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The Shrieking Skull and other Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories
The first-ever collection of tales by the Victorian era's most prolific author of Christmas ghost stories!
Move over, Charles Dickens! The author of "A Christmas Carol" may be the most famous writer of Christmas ghost stories from the Victorian age, but the king of the genre was James Skipp Borlase (1839-1909), who published dozens of them over an extraordinarily long career spanning from 1864 to 1907. This volume collects thirteen of his best from rare and obscure provincial newspapers in England and Australia, none of them reprinted in over a century.
Move over, Charles Dickens! The author of "A Christmas Carol" may be the most famous writer of Christmas ghost stories from the Victorian age, but the king of the genre was James Skipp Borlase (1839-1909), who published dozens of them over an extraordinarily long career spanning from 1864 to 1907. This volume collects thirteen of his best from rare and obscure provincial newspapers in England and Australia, none of them reprinted in over a century.
191 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 27, 2022
full post here:
http://www.oddlyweirdfiction.com/2022...
This book marks, I do believe, the first time a Valancourt Christmas edition has featured a single author; here it's a Victorian writer by the name of James Skipp Borlase (1839-1909). Datewise, the stories in this volume range from 1867 to 1907, part of the "untold number of short stories" he'd written; Borlase also, according to the editor's most informative introduction, wrote "as many as a hundred serialized novels," a seriously major output over a very long career.
One thing I've discovered while reading this book in particular is that evidently, Victorian readers must have truly enjoyed reading tales based on their own history, as there are a number of stories set in the 17th and 18th centuries. They seemed to also enjoy stories that hearkened back to old, familiar folklore and legends, and after 1880 Borlase began employing a technique in which he would identify
"short passages regarding ghosts, witches, deals with the devil, and so on from works of local history and folklore, then writing a longer story of his own from that germ of an idea and resetting the events around Christmas."
Personally, I think that was a good choice on his part, starting with the familiar and then embellishing, and that concept takes shape at the very beginning of this collection, with the very first story.
This is probably the most different of all of the Valancourt Christmas volumes, and the stories included in The Shrieking Skull may not be the most frightening ghostly tales ever written, but more important than leaving modern readers with a case of the heebie-jeebies, I think, is what Philippo says about Borlase's stories here, that
"... this first collection of so many of his Christmas ghost stories should provide an informative and enjoyable window into the tastes of the Victorian era."
That it definitely does, and really, it's not too difficult to imagine a Victorian dad with his family all cozied up in the dark around the blazing fire in the hearth as he reads a few of these tales (in my head by candlelight), inducing many a shiver among the wee ones. My only complaint here is that many of the stories tend to center around romantic rivalries or lost loves that make for one-note reading at times, and really, it's like a breath of fresh air when something different actually pops up in the story lineup. On the flip side though, it's very much a plus to have been introduced to the work of James Skipp Borlase, whose name has never before blipped up on my reading radar. I happen to very much enjoy this sort of thing because I'm a total folklore fanatic and a three-times history major, and I especially enjoyed the way Borlase reworked old history and old legends in his own way to fit the bill for the Christmas holiday season.
As the editor notes,
"Victorian readers' concept of 'ghost stories' generally and 'Christmas ghost stories' in particular was broader than the conception of some readers today,"
something I totally understand having read so many of these, and something for other readers to keep in mind as they read through these old tales. I totally appreciate all of the work Christopher Philippo has put into this book, and for me, it's a welcome addition to my home library, a book I'd certainly recommend, especially for regular readers of Victorian ghostly tales. My advice -- be patient, but then again, if you've read a lot of Victorian ghost stories, you already know that you should.
http://www.oddlyweirdfiction.com/2022...
This book marks, I do believe, the first time a Valancourt Christmas edition has featured a single author; here it's a Victorian writer by the name of James Skipp Borlase (1839-1909). Datewise, the stories in this volume range from 1867 to 1907, part of the "untold number of short stories" he'd written; Borlase also, according to the editor's most informative introduction, wrote "as many as a hundred serialized novels," a seriously major output over a very long career.
