Who was M R James and why did he collect ghost stories?

Maybe he was just interested in the supernatural. Some people are really fascinated by ghosts and the unknown, and collecting ghost stories is a way to explore that world.

There are many different main characters across the stories. In 'Canon Alberic's Scrap - Book', Canon Alberic is a key figure. He discovers the strange scrap - book which brings about a series of eerie events.

Another great one is 'Casting the Runes'. It's known for its menacing and insidious plot. The idea of a curse being passed through runic symbols is really spooky. The story shows how the curse gradually affects the victim in a very unsettling way.

Some of the best M R James ghost stories include 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'. It's a classic with a very eerie atmosphere. The story builds tension effectively as the main character encounters strange happenings after finding a whistle on a desolate beach.

Well, one characteristic is the vivid and detailed settings. James often sets his stories in old, spooky places like ancient monasteries or isolated mansions. This creates a perfect backdrop for the supernatural events to unfold.

M. R. James often focused on creating a creepy atmosphere and using vivid descriptions. He also incorporated elements of the supernatural in a believable way.

He might have collected all sorts of ghost stories. Maybe some about haunted houses, where people hear strange noises at night or see apparitions in the hallways. It could also include stories of vengeful spirits that are out to get revenge on the living for some wrong done to them in the past.

The 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' is quite chilling. The apparition that haunts the protagonist after he finds the strange whistle is truly spooky.

One common theme is the power of the past. His stories often involve old curses or wrongdoings from medieval times that come back to haunt the present. For example, in 'Casting the Runes', the ancient rune has the power to bring misfortune.

It's hard to pick just one as the best, but 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' is often highly regarded. The simplicity of the object that triggers the supernatural events, the whistle, is quite brilliant. And the way the horror unfolds as the figure is seen approaching in the night is very effective.