Books Like...
'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' by M.R. James is a collection of spooky stories with a Gothic feel, often involving travelers encountering supernatural manifestations during their antiquarian research. The stories are set in atmospheric locations, such as old houses and country estates, and typically revolve around the discovery of old books or artefacts that attract unearthly beings. The writing style is described as subtle, leaving much to the reader's imagination, and the stories are known for their eerie and chilling nature.
If you liked Ghost Stories of an Antiquary, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A ghost story about a non-existent room 13 in an inn. The occupant of room 12 and the inn-keep hear noises next door, but it's not coming from room 14. When they do discover the door to number 13, strange things start happening....
... - #2
'Borderlands 1' by Thomas F. Monteleone is a collection of horror short stories that delve into unique and unconventional themes, steering clear of typical horror tropes like ghosts, vampires, and zombies. The stories featured in this anthology are described as extraordinary, versatile, and well-written, showcasing a panorama of extraordinary talents and a variety of styles and characterizations. The plot explores a wide range of horror elements, from psychological terror to gruesome horror tales, offering readers a diverse and captivating reading experience.
Michael Dixon was a grunt at an early Borderlands Press Writers Boot Camp, and he submitted the following story as the culmination of his weekend assignment. We liked it so much we promised we’d take ... - #3
'The Empty House' by Algernon Blackwood is a short ghost story that is easily read and enjoyed in twenty minutes. The writing style is described as old-fashioned yet fantastically gothic, quickly setting a dark and tense atmosphere. The story is about two ghost hunters in the Victorian Era, where the author masterfully allows the reader to experience the crazy emotions that occur with a true encounter with the supernatural, without being gory or sexual. The plot is suspenseful and spooky, with great suspense and a wonderful ghost story element.
And, perhaps, with houses the same principle is operative, and it is the aroma of evil deeds committed under a particular roof, long after the actual doers have passed away, that makes the gooseflesh ... Readers praise M.R. James for his mastery in crafting ghost stories that evoke fear and suspense. The stories are described as moody, inventive, and classically scary, appealing to lovers of creepy and sinister tales. The author's works are recommended for those seeking a spooky and safe read, with titles like "A Warning to the Curious" and "Oh, Whistle And I'll Come To You, My Lad" standing out as favorites. The stories often revolve around scholars encountering unusual texts or artifacts and slowly realizing they are in a ghost story, creating a sense of dread and tension.
M.R. James's writing style is commended for being sharply written, slyly composed, and scary as hell, with stories that are quiet, spooky, and filled with ominous tones. The author's ability to create a chilling atmosphere through his narratives, such as in "A Warning to the Curious," is highlighted as a key strength. Readers appreciate the historical backdrop and sense of dread in James's tales, making them both effective and inspirational for those interested in classic horror and folk horror elements.
- #5
First published in 1904, 'Count Magnus' is a classic paranormal tale written by M.R. James, an author considered to be the originator of the modern age ghost story. Though popular in written form, his stories were in fact designed to be read out loud
... 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' by M.R. James is a classic Christmas ghost story that follows Professor Parkins, a young man on a golfing holiday, who discovers a mysterious whistle in some ruins. Upon blowing the whistle, he unleashes a horrifying event that leads to a chilling encounter with a dark shape. The story is written in a traditional ghost story manner, with a dark and foreboding atmosphere that builds up suspense throughout the narrative. The plot unfolds slowly and inexorably, keeping readers gripped until the end.
The writing style of M.R. James in this book is praised for its attention to detail, which brings the characters to life and creates a contemporary feel despite being published in 1904. The beginning and middle of the story are highlighted for their outstanding job in building suspense, while the ending is noted as leaving a bit to be desired by some readers, feeling somewhat stunted. Overall, the book is considered a gripping and relentless old-fashioned ghost story that relies on suspense rather than violence or gore to evoke a sense of eeriness.
"I suppose you will be getting away pretty soon, now Full term is over, Professor," said a person not in the story to the Professor of Ontography, soon after they had sat down next to each other at a ...- #7
They say a picture can paint a thousand words. This picture can tell a story: but what story will it tell to the University Professors who examine it? This classic gothic ghost story from M R James is presented in a dyslexic friendly format to deligh
... - #8
In a Glass Darkly by J. Sheridan Le Fanu is a collection of five short stories and a novella that encompass a mix of ghost stories, horror, mystery, and fantasy. The stories delve into themes of psychological horror, supernatural occurrences, and eerie atmospheres, with each tale becoming progressively stranger. The book culminates in the story of Carmilla, a vampire tale that has had a significant influence on the genre, particularly inspiring other authors to explore similar themes.
The Rev. Mr. Jennings is tall and thin. He is middle-aged, and dresses with a natty, old-fashioned, high-church precision. He is naturally a little stately, but not at all stiff. His features, without... 'The Great God Pan and Other Horror Stories' by Arthur Machen is a collection of creepy and mysterious tales that delve into themes of witchcraft, secret knowledge, Old Religion, and the darker side of the supernatural. The stories are known for their atmospheric and suggestive writing style that requires deep attention from the reader. Machen's narratives often have bleak or open endings, leaving room for interpretation and imagination. The book is filled with disturbing and macabre elements that evoke a sense of mystery and dread, similar to the works of H.P. Lovecraft.
One hot afternoon in August a gorgeous young gentleman, one would say the last of his race in London, set out from the Circus end, and proceeded to stroll along the lonely expanse of Piccadilly Desert...- #10
Fearful Symmetries is a very lengthy short story collection, awarded with the Bram Stoker Award, featuring dozens of short stories and very detailed story notes.The collection includes the stories: "Identity Crisis"; "Spare the Child"; "The Mechanica
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