One thing I've discovered while reading this book in particular is that evidently, Victorian readers must have truly enjoyed reading tales based on their own history, as there are a number of stories set in the 17th and 18th centuries. They seemed to also enjoy stories that hearkened back to old, familiar folklore and legends, and after 1880 Borlase began employing a technique in which he would identify
"short passages regarding ghosts, witches, deals with the devil, and so on from works of local history and folklore, then writing a longer story of his own from that germ of an idea and resetting the events around Christmas."
Personally, I think that was a good choice on his part, starting with the familiar and then embellishing, and that concept takes shape at the very beginning of this collection, with the very first story.
This is probably the most different of all of the Valancourt Christmas volumes, and the stories included in The Shrieking Skull may not be the most frightening ghostly tales ever written, but more important than leaving modern readers with a case of the heebie-jeebies, I think, is what Philippo says about Borlase's stories here, that
"... this first collection of so many of his Christmas ghost stories should provide an informative and enjoyable window into the tastes of the Victorian era."
That it definitely does, and really, it's not too difficult to imagine a Victorian dad with his family all cozied up in the dark around the blazing fire in the hearth as he reads a few of these tales (in my head by candlelight), inducing many a shiver among the wee ones. My only complaint here is that many of the stories tend to center around romantic rivalries or lost loves that make for one-note reading at times, and really, it's like a breath of fresh air when something different actually pops up in the story lineup. On the flip side though, it's very much a plus to have been introduced to the work of James Skipp Borlase, whose name has never before blipped up on my reading radar. I happen to very much enjoy this sort of thing because I'm a total folklore fanatic and a three-times history major, and I especially enjoyed the way Borlase reworked old history and old legends in his own way to fit the bill for the Christmas holiday season.
As the editor notes,
"Victorian readers' concept of 'ghost stories' generally and 'Christmas ghost stories' in particular was broader than the conception of some readers today,"
something I totally understand having read so many of these, and something for other readers to keep in mind as they read through these old tales. I totally appreciate all of the work Christopher Philippo has put into this book, and for me, it's a welcome addition to my home library, a book I'd certainly recommend, especially for regular readers of Victorian ghostly tales. My advice -- be patient, but then again, if you've read a lot of Victorian ghost stories, you already know that you should.
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December 23, 2022
I’m done with the first two, and so far, decidedly unimpressed, other than that the second, A Bride From The Dead is set in the Caldbeck hills, just north of my place.
Not a good start when the first 10% of the book is given to an introduction and a ‘note on the texts’.
Though the title story is more compelling, the strongest (by some way) in the book, overall this collection is disappointing.
Borlase is billed by one media promotion as being the 'best Victorian ghost author you've never heard of'; the cynic in me say.. well.. there might be a reason why is so unknown..
There is humour in most of the tales, often to the destruction of the atmosphere previously created. I was reminded at times of the Hammer horrors of the 80s. If I hadn't been told, I certainly wouldn't have guessed they were written in Victorian times, not necessarily a criticism I hasten to add.
Not a good start when the first 10% of the book is given to an introduction and a ‘note on the texts’.
Though the title story is more compelling, the strongest (by some way) in the book, overall this collection is disappointing.
Borlase is billed by one media promotion as being the 'best Victorian ghost author you've never heard of'; the cynic in me say.. well.. there might be a reason why is so unknown..
There is humour in most of the tales, often to the destruction of the atmosphere previously created. I was reminded at times of the Hammer horrors of the 80s. If I hadn't been told, I certainly wouldn't have guessed they were written in Victorian times, not necessarily a criticism I hasten to add.
December 21, 2022
Valancourt Books has published a volume of Victorian era ghost stories for several years. This is the fourth year that have enjoyed reading them. I have to say thought that this time I got the impression that they have selected some stories that would not have made the cut in previous years. This could be that they decided to stick with the works of just one author, Australian James Skipp Borlase, rather than a collection of several different authors as they have in the past. Several of the stories had an eerily similar theme, that of a young and handsome suitor attempting to disrupt the forced marriage of a beautiful maiden to a villainous fat old rich guy. One or two stories along those lines would have been fine but after a while I began to wonder why Borlase was so obsessed about this subject.
