Canon Alberic's Scrapbook (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

M. R. James

Jan 2016 · Read Books Ltd

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From the mind of M. R. James, the acknowledged master who redefined the ghost story for the 20th century and founded the 'antiquarian ghost story' genre, comes the very first tale of his landmark collection, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary.

Canon Alberic's Scrapbook introduces a meticulous English antiquary visiting a cathedral town in France. Always on the hunt for forgotten relics, he purchases a seemingly unique, grotesque scrapbook compiled centuries ago by a former Canon. However, this is no mere curiosity. As the scholar examines the disturbing contents, he realises he has brought home more than just a historical artifact. The scrapbook carries with it a dark, residual presence that manifests with chilling, unforgettable terror.

This story is a quintessential example of James' genius for building creeping dread around the quiet world of academic research, making it essential reading for fans of classic ghost stories and supernatural fiction, and the perfect introduction to the world of scholarly horror.

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About the author

M. R. James was born in Goodnestone, Kent, England on August 1, 1862. He was an English mediaeval scholar and provost of King's College, Cambridge (1905-1918) and of Eton College (1918-1936). He is best remembered for his ghost stories which are widely regarded as among the finest in English literature. He began writing his ghost stories as an entertainment for his friends; he would read these stories each year at Christmas to his colleagues at King's College. The earliest of these tales include Canon Alberic's Scrap-book and Lost Hearts, both of which were later collected in his first anthology of supernatural fiction, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904). Perhaps his single greatest story is the profoundly disturbing Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad (1904). He died on June 12, 1936.

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