D. M. M. R. James
Today is the 75th anniversary of the death of M. R. James, author of Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904) and three other collections. There is a very readable webtext here. Here is a pedantic bit from “Count Magnus”:
“Like many solitary men, I have a habit of talking to myself aloud; and, unlike some of the Greek and Latin particles, I do not expect an answer.”
The subject’s habit of talking to himself aloud turns out to be very bad for his health.
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By amazing coincidence, I just finished reading his collections of ghost stories (three of the four, at least) via the power of the Kindle.
Comment by Sigivald — Tuesday: June 14, 2011 @ 11:23 AM GMT-0500
Great recommendation. Reminds me of M.P. Shiel, but I suppose that’s mostly the whole “These papers I found in the estate of the late Professor So’n’so which detail the most extra-ordinary tale . . .” schtick.
Comment by Stark Dickflüssig — Tuesday: June 14, 2011 @ 12:05 PM GMT-0500