People, Kirilof and his Fables, etc. Original publication: New York: Hurst & Co., 1872 "Valilissa The Fair" is available in a number of translations and the spelling of her name in this version adds an "s".  I have left the extra "s" to distinguish it from other versions.   This is the earliest translation that I found in the public domain and was the one that I enjoyed the most.    Content Note:  This episode contains scenes of violence consistent with traditional folklore. A Look Ahead:   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/ "Vasilissa The Fair"  a Russian Folktale is a work in the public domain. A podcast by SBKA LLC

    Vasilissa The Fair a Russian Folktale

  3. Oct 7

    The Open Window by Saki

    Send us Fan Mail A quiet afternoon. A comfortable room. An open French window overlooking a beautiful lawn. When Framton Nuttel visits a country home seeking rest and relief from his nerves, he encounters a young woman whose conversation takes an unexpected turn. In this clever short story by Saki, appearances can be deceiving, and a little imagination can go a very long way. Join me for a timeless story simply told. Great Stories Well Told — Timeless Stories Simply Told. “The Open Window” by Saki was first published in the in the British newspaper,  The Westminster Gazette.Westminster Gazette on November 18, 1911.  It was later collected in Saki's 1914 short story anthology Beasts and Super-Beasts.  Saki , who wrote under pseudonym of H. H. Munro, was born on Dec 18, 1870, in Burma and died at the age of 45, on November 14, 1916 in France .  He was killed in action during World War 1.  A German sniper shot him while he was sheltering in a shell crater near Beaumont-Hamel, France, during the Battle of the Ancre, which was part of the Battle of the Somme.   He reportedly shouted, "Put that bloody cigarette out!" at a fellow soldier whose lit cigarette or match revealed their position to the sniper. A Look Ahead: October 14th  -  "Vasilissa 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 Open Window" by Saki is a work in the public domain. A podcast by SBKA LLC

    The Open Window by Saki

  4. Sep 30

    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. “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  -  "Vasilissa 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

  5. 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  -  "Vasilissa 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

  6. 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  -  "Vasilissa 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

  7. 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. In this ad-free podcast, I share fairy tales, fables, folk tales, myths, and classic short fiction — stories that have endured because they speak to something in us that does not change. Each episode, released on Wednesdays, usually runs between 15 and 50 minutes and is created for anyone who enjoys being read to. Thank you for listening. Follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. A podcast by SBKA LLC

  8. 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
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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
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Great Stories Well Told
  • Show Website
    Great Stories Well Told