A 1908 recording of this inspiration for a Bradbury story can be found here: http://www.archeophone.com/product_info.php?products_id=37

Both Ray and James Thurber recalled having this story on an old 78 rpm record and reported similar reactions by adults when they overplayed it as kids. http://beluthahatchie.blogspot.com/2006/11/ate-some-burnt-hoss-flesh.html

Since records were replacing wax cylinders prior to 1908, it could have been this version. Someone could try asking Ray or checking if anyone else ever recorded it. Its existence is of interest to fans (especially those disheartened by the nonexistence of the fabled Deanna Durbin recording.)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dandelion,

"...ate some burnt hoss flesh", indeed!

This brings back waves of hilarious memories, as this is the funniest book I've ever read.

I guffaw even now just remembering lines from this delightful volume.

If you've never read Thurber, especially My Life and Hard Times, run to your nearest book shoppe and get it!

quote:

Originally posted by Doug Spaulding:
...especially My Life and Hard Times...

Just checked my copy, and discovered it is an original first edition hardcover from 1933, alas not signed by James Thurber.

Wow, you discovered a treasure.

Wonder if "burnt hoss flesh" by itself would really be sufficient to kill a dog, or if something else could have mixed with it in the process of the fire. They kept some awful things in barns back then, as now.

Ray doesn't remember the artist's name, but said the record came out in 1925, so James Thurber probably had the Nat Wills recording and Ray the Frank Crumit version.