Count Magnus and Other Ghost Stories

M.R. James

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'Count Magnus and Other Ghost Stories' by M.R. James is a collection of classic British ghost stories that evoke a chilling atmosphere in just a few pages. The stories follow a Jamesian formula of an academic or clergy inadvertently summoning malevolent forces, with common tropes such as cursed artifacts, ghosts, demons, and haunted sites. The author's background as a medieval scholar influences the stories, which are well-known for their historical detail and precision underlying each supernatural mystery.

The writing style of M.R. James is described as atmospheric, subtle, and sophisticated, with a focus on evoking a pleasant chill rather than visceral thrills. The stories are structured like puzzles, engaging readers with unexpected twists and turns while borrowing tropes that have stood the test of time. James' tales are often told through fragments of found documents, folk tales, and gossip, adding to the authentic and chilling nature of the narratives.

Characters:

Characters are scholarly and restrained, focusing on intellectual pursuits rather than emotional depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features Victorian sensibilities and subdued terror, emphasizing atmosphere over graphic horror.

Plot/Storyline:

The plots showcase supernatural encounters, often with elements of antiquarianism, where characters face malevolent forces.

Setting:

Settings are academic and historical, creating a haunting atmosphere typical of Edwardian ghost stories.

Pacing:

Pacing is generally slower, with a buildup of suspense that benefits from reading stories individually.

Notes:

M.R. James is known for writing ghost stories that reflect his scholarly background as a medieval scholar.

Derek Jacobi narrates two CDs featuring five of M.R. James's supernatural stories, creating a captivating atmosphere.

The stories in Count Magnus are best enjoyed by those already familiar with M.R. James's work.

Many stories have elements that can be chilling but may not be scary by modern horror standards.

M.R. James's stories often include malevolent ghosts or unexplained phenomena, which are essential for a successful ghost story according to the author.

While some stories are more well-known, such as 'Oh Whistle and I’ll Come to You My Lad', others are lesser-known like 'Rats' and 'A School Story'.

James often employs a nested narrative style, where the tale is recounted through an account of an investigator.

The work relies more on nuance and imagination than on graphic horror, contrasting with contemporary horror literature.

The stories explore themes of antiquarianism, academic culture, and often involve scholars or clergy inadvertently uncovering supernatural forces.

There's a healthy dosage of British humor mixed in, which may not be immediately evident.

Readings are often recommended during winter evenings or around Christmas for added atmosphere.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book has medium content warnings due to themes of horror, death, and supernatural violence.

From The Publisher:

Count Magnus and Other Ghost Stories contains the entire first two volumes of James's ghost stories, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary and More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary. These volumes are both the culmination of the nineteenth-century ghost story tradition and the inspiration for much of the best twentieth-century work in this genre. Included in this collection are such landmark tales as "Count Magnus," set in the wilds of Sweden; "Number 13," a distinctive tale about a haunted hotel room; "Casting the Runes," a richly complex tale of sorcery that served as the basis for the classic horror film Curse of the Demon; and "Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad," one of the most frightening tales in literature. The appendix includes several rare texts, including "A Night in King's College Chapel," James's first known ghost story.

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About the Author:

Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936) is one of the originators and most influential writers of supernatural fiction. Among his many honors was the Order of Merit, bestowed upon him by King George V in 1930.

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