Since I don't have the book in front of me, I can't say for certain who the authors are. However, Valancourt is known for publishing a range of works, and it's possible that the 'Christmas Ghost Stories' collection features both established and new authors. Maybe it includes some classic horror authors who have a knack for writing spine - chilling tales, or it could introduce readers to some fresh voices in the world of ghost stories.
I'm not sure exactly which authors are included in this collection. It could potentially include well - known Victorian authors who were fond of writing ghost stories, like M. R. James or Sheridan Le Fanu.
The stories in 'Valancourt Christmas Ghost Stories' often have a spooky and atmospheric feel. They might feature traditional elements like haunted houses, mysterious apparitions, and eerie settings which are common in ghost stories. The Christmas theme could add a unique touch, perhaps with a contrast between the festive season and the supernatural events.
The stories in 'Valancourt Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories' are rich in atmosphere. They use vivid language to create a sense of dread and anticipation. The ghosts themselves can be quite diverse, from the traditional white - sheeted specters to more complex, almost human - like apparitions with their own motives and backstories. They also often play on Victorian superstitions, like the fear of being visited by the ghosts of the dead at Christmas time, which was considered a time when the veil between the living and the dead was thin.
It often uses the Christmas setting as a backdrop. For example, the cold, snowy landscapes are common, which are typical of Christmas. The stories might also include elements like Christmas feasts or family gatherings that are then disrupted by the appearance of ghosts.
One of the memorable stories could be 'The Tapestried Chamber'. It often stands out for its spooky atmosphere and the sense of mystery it creates with the tapestry being a central element. Another might be a story where a ghostly apparition warns of impending doom, which is a common yet engaging trope in such collections.
Another author is Henry James. He had some works that incorporated elements of Christmas and ghosts. His writing style was more complex and psychological. His stories explored the inner thoughts and fears of the characters when they encountered the supernatural during the Christmas season.
Charles Dickens was a very famous one. His 'A Christmas Carol' is a well - known Christmas Eve ghost story. The ghosts in it, like the Ghost of Christmas Past, play important roles in Scrooge's transformation.
Shirley Jackson. Her work, such as 'The Haunting of Hill House', is masterful. She has a unique ability to explore the psychological aspects of fear and the unknown within the context of a haunted house, making the reader question what is real and what is not.
The most prominent author of Victorian Christmas stories is undoubtedly Charles Dickens. His works like 'A Christmas Carol' and 'The Cricket on the Hearth' are beloved. Elizabeth Gaskell also contributed to Victorian Christmas literature. Her stories often captured the social nuances of the Victorian era along with the Christmas spirit. Additionally, Lewis Carroll, known for 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', wrote some pieces related to Christmas during the Victorian period.
Without more information about these particular 'top marks christmas stories', it's impossible to name the authors. But in the world of Christmas literature, there are many who have made their mark. Classic authors like Charles Dickens with his 'A Christmas Carol' have influenced the genre. And nowadays, there are countless modern authors who write Christmas - themed stories for different age groups. It could be that the 'top marks christmas stories' are a compilation from various authors, both well - established and up - and - coming.