Title
The Oxford Book of English Ghost Stories,Used
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With their evocative settings amid mists and shadows, in ruinous houses, on lonely roads and wild moorlands, in abandoned churches and overgrown gardens, ghost stories have long exercised a universal fascination. Here at last is an anthology of some of the very best English ghost stories which combines a serious literary purpose with the plain intention of arousing a pleasurable fear at the doings of the dead.This selection of fortytwo stories, written between 1829 and 1968, is the first to present the full range and vitality of the ghost fiction tradition by demonstrating its historical development as well as its major themes and characteristics. It includes stories by Walter Scott, M. R. James, Bram Stoker, Rudyard Kipling, Edith Wharton, Somerset Maugham and T. H. White.Elizabeth Bowen suggested that the ghost story works 'through a series of happenings whose horror lies in their being just, just, out of time', and the success of a story may be judged by what Edith Wharton called its 'thermometrical quality; if it sends a cold shiver down the spine, it has done its job and done it well'. The challenge of this most demanding form has been taken up by a host of writers, both 'specialists' like J. S. Le Fanu and Algernon Blackwood, and those, such as Henry James and H. G. Wells, for whom ghost stories were only a part of their literary output. Nor does this collection overlook the important contribution of women writers, with eight stories included from Amelia Edward's The Phantom Ghost (1864) to Elizabeth Bowen's Hand in Glove (1952).
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- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has five hundred four pages. It provides a comprehensive collection of English ghost stories.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the genre of ghost stories and anthologies. It features a selection from various authors throughout history.
- Q: Is this book hardcover? A: Yes, this book is a hardcover edition. The durable binding enhances its longevity and aesthetic appeal.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Michael Cox. He curated this anthology of English ghost stories.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions of this book are five point seventy-five inches in length, one point seventy-seven inches in width, and eight point sixty-three inches in height.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The publication date is not specified in the details provided. However, it includes stories written between eighteen twenty-nine and nineteen sixty-eight.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book by simply opening it and following the text. It is suitable for adult readers and anyone interested in ghost stories.
- Q: Is this book suitable for children? A: No, this book is not specifically suitable for children. It is intended for adult readers due to its themes and complexity.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: This book explores themes of fear, the supernatural, and the historical development of ghost stories. It features a variety of narrative styles and author perspectives.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: You should store this book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition over time.
- Q: Can I clean this book? A: No, you should not clean this book with water or chemicals. Instead, keep it dust-free by using a soft cloth.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange policy. Most retailers offer options for damaged items.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with warranties. However, check with the seller for any specific return policies.
- Q: What makes this anthology unique? A: This anthology is unique because it combines literary significance with a focus on pleasurable fear, featuring renowned authors spanning over a century.
- Q: Are there any notable authors included in this book? A: Yes, notable authors in this book include Walter Scott, M. R. James, and Bram Stoker. The collection showcases a diverse range of ghost story writers.
- Q: What is the main purpose of this anthology? A: The main purpose of this anthology is to present the best English ghost stories while highlighting their literary qualities and historical significance.