Author
M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James
1862-1936
M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James (1862-1936) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James
Ghost Stories of an Antiquary
"Ghost Stories of an Antiquary" by M. R. James is a collection of ghost stories published in 1904. This landmark volume contains eight tales of supernatural terror, including the famous "'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'" and "Count Magnus." James' stories blend scholarly settings with creeping dread, establishing a distinctive style that would define literary ghost fiction. The collection features illustrations by James McBryde, created shortly before his untimely death. These atmospheric tales have been widely adapted for television and continue to influence the ghost story tradition.
A Warning to the Curious, and Other Ghost Stories
"A Warning to the Curious, and Other Ghost Stories" by M. R. James is a collection of supernatural short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology follows various protagonists destined to confront eerie and unsettling events related to antiquities and the past, as they encounter remnants of histories that refuse to fade quietly into obscurity. The opening of the collection presents the story "The Haunted Doll’s House." It introduces Mr. Dillet, a collector who acquires an ornate dollhouse with a mysterious past. Upon bringing it home, he experiences a supernatural phenomenon that merges his reality with unsettling, ghostly visions of the dollhouse's previous inhabitants. As he unravels the history connected to the house, the narrative unfolds layers of horror and tension that hints at dark secrets and unresolved tales, setting the tone for the chilling ghost stories to follow in this intriguing anthology.
Ghost Stories of an Antiquary Part 2: More Ghost Stories
"Ghost Stories of an Antiquary Part 2: More Ghost Stories" by M. R. James is a collection of eerie tales written during the early 20th century. This work is a continuation of the first part, showcasing more chilling ghost stories that explore themes of the supernatural, folklore, and unsettling events typically set in antiquarian contexts. Readers can expect to encounter a variety of spooky narratives, each laced with a sense of history, mystery, and a touch of psychological terror. At the start of this volume, the opening story, "A School Story," introduces two men reminiscing about haunting memories from their schooldays, leading to a tale of an unsettling experience involving a ghostly figure and a mysterious teacher named Mr. Sampson. The narrator recalls a strange incident that consists of cryptic Latin phrases and omens that foreshadow eerie events surrounding their school. This story establishes the tone for the rest of the collection, weaving in elements of nostalgia, childhood fear, and the unknown which underpin the ghostly encounters.
A Thin Ghost and Others
"A Thin Ghost and Others" by M. R. James is a horror short story collection published in 1919. This third collection from the British master of supernatural fiction features five tales, several representing what critics call James' "puzzle-story phase"—oblique narratives demanding careful interpretation. The stories range from mysterious disappearances to sinister cathedral secrets, with one tale serving as a companion piece to an earlier work featuring a similar creature. These atmospheric ghost stories showcase James' distinctive style of understated terror.
Old Testament legends : $b being stories out of some of the less-known apocryphal books of the Old Testament
"Old Testament Legends" by M. R. James is a collection of apocryphal stories drawn from lesser-known books of the Old Testament, written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the narratives surrounding biblical figures such as Adam, Abraham, and others, exploring their lives and events in a creative and mythical reinterpretation. The collection brings to life tales that expand on the canonical stories found in the Bible, offering readers new insights into these ancient characters and their relationships with God." "At the start of the book, the author discusses the concept of apocryphal texts, explaining their role in Jewish and early Christian traditions. He highlights stories that exist outside the canonical Scriptures, such as those derived from the "Conflict of Adam and Eve" and the "Revelation of Moses," revealing events like Adam and Eve's hardships after their expulsion from Eden and their encounters with Satan. James sets up a framework for the book by noting the importance of these legends and outlining themes of repentance, faith, and divine interaction characteristic of these early narratives."
The Five Jars
"The Five Jars" by M. R. James is a fantasy novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows an unnamed protagonist who embarks on an unusual adventure involving magical elements, a mysterious box containing jars with supernatural properties, and a journey into a world populated by small people and fantastical creatures. The novel is steeped in a whimsical tone, rich descriptions of nature, and an exploration of the consequences of tampering with magic. The opening of the book presents a detailed account of the protagonist's mystical experience in a remote wood. After falling asleep by a stream, he dreams of a peculiar plant, which he later finds and collects. This discovery leads him to a round pool of water, where he interacts with the spring and gathers valuable silver. As he delves deeper into his adventure, he uncovers a buried box containing five jars, each inscribed with Latin phrases that suggest they hold extraordinary powers. The opening sets an enchanting atmosphere, introducing readers to the protagonist's curiosity and the magical world that awaits him, paving the way for a tale of discovery and wonder.
The Wanderings and Homes of Manuscripts
"The Wanderings and Homes of Manuscripts" by M. R. James is a scholarly historical account written in the early 20th century. The book discusses the journey and preservation of manuscripts throughout history, examining where they were produced, how they have been collected, and suggesting methods for studying their histories. It is primarily focused on Greek and Latin manuscripts, with an objective to arouse curiosity in readers about the continuing exploration of manuscript history. At the start of this work, James outlines the significant role manuscripts play in preserving historical records and literary works. He specifically highlights manuscripts from the Eton College collection, providing detailed accounts of various volumes, their origins, and tracing their paths through history. James begins with a few select manuscripts, detailing their features and the circumstances of their acquisition, often interspersing the narrative with anecdotes and historical context that show how these texts have transcended time, ownership, and even geographical barriers. The opening sets a foundation for the broader exploration of manuscript provenance and the many stories embedded within their pages.