James (M.R.) Ghost Stories of an Antiquary

London, Edward Arnold, 1905.

First edition, second impression. 8vo. Original oatmeal cloth with yapp fore-edges.

The second printing of the most famous compilation of ghost stories of all time, “generally taken to mark the beginning of the modern era of supernatural fiction. In the opinion of many the foremost modern writer of supernatural fiction” (Bleiler, The Guide to Supernatural Fiction).

James McBryde had originally intended to supply more illustrations for the work, but unfortunately died prematurely before he could complete them. The publishers did suggest to M.R. James that they could employ an alternative illustrator, but the author wanted the book to stand as testament to his friend’s work, so they kept it to the four.