Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

It is October and time for spooky Ghost Stories!

A collection of short stories published in 1904. James's work as a medievalist and scholar is still highly regarded, he is best remembered for his ghost stories, which some consider among the best in the genre. He redefined the ghost story for the new century by abandoning many of the formal Gothic clichés of his predecessors and using more realistic contemporary settings. However, his protagonists and plots tend to reflect his own antiquarian interests. Accordingly, he is known as the originator of the "antiquarian ghost story".

James perfected a method of story-telling which has since become known as Jamesian. The classic Jamesian tale usually includes the following elements:

1. a characterful setting in an English village, seaside town or country estate; an ancient town in France, Denmark or Sweden; or a venerable abbey or university
2. a nondescript and rather naive gentleman-scholar as protagonist (often of a reserved nature)
3. the discovery of an old book or other antiquarian object that somehow unlocks, calls down the wrath, or at least attracts the unwelcome attention of a supernatural menace, usually from beyond the grave.

'If I'm not very careful, something of this kind may happen to me!'"

I read these last year and recommend them, since they're not too scary, but are mysterious.

I listened to these on hoopla in 2020. Very entertaining!

I read these stories by M.R. James and liked how the scariness was not just stated outright. It builds as you read each one. The antiquarian objects and old books and abbeys also drew me in. My favorite story was "The Mezzotint," (view spoiler)[an old type of photograph which changed every time the protagonists looked at it. Did what they see already happen, or was it happening at the time, or was it foretelling an event to come? (hide spoiler)]

Excellent! A treat for lovers of ghost stories, and especially for antiquaries.

Most of the James stories are similar, but The Tractate Middoth is a bit different. As well as the usual ghostly doings, there is some romantic interest, and a dramatic race by the hero to get to the critical place before the villain. An excellent tale I think.

Glad your liking the tale Bernard!

The Tractate Middoth: an update ....

I just discovered that the BBC made a version of it in 2013, and I have missed it .... twice! But it may appear again at Christmas. Anyhoo, watch out for it on a TV screen near you.

There have not been many posts this time, but I have enjoyed reading the stories again.

They are an enjoyable collection, I agree, Bernard.

Happy you got to enjoy reading the stories again Bernard.

Seems like several Members read them last year at this time?

Bernard wrote: "There have not been many posts this time, but I have enjoyed reading the stories again."

I read them recently, great stuff but too soon for a re-read. :)

I listened to two audiobooks that have a lot of the same stories in them and they are great. A real treat for Halloween 👻 I love a more traditional ghost story.

I read the stories every year. Even though I know all the plots, I still enjoy them, they have a certain quality which other ghost stories do not have.

Anyone else seen the BBC trailer for The Mezzotint which will be airing on BBC 2 over Christmas. I’m super excited about this!

I have indeed Georgina! A festive treat for sure. It is directed by Mark Gatiss, who last week presented a most informative programme on James.

Just watched it on iPlayer Bernard, thank you, it was really good and I learned a lot about his life that I didn’t know. It explains a lot of his influences. I feel fully set up for the Mezzotint now :)

Glad you enjoyed it. I am not yet fully set up, but I plan to watch it with a plate piled high with mince pies and a goblet of mulled wine.