Canon Alberic's Scrapbook (Fantasy and Horror Classics)
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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.
M. R. James
Montague Rhodes James was born in 1862 at Goodnestone Parsonage, Kent, where his father was a curate, but the family moved soon afterwards to Great Livermere in Suffolk. James attended Eton College and later King's College Cambridge where he won many awards and scholarships. From 1894 to 1908 he was Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and from 1905 to 1918 was Provost of King's College. In 1913, he became Vice-Chancellor of the University for two years. In 1918 he was installed as Provost of Eton. A distinguished medievalist and scholar of international status, James published many works on biblical and historical antiquarian subjects. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1930. His ghost story writing began almost as a divertissement from his academic work and as a form of entertainment for his colleagues. His first collection, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary was published in 1904. He never married and died in 1936.
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