Facebook Pixel
Searching...
English
EnglishEnglish
EspañolSpanish
简体中文Chinese
FrançaisFrench
DeutschGerman
日本語Japanese
PortuguêsPortuguese
ItalianoItalian
한국어Korean
РусскийRussian
NederlandsDutch
العربيةArabic
PolskiPolish
हिन्दीHindi
Tiếng ViệtVietnamese
SvenskaSwedish
ΕλληνικάGreek
TürkçeTurkish
ไทยThai
ČeštinaCzech
RomânăRomanian
MagyarHungarian
УкраїнськаUkrainian
Bahasa IndonesiaIndonesian
DanskDanish
SuomiFinnish
БългарскиBulgarian
עבריתHebrew
NorskNorwegian
HrvatskiCroatian
CatalàCatalan
SlovenčinaSlovak
LietuviųLithuanian
SlovenščinaSlovenian
СрпскиSerbian
EestiEstonian
LatviešuLatvian
فارسیPersian
മലയാളംMalayalam
தமிழ்Tamil
اردوUrdu
Collected Ghost Stories

Collected Ghost Stories

by M.R. James 1931 568 pages
4.13
7k+ ratings
Listen
Listen to Summary

Plot Summary

The Enigmatic Abbot's Secret

A hidden treasure sparks curiosity

In the abbey of Steinfeld, whispers of a hidden treasure left by the scholarly and mysterious Abbot Thomas circulate among the canons. The Abbot's cryptic clues, embedded in the abbey's stained glass windows, ignite the curiosity of Mr. Somerton, an antiquary determined to uncover the truth. His quest to solve the enigma of the Abbot's message sets the stage for a journey filled with danger and discovery.

A Mysterious Window's Clue

Clues hidden in stained glass

Mr. Somerton's investigation leads him to a set of stained glass windows depicting biblical figures with scrolls bearing unusual inscriptions. These deviations from known texts suggest a hidden message, convincing Somerton that the windows are key to the Abbot's treasure. His pursuit of their origins and meaning becomes a central focus, driving him deeper into the mystery.

The Hidden Treasure's Guardian

A cryptic warning of danger

As Somerton delves further, he learns of a warning about a supernatural guardian protecting the treasure. This malevolent force, steeped in folklore, deters treasure seekers with its ominous presence. Despite the danger, Somerton's resolve to solve the puzzle and locate the treasure only grows stronger, setting the stage for a chilling encounter.

A Terrifying Discovery

A chilling encounter in the well

Somerton's search leads him to a well in the abbey's courtyard, believed to be the treasure's hiding place. Descending into the well, he encounters a terrifying supernatural entity, confirming the guardian's existence. This encounter leaves him shaken but more determined than ever to uncover the truth, despite the growing sense of peril.

The Unraveling of a Cryptogram

Deciphering the Abbot's message

Back in his study, Somerton painstakingly deciphers the cryptic inscriptions, revealing a numerical pattern that leads him to the treasure's location. This breakthrough brings him closer to solving the mystery, but also heightens the danger surrounding the treasure, as the guardian's presence looms ever larger.

A Haunting Encounter

The guardian's relentless pursuit

As Somerton prepares to retrieve the treasure, he is haunted by the guardian's presence. This malevolent force manifests in terrifying visions and unexplained phenomena, serving as a constant reminder of the peril that accompanies the treasure. The guardian's relentless pursuit adds a layer of suspense and urgency to Somerton's quest.

The Final Revelation

The treasure's true nature revealed

In a climactic confrontation, Somerton faces the guardian and uncovers the treasure. However, the treasure's true nature—a collection of ancient knowledge and artifacts—forces him to reconsider the value of his discovery. The revelation of the Abbot's true legacy prompts Somerton to reflect on the cost of his pursuit and the true meaning of treasure.

A Haunting Encounter in the Library

Mr. Denton discovers a peculiar diary

At a London auction house, Mr. James Denton finds a diary belonging to Mr. William Poynter, a former antiquary. Intrigued by its potential connection to his home, Denton purchases it, uncovering notes and a peculiar fabric sample that captivates his aunt. This discovery sets off a chain of events that intertwine their lives with the fabric's mysterious past.

The Mysterious Pattern's Influence

A fabric sample sparks curiosity

The fabric sample, with its intricate design, fascinates Miss Denton, who insists on reproducing it for their home's curtains. Despite Mr. Denton's initial indifference, he agrees, leading to a series of events that reveal the fabric's dark history and its sinister influence on their lives.

A Night of Unseen Terrors

Denton experiences a chilling presence

After the curtains are installed, Mr. Denton experiences a terrifying encounter with a shapeless figure. Overcome with fear, he realizes the pattern's sinister influence, marking the beginning of unsettling events linked to the fabric. This encounter propels him into a deeper investigation of the fabric's origins.

The Unraveling of a Dark Past

The diary reveals a cursed history

Driven by fear and curiosity, Denton delves into Poynter's diary, uncovering a hidden entry about Sir Everard Charlett, whose hair was used in the fabric's design. The diary hints at a curse tied to the fabric, explaining Denton's terrifying experiences and revealing a dark legacy.

A Sinister Legacy Revealed

The fabric's dark origins come to light

As Denton pieces together the diary's revelations, he learns that the fabric was designed as a memorial to Charlett's hair, believed to hold malevolent power. The diary's warnings about the fabric's influence become clear, and Denton realizes the danger it poses to anyone who possesses it.

The Final Confrontation with Fear

Denton confronts the fabric's curse

Determined to rid himself of the curse, Denton destroys the curtains, experiencing a final confrontation with the sinister presence. The destruction lifts the curse, freeing Denton from its grip and allowing him to reclaim his peace of mind, concluding his harrowing journey.