As the author spent many years in Australia I thought that most of the stories would be set there but only one was, and that one, although excellent, was not a ghost story.
Bottom line: I enjoyed these stories, but not as much as I did the first three volumes of Victorian Christmas ghost stories that Valancourt has collected. I suspect that next Christmas I may read the copy of The Valancourt Book of World Horror Stories, Volume 1, that is on my bookshelf instead.
As the author spent many years in Australia I thought that most of the stories would be set there but only one was, and that one, although excellent, was not a ghost story.
Bottom line: I enjoyed these stories, but not as much as I did the first three volumes of Victorian Christmas ghost stories that Valancourt has collected. I suspect that next Christmas I may read the copy of The Valancourt Book of World Horror Stories, Volume 1, that is on my bookshelf instead.
December 7, 2023
I've long been fascinated by the English predilection for ghost stories over the Christmas Holidays. I initially thought it must have something to do with the Charles Dickens classic tales of that period. However, it is obviously more than that as I've spoken with folks who eagerly awaited the famous BBC broadcasts with the same thrill intensity I had waiting for the annual broadcast of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas," featuring that wonderful vocal performance by Boris Karloff. Often, the tales told had no real link to the Holidays at all.
As several of those BBC broadcasts became available on DVD, I began to understand the special thrill of a "chilling tale" by the fireside as Christmas arrived. Eventually, even Christmas specials with Dr. Who became something of a tradition!
So, for the current season, I went in search of a literary collection ... and was very pleased to find THE SHRIEKING SKULL AND OTHER VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS GHOST STORIES. It was my first exposure to writer James Skipp Borlase who, according to the Introduction, had quite a checkered career. The stories he produced were much more in line with the "Penny Dreadful" tales than those of Charles Dickens, but each and every one was a delightful read. That is not something I can say about most short story collections!
A recurring theme is that of a lop-sided love triangle going fatally wrong. However, each of those stories had unique incidents that separated them from the others. There were also other ghostly visitation themes, and one comedic tale ("Bored To Death") that was quite witty and had me chuckling my way through. Oddly enough, the one I liked the least was the final one in the collection ("A Tale Of Two Christmases") as I thought that its attempt at a warm send-off didn't quite succeed, but even it was worth reading.
There is a suggestion in the Introduction that as Christmas ghost stories grew in popularity, Borlase may have "recycled" some of them by changing the setting to the Holidays. I suspect that may certainly be the case with one set in a sweltering hot climate that becomes Christmas in Australia ("Twelve Miles Broad"). But, if that's the case, it's no matter. I still had a most enjoyable time reading each of them ... from the Blood & Thunder of "Two Ghostly Swordsmen; or The Duel On The Moor. A Christmas Story of Brandesburton" to the gentle "The Haunted Silk Mill, or The Ghost-Guaded Treasure." They will never be as popular as the works of M. R. James, but I had fun with them.
As several of those BBC broadcasts became available on DVD, I began to understand the special thrill of a "chilling tale" by the fireside as Christmas arrived. Eventually, even Christmas specials with Dr. Who became something of a tradition!
So, for the current season, I went in search of a literary collection ... and was very pleased to find THE SHRIEKING SKULL AND OTHER VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS GHOST STORIES. It was my first exposure to writer James Skipp Borlase who, according to the Introduction, had quite a checkered career. The stories he produced were much more in line with the "Penny Dreadful" tales than those of Charles Dickens, but each and every one was a delightful read. That is not something I can say about most short story collections!
A recurring theme is that of a lop-sided love triangle going fatally wrong. However, each of those stories had unique incidents that separated them from the others. There were also other ghostly visitation themes, and one comedic tale ("Bored To Death") that was quite witty and had me chuckling my way through. Oddly enough, the one I liked the least was the final one in the collection ("A Tale Of Two Christmases") as I thought that its attempt at a warm send-off didn't quite succeed, but even it was worth reading.
