English author Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936) is known as by many aficionados the unquestioned expert of the modern ghost story, and several of his tales have served as source materials for multiple creepy film versions. He broke fresh ground by abandoning lots of the conventions of gothic mysteries, and substituting contemporary settings, situations, and characters. Even so, as a Cambridge middle ages scholar, Adam was steeped in the esoteric lore of the Middle Age groups, and he used that scholarship brilliantly to his stories.

The four stories within this compilation not by Adam are designed to serve as prime illustrations of the greatest work of some of his contemporaries and immediate antecedents.

Contents include:Casting the Runes – M. R. JamesWailing Well – M. R. JamesRats – M. R. JamesMezzotint – M. R. JamesCount Magnus – M. R. JamesNumber 13 – M. R. JamesOh, Whistle and I’ll Arrive – M. R. JamesThe Monkey’s Paw -W. W. JacobsGreen Tea – Sheridan Le FanuThe Screaming Skull – F. Marion CrawfordHow Love Came to Professor Guildea – Robert Hichens