M. R. James Ghost Stories

by M.R. James

This handsome collection brings together the classic short fiction of M.R. James, one of the most acclaimed ghost story writers of all time who influenced the likes of Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft.

M. R. James' tales have bewitched and terrified readers for over a century. Set among dark cathedrals, remote inns, and rural estates, with ancient artifacts of awful power lurking in the shadows, a sense of dread and unease builds until some terrible force is unleashed. These haunting tales by one of the genre's all-time greats will keep you transfixed even as your blood turns to ice.

Tales
• Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad
• Casting the Runes
• Count Magnus
• Lost Hearts
• The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral
• And many more.

Presented with a striking gothic cover design and featuring an insightful introduction, this makes is a wonderful gift or collectible for any lover of classic literature.

Genres: Horror, Classics

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Montague Rhodes James, who used the publication name M.R. James, was a noted English mediaeval scholar & provost of King's College, Cambridge (1905–18) & of Eton College (1918–36). He's best remembered for his ghost stories which are widely regarded as among the finest in English literature. One of James' most important achievements was to redefine the ghost story for the new century by dispensing with many of the formal Gothic trappings of his predecessors, replacing them with more realistic contemporary settings.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

M.R.^James

Reviews

[Charlie_Bharlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Some stories were better than others but it’s a beautiful edition

[James Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read only the Penguin Vintage Minis edition, which six stories from the original collection. However, as this version is not available on GoodReads, I've included it here.

I first came across M.R. James through the BBC's Ghost Stories for Christmas and through the classic horror Night of the Demon. Whilst I think the BBC's versions are perhaps better than the source material, each of these stories offer something different and don't outstay their welcome. Whilst I cannot comment on all the stories in this collection, the six I have read leave me wanting more.

[Orlando Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of a 3.5. It’s better than a 3 but slightly misses the mark to be a 4. The biggest issue for me is the very old language but also very excessive set up to the stories. Each story has about 3 to 4 pages of excessive and unnecessary information and description. But once you get to the good parts, they get good and truly spooky. There’s some very unique storylines in here that are fun for horror fans. You just need to have the patience to get through all the filler writing.

[Jack T · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Ravenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.R. James is one of my favorite authors of ghost stories. He weaves his tales with extraordinary skill and talent, always keeping me on my toes and genuinely spooking this life-long horror fan. It's very difficult for me to become frightened or even chilled reading ghost stories, but M.R. James does it every single time. I have been looking for a collection of his best ghost stories since I discovered James' horrifying tales in high school and this one is absolutely perfect. Gorgeously bound, lovely illustrations, and a hardcover makes this the perfect edition to add to my library.