There is a suggestion in the Introduction that as Christmas ghost stories grew in popularity, Borlase may have "recycled" some of them by changing the setting to the Holidays. I suspect that may certainly be the case with one set in a sweltering hot climate that becomes Christmas in Australia ("Twelve Miles Broad"). But, if that's the case, it's no matter. I still had a most enjoyable time reading each of them ... from the Blood & Thunder of "Two Ghostly Swordsmen; or The Duel On The Moor. A Christmas Story of Brandesburton" to the gentle "The Haunted Silk Mill, or The Ghost-Guaded Treasure." They will never be as popular as the works of M. R. James, but I had fun with them.
December 14, 2022
Fine collection of rare stories but a bit on the repetitive side. Almost every plot revolves around the interrupted marriage of a couple kept tragically apart. Not so many highs and lows amongst the stories, just a readable selection with a few surprising moments of gore and gruesomeness. Not scary but pleasantly readable. Round up to a 3.5
January 2, 2023
These stories have been collected from obscure papers and magazines from 1880 to 1907. This is a new to me author as far as I know and I was very pleased with these ghost stories. Typical fare from the period where I enjoyed all of them. Most were 5 stars with only a few falling to 4 stars. The stories take place either during Christmas or on Christmas Eve. A keeper for my collection.
March 28, 2023
A charming read!
My favorite stories were "A Weird Wooing," "The Fiery Skull," "The Haunted Silk Mill," and "Twelve Miles Broad." Though the most horrifying by far was "Tale of Two Christmases." Truly ghastly.
My favorite stories were "A Weird Wooing," "The Fiery Skull," "The Haunted Silk Mill," and "Twelve Miles Broad." Though the most horrifying by far was "Tale of Two Christmases." Truly ghastly.
December 22, 2025
Ghost stories used to be a tradition to read around the Christmas holidays. This book brings a collection of Victorian Ghost stories that are perfect for a holiday read. Most are set around the holiday season, and they vary in the type of terror that graces the page of each ghost story. It is a short book, perfect to read a story each night leading up to Christmas. I enjoyed it, the classics are some of the best spooky stories there are.
November 29, 2023
A charming olde-fashioned collection of holiday horror tales. Here you'll find plucky young women hunting treasure in abandoned factories, Roundheads and Tories coming to fateful grips in duels; and young ladies saved from witchfinder's bonfires by a hair's breadth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
Some are quite good, but the last one has not aged well.
December 22, 2024
3.5⭐️ (maybe 4 as I ponder on this collection).
Review forthcoming.
Review forthcoming.
December 26, 2024
A holiday curio. Beautifully curated and produced, the stories are rather samey though quite fun in a pantomime manner.
September 9, 2024
All of the stories were so fun and charming except for the last one, A Tale of Two Christmases, which aged like milk.
May 10, 2024
This is the 6th year that I've received a collection of Victorian Christmas ghost stories printed by
Valancourt Books as a Christmas gift! While the other five are anthologies, however, this is the first time that Valacourt published such a collection by a singular author. Still a solid collection, but I think I prefer the multi-author anthology approach as some of Borlase's stories are a little too similar in plot or some other aspect to one another. This is probably due to Borlase's prodigious output, publishing stories in newspapers and periodicals across the UK and Australia. Despite this, this is still a very worthwhile read for any fans of Victorian-era ghost stories. 3.5 stars.
Valancourt Books as a Christmas gift! While the other five are anthologies, however, this is the first time that Valacourt published such a collection by a singular author. Still a solid collection, but I think I prefer the multi-author anthology approach as some of Borlase's stories are a little too similar in plot or some other aspect to one another. This is probably due to Borlase's prodigious output, publishing stories in newspapers and periodicals across the UK and Australia. Despite this, this is still a very worthwhile read for any fans of Victorian-era ghost stories. 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews