From the mind of M. R. James, the scholar-writer who redefined the ghost story for the 20th century and founded the 'antiquarian ghost story' genre, comes the collection that launched his legendary career. Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904) is the foundational work of subtle, creeping terror, where academic curiosity leads directly to supernatural peril.
In a world where polite society and dusty archives conceal ancient, malevolent forces. James' protagonists, often reclusive scholars, clergymen, or meticulous travelers, unwittingly disturb the past by examining cursed relics, strange manuscripts, and unholy artifacts. The resulting hauntings are intimate, chilling, and utterly unforgettable.
This essential volume is a masterclass in building creeping dread, featuring some of the most famous tales in the English supernatural tradition:
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Canon Alberic's Scrapbook
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The Mezzotint
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Count Magnus
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The Ash-tree
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Number 13
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"Oh Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad"
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The Treasure of Abbot Thomas
- Lost Hearts
This collection is a must-have cornerstone for all lovers of classic ghost stories and masterful supernatural fiction. Experience the terrifying realization that the quiet world of the past is not at rest.