Ghosts I Have Met and Some Others

by John Kendrick Bangs

"Ghosts I Have Met and Some Others" by John Kendrick Bangs is a collection of humorous supernatural tales written during the late 19th century. The book presents the author's whimsical encounters with various ghosts, blending comedy and the paranormal in a lighthearted exploration of what it means to coexist with spirits. The central figure is the author himself, who narrates his experiences while maintaining a tone of skepticism and amusement regarding the spectral phenomena he encounters. At the start of the collection, the author reflects on his many encounters with ghosts, expressing a mindset that allows him to confront these apparitions with both terror and interest. He describes a particularly grotesque spectre that appeared in his chair one night, highlighting his physical fear contrasted with his mental composure, as he casually offers the spectre a cigar. The narrative humorously details their conversation, revealing the author's unique ability to engage with the supernatural while laughing off the typical fright associated with ghostly visitations. The opening sets the stage for a series of comedic escapades involving various other spectral characters that promise to entertain readers with both wit and whimsy.