First of all, I have the origional hardcover edition and I've had it since the 70's. A cousin was in North Carolina and was kind enough to bring this book to me. It was my first book of this type and kindled a fire that continues to burn today. Now I have over a hundred books of this type and am forever grateful to my cousin Carolyn and Nancy Roberts.
Please note that the five stars may denote more about my attachment to this book than about it's content because it has been a long time since I read it.
If you want to look at works of literature that shaped my life, this would certainly be at the top of the list: stories and legends of spooky goings-on here in my home state. Ms. Roberts came to my elementary school when I was a child (perhaps more than once) and read from the book. I have an autographed copy. Essential to shaping me!!!