Collected Ghost Stories - A Collection of 22 M R James Stories

Name: Collected Ghost Stories - A Collection of 22 M R James Stories
Price: 27.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781849024549

✍️ M R James

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$27.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of twenty-two classic ghost stories by medieval scholar Montague Rhodes James.

Montague Rhodes James, a former provost at King's College, Cambridge, compiled twenty-two ghost stories that reflect his academic background in medieval studies. These tales prioritize mood and slow-burning tension over explicit scares or violence. Each story usually begins with an ordinary individual in a tranquil setting before introducing eerie supernatural occurrences. The book includes a critical essay titled 'M. R. James On Ghost Stories,' which explains the author's techniques for inducing fear. This specific edition, published in 2011 by Benediction Classics, is distinct from the 1931 collected works. It presents a variety of haunting scenarios across different environments, appealing to readers who prefer classic, understated gothic fiction.

Key Themes

medieval scholarship rural horror subtle supernatural intrusion

Literary Context

Montague Rhodes James lived from 1862 to 1936. He was a medieval scholar and Provost of King's College, Cambridge. His stories are considered classics of the ghost story genre. This 2011 edition by Benediction Classics differs from the 1931 published collection.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Shirley Jackson · Edith Wharton · Daphne du Maurier

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Ghost Stories

🏛 Benediction Classics 📅 2011 📖 284 pages 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781849024549

📝 Description: Collected Ghost Stories - A Collection of 22 M R James Stories

Montague Rhodes James, known for his academic role at Cambridge, offers a collection of twenty-two spectral tales defined by their quiet tension and lack of overt gore. These narratives typically place pleasant characters in serene rural locations who then face unsettling supernatural events. The book also contains an essay detailing the author's philosophy on creating fear through suggestion rather than shock. Specific stories featured include 'The Uncommon Prayer-Book,' 'A Neighbour's Landmark,' 'Rats,' and 'The Experiment.' Other notable entries are 'The Malice Of Inanimate Objects,' 'Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book,' 'The Stalls Of Barchester Cathedral,' 'An Episode Of Cathedral History,' 'The Story Of A Disappearance And An Appearance,' 'Lost Hearts,' 'Mr. Humphreys And His Inheritance,' 'Martin's Close,' 'The Diary Of Mr. Poynter,' 'The Rose-Garden,' 'Casting The Runes,' 'A School Story,' 'The Tractate Middoth,' 'Two Doctors,' 'A View From A Hill,' and 'The Residence At Whitminster.' The volume concludes with the essay 'M. R. James On Ghost Stories.' This collection is ideal for those who enjoy subtle, atmospheric horror over graphic violence or rapid action. It provides a scholarly perspective on the genre, emphasizing psychological dread.

💎 Our verdict on Collected Ghost Stories - A Collection of 22 M R James Stories

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Montague Rhodes James masterfully constructs tales of quiet terror rooted in medieval settings and academic life. By prioritizing mood and suggestion over shock, he creates a lingering sense of unease that resonates long after reading. The inclusion of his critical essay adds depth, explaining the mechanics behind his chilling narratives. This book suits readers who favor classic gothic fiction and psychological dread. It is particularly effective for those who enjoy subtle horror and scholarly atmospheres. The stories' emphasis on tranquility disrupted by eerie occurrences provides a refreshing alternative to modern gore-centric genres. Overall, it stands as a definitive example of understated supernatural storytelling.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate atmospheric tension over explicit violence will find immense value in this volume. It is ideal for those seeking intellectual engagement through its inclusion of a critical essay on the art of fear. Fans of gothic fiction and psychological horror will enjoy the slow-burning dread inherent in James's work. The collection appeals to individuals who prefer subtle, understated scares rather than graphic content. Those interested in the intersection of academic history and supernatural events will also benefit from the unique perspective offered by the author's scholarly background.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Montague Rhodes James masterfully constructs tales of quiet terror rooted in medieval settings and academic life. By prioritizing mood and suggestion over shock, he creates a lingering sense of unease that resonates long after reading. The inclusion of his critical essay adds depth, explaining the mechanics behind his chilling narratives. This book suits readers who favor classic gothic fiction and psychological dread. It is particularly effective for those who enjoy subtle horror and scholarly atmospheres. The stories' emphasis on tranquility disrupted by eerie occurrences provides a refreshing alternative to modern gore-centric genres. Overall, it stands as a definitive example of understated supernatural storytelling.