? The Whispering Gallery by William F Temple

<p><a href='https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/596146/supporters/new'>Subscriber-only episode</a></p><p>William Frederick Temple (9 March 1914 – 15 July 1989) was a British science fiction writer, best known for his novel &quot;Four-Sided Triangle.&quot;</p><p>Born in Woolwich in 1914, Temple&apos;s early career included working as a clerk in the London Stock Exchange. His passion for science fiction led him to become an active member of the Science Fiction Association and the British Interplanetary Society.</p><p>During World War II, Temple served as a field artillery signaller. After the war, he resumed his writing career, publishing &quot;Four-Sided Triangle&quot; in 1949, which was later adapted into a film in 1953.</p><p>Though he found success with some novels and series, such as the &quot;Martin Magnus&quot; series for young readers, Temple eventually returned to full-time employment in 1957 due to financial constraints. His last novel, &quot;The Fleshpots of Sansato&quot; (1968), marked the end of his writing career. He died in 1989.</p><p>&quot;The Whispering Gallery&quot; is one of Temple&apos;s intriguing short stories, first published in &quot;Fantastic Universe&quot; in October 1953. The story is set in the Whispering Gallery at St. Paul&apos;s Cathedral in London, a location famous for its unique acoustic phenomenon that allows whispers to be heard across the room.</p><p>The story has been included in various anthologies and collections, such as &quot;65 Great Tales of Horror&quot; edited by Mary Danby.</p><p>&quot;The Whispering Gallery&quot; by R.F. Temple is a haunting tale set within the eerie confines of St. Paul&apos;s Cathedral&apos;s Whispering Gallery. The story masterfully weaves an atmospheric setting, rich with symbolism and intrigue. The golden ball atop the cathedral, symbolizing innocence and obsession, becomes a beacon of desire for the young protagonist, Frederick. Themes of innocence, fear, and the supernatural are explored with subtlety, creating a tension that drives the narrative. How