“M.R. JAMES’ INFLUENCE ON THE ENGLISH GHOST STORY HAS BEEN IMMEASURABLE”: FIRST EDITION OF GHOST STORIES OF AN ANTIQUARY, 1904

JAMES, Montague Rhodes. Ghost Stories of an Antiquary. London: Edward Arnold, 1904. Octavo, original natural yapped-edged linen, uncut. $6800.

First edition of the scarce first and finest book by "the most important and influential figure in the horror field," with four illustrations by James McBryde.

To H.P. Lovecraft, fellow writer Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936) memorably "evokes fright and hideousness in their most shocking forms; and will certainly stand as one of the few really creative masters in his darksome province" (Supernatural Horror in Literature). A renowned medievalist and biblical scholar, James was also "a consummate artist of the creepy tale, and his best works are literary gems… Ghost Stories of an Antiquary is the first and best of James' classic collections" (Barron 4-81). Further, "M.R. James' influence on the English ghost story has been immeasurable. He also contributed to a revival of interest in earlier examples of the genre" (Encyclopedia of Fantasy, 513). The editors of Horror: 100 Best Books noted: "When we asked more than a hundred modern writers to contribute to this book, M.R. James was named far more times than any other author as the most important and influential figure in the horror field" (85-6). This scarce first edition features eight of James' classic stories, six appearing in print for the first time and all eight first published here in book form. James initially revealed his talent for the genre when he read two of these stories before the Cambridge "Chitchat Society" in 1893. Subsequently those same stories appeared in magazines in 1895: "Canon Alberic's Scrap-book" (originally titled "A Curious Book") appeared in The National Review, March 1895, and "Lost Hearts" in Pall Mall Magazine, December 1895. Seven of the eight stories were adapted for the BBC series "A Ghost Story for Christmas"—three in the original run and four in the revival. With tissue-guarded frontispiece and three full-page illustrations by James McBryde, a close friend of James' who tragically died before this work's publication; 16-page catalogue of advertisements at rear dated November 1904. Clute & Grant, 513. Currey, 261. Tymn 3-125.

Early leaves with a few small smudges, text generally clean, inner paper hinges expertly reinforced. Linen-covered boards in unusually solid condition, spine slightly toned. A nearly fine copy.