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Aristocratic Slumber

Sigmund Oppenbaum

Elegant escapism for the weary mind. Salve for the insomniac.

Step into Aristocratic Slumber with Sigmund Oppenbaum, your anachronistic host, as he delivers soothing sleep stories in dulcet Received Pronunciation. Each episode is a gentle reading of stories from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s — featuring the sharp wit of the likes of H.H. Munro (Saki), the effortless charm of P.G. Wodehouse, the adventure and irony of Rudyard Kipling, and the humorous observations of Jerome K. Jerome — along with occasional pieces from the 19th century and earlier.

Together we retreat from the demands of the modern world into sparkling drawing-room dramas, dastardly dry humour, conservatory calamities, and the colourful worlds of characters who navigate life with grace and aplomb. These calming bedtime stories are perfect for drifting off with a gentle smile or finding a tranquil moment of respite. Let the beautiful prose and refined voice envelope you as a soft quilt, guiding you peacefully into the arms of Morpheus.

New episodes arrive regularly to soothe your nights. Press play, settle in, and surrender to the quiet elegance of yesteryear.

Keywords: sleep stories, bedtime fiction, bedtime stories, sleep podcast, relaxing literary narration, H.H. Munro, Saki, P.G. Wodehouse, Rudyard Kipling, Jerome K. Jerome, calming short stories.

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  • 5 episodes
  • Avg 17 min
  • English

Episodes 5

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  • S1 · E5
    Thursday · 14 min

    The Lumber Room — Saki (H. H. Munro)

    A reading of Saki's enchanting and mischievous short story The Lumber Room, first published in 1914. Nicholas is a small boy with a vivid imagination and a healthy distrust of grown-up authority. When his aunt attempts to punish him, he finds himself drawn towards the forbidden wonders of the lumber room, where a world of extraordinary beauty awaits him. A delightful tale of childhood imagination, adult hypocrisy, and the quiet triumph of a child's inner world over the dullness of conventional discipline. You are welcome to leave me a voicemail here should you have any comments, suggestions, or requests.

  • S1 · E4
    September 11 · 14 min

    The Unrest-Cure — Saki (H. H. Munro)

    A reading of Saki's delightfully mischievous short story The Unrest-Cure, first published in 1910. Clovis Sangrail has devised a novel remedy for the ennui of the wealthy: a little excitement, a touch of danger, and perhaps a healthy dose of terror. When he proposes his cure to the bored and comfortable, the results are rather more dramatic than anyone might have anticipated. A wickedly entertaining comedy of manners, in which Saki turns his sharp wit upon the languor, privilege, and self-satisfaction of Edwardian society. You are welcome to leave me a voicemail here should you have any comments, suggestions, or requests.

  • S1 · E3
    September 7 · 17 min

    Tobermory — Saki (H. H. Munro)

    A reading of Saki's celebrated short story Tobermory, first published in 1911. At a country house gathering, Mr Appin succeeds in teaching his host's cat, Tobermory, to speak. What initially appears to be a remarkable scientific achievement soon becomes a rather serious social problem—for Tobermory has been listening rather more attentively to his human companions than they had realised. A brilliantly malicious comedy of manners from Saki, in which the conventions of polite society begin to unravel with the arrival of one extraordinarily indiscreet cat. You are welcome to leave me a voicemail here should you have any comments, suggestions, or requests.

  • S1 · E2
    September 7 · 33 min

    The Clicking of Cuthbert — P. G. Wodehouse

    A reading of P. G. Wodehouse's delightful golfing tale The Clicking of Cuthbert, first published in 1922. A quintessentially Wodehousian tale of romance, golf, eccentric characters, and the absurdities of the English upper classes. You are welcome to leave me a voicemail here should you have any comments, suggestions, or requests.

  • S1 · E1
    September 7 · 10 min

    Mrs. Packletide's Tiger — Saki (H. H. Munro)

    A reading of Saki's wickedly amusing short story Mrs. Packletide's Tiger, first published in 1911. Mrs. Packletide is determined to shoot a tiger—not for sport, exactly, but for the social triumph that will follow. Yet beneath the surface of her carefully arranged expedition lies a rivalry considerably more dangerous than the tiger itself. Saki's razor-sharp satire skewers social ambition, vanity, and the peculiar competitiveness of polite society. You are welcome to leave me a voicemail here should you have any comments, suggestions, or requests.

Showing 1–5 of 5 episodes