M. R. James

M. R. James, full name Montague Rhodes James, was an English author, medievalist scholar, and provost of King's College, Cambridge, and of Eton College. He is best remembered for his ghost stories, which are regarded as among the best in the genre. James redefined the ghost story for a new era by abandoning many of the formal Gothic cliches of his predecessors and using more realistic contemporary settings. His tales often revolve around the discovery of an old book or other antiquarian object that unleashes an otherworldly malevolent force, sometimes with his own scholarly protagonists. He was born on August 1, 1862, and died on June 12, 1936.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Ghost Stories Of An Antiquary

    Cover of 'Ghost Stories Of An Antiquary' by M. R. James

    "Ghost Stories of an Antiquary" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the supernatural and macabre. Written by M. R. James, these stories transport readers to eerie settings, where ancient artifacts, haunted houses, and vengeful spirits lurk. With a masterful blend of suspense and atmospheric descriptions, James weaves narratives that leave readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the boundaries between the real and the supernatural. Each story is a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the terrifying unknown, making this collection a must-read for fans of classic ghost stories.

    The 1466th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Oh, Whistle, And I'll Come To You, My Lad

    Cover of 'Oh, Whistle, And I'll Come To You, My Lad' by M. R. James

    In this classic ghost story, a skeptical academic on a golfing holiday in the eastern part of England stumbles upon an ancient whistle among the ruins of a Templar preceptory. Upon cleaning it, he discovers an inscription inviting whoever finds the whistle to blow it. The protagonist, driven by curiosity, does so, unwittingly summoning a supernatural entity. As eerie occurrences unfold, his skepticism is challenged by the increasingly terrifying presence that haunts his nights, culminating in a chilling encounter that shakes his rationality to its core. The tale masterfully weaves suspense and the uncanny, exploring themes of antiquarianism, the supernatural, and the limits of human understanding.

    The 6103rd Greatest Book of All Time