16 - Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M. R. James

Delve into the eerie world of Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936), a renowned medieval scholar and Provost of King‚s College, Cambridge, who masterfully crafted ghost stories intended to be shared aloud during the haunting hours of Christmas Eve. Set against tranquil rural landscapes, his tales feature unassuming, scholarly protagonists who find themselves entwined with supernatural forces. The horror in his narratives is subtly woven, relying on the serene backdrop to heighten the dread of otherworldly encounters. Ghost Stories of an Antiquary‚ compiles two of his celebrated collections into a single volume, each introduced by a brief authors preface before the first story unfolds. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)