The Unearthly Whistle's Summons

A chilling sound in the night

In the quiet of the night, a whistle draws the attention of two boys, Evans and Worby. Intrigued and unnerved, they investigate, finding themselves in the presence of something otherworldly. The whistle beckons them, leading to events that unravel their reality and hint at supernatural forces at play.

The Final Confrontation with the Unknown

Facing the source of the terror

In a climactic showdown, the characters confront the source of the supernatural disturbances. Armed with newfound knowledge, they venture into the heart of the mystery. The confrontation reveals the true nature of the entities and the dark history binding them to the present, bringing closure but not without a cost.

Characters

Mr. Somerton

Determined antiquary and treasure seeker

Mr. Somerton is driven by curiosity and a desire to uncover historical secrets. His pursuit of Abbot Thomas's treasure leads him into a world of cryptic messages and supernatural encounters. Despite the dangers, his determination to solve the mystery remains unwavering.

Abbot Thomas

Mysterious and scholarly abbot

Abbot Thomas, a historical figure shrouded in mystery, is known for his scholarly pursuits and enigmatic personality. He left behind cryptic clues about a hidden treasure, sparking legends and intrigue. His legacy is intertwined with the supernatural guardian that protects his secrets.

The Guardian

Malevolent supernatural protector

The guardian is a supernatural entity tasked with protecting Abbot Thomas's treasure. It manifests as a terrifying presence, haunting those who seek the treasure. Its relentless pursuit of Somerton serves as a constant reminder of the danger associated with the treasure.

Mr. James Denton

Curious antiquary and new homeowner

Mr. Denton is a scholarly man with a keen interest in history and antiquities. His discovery of Poynter's diary and the fabric sample sets off a chain of events that intertwine his life with a dark past. His determination to uncover the truth leads him to confront the sinister legacy tied to the fabric.

Miss Denton

Enthusiastic and discerning aunt

Miss Denton is Mr. Denton's supportive and perceptive aunt. Her fascination with the fabric sample drives the decision to reproduce it for their home, inadvertently unleashing its curse. Her keen eye for design contrasts with her nephew's initial indifference, highlighting her influence on the unfolding events.

Evans

Curious and adventurous boy

Evans is one of the two boys drawn into the supernatural mystery. His curiosity drives him to explore the unknown, but his bravery is tested as he encounters the eerie forces at play. His journey is one of growth, as he learns to balance his inquisitive nature with caution.

Worby

Skeptical yet intrigued companion

Worby accompanies Evans on their exploration, providing a counterbalance to Evans' curiosity with his skepticism. Despite his initial doubts, he becomes deeply involved in the mystery, and his perspective shifts as he witnesses the unexplainable.

Uncle Henry

Mysterious figure with a hidden past

Uncle Henry's sudden disappearance sets off a chain of events that unravel the story's central mystery. His past is shrouded in secrecy, and his connection to the supernatural becomes a focal point for the characters' investigation.

The Rector

Wise and knowledgeable guide

The Rector provides insight into the supernatural occurrences, offering guidance to the characters as they navigate the mystery. His knowledge of the chapel's history and the entities involved is crucial to the characters' understanding of their situation.

Plot Devices

Cryptic Inscriptions

Hidden messages in stained glass

The cryptic inscriptions on the stained glass windows serve as a central plot device, guiding Somerton's investigation. These inscriptions, deviating from known biblical texts, hold the key to uncovering the location of Abbot Thomas's treasure.

Supernatural Guardian

A malevolent force protecting the treasure

The supernatural guardian is a key plot device, adding an element of danger and suspense to the story. Its presence serves as a constant threat to Somerton, heightening the tension and stakes of his quest.

The Fabric Sample

A cursed pattern with a dark history

The fabric sample, with its intricate design, serves as the central plot device. Its reproduction for the Dentons' home curtains unleashes a curse tied to Sir Everard Charlett's hair. The pattern's sinister influence drives the story's events, linking past and present through its malevolent power.

The Whistle

A summons to the supernatural

The whistle serves as a catalyst for the story's events, drawing the characters into the realm of the supernatural. Its sound is both a warning and an invitation, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery.

The Disappearance

A mystery that unravels the past

Uncle Henry's disappearance is a driving force in the narrative, prompting the characters to delve into the past to uncover the truth. The mystery of his vanishing is intertwined with the supernatural elements, creating a complex web of intrigue.

Analysis

Exploration of fear and the unknown

M.R. James's "Collected Ghost Stories" delves into the human psyche's fascination with the supernatural and the unknown. Through a series of interconnected tales, James explores themes of curiosity, fear, and the consequences of uncovering hidden truths. The stories highlight the tension between the past and present, as characters confront malevolent forces that challenge their understanding of reality. James masterfully uses plot devices like cryptic messages, supernatural entities, and cursed objects to weave narratives that are both chilling and thought-provoking. The collection serves as a reminder of the thin veil between the known and the unknown, urging readers to consider the cost of their curiosity and the power of the unseen.

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.13 out of 5
Average of 7k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Collected Ghost Stories is highly regarded as a classic of the genre, with many readers praising James's atmospheric writing and ability to create subtle terror. While some find the stories repetitive or outdated, others appreciate the Victorian setting and James's scholarly approach. Reviewers often mention favorite tales like "Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad" and "The Mezzotint." The collection is frequently recommended for those who enjoy classic horror, though some suggest spacing out the stories rather than reading them all at once.

Your rating:

About the Author

Montague Rhodes James was a renowned English medieval scholar and academic administrator who served as provost of King's College, Cambridge and Eton College. Despite his scholarly pursuits, he is best remembered for his ghost stories, which are considered among the finest in English literature. James revolutionized the ghost story genre by moving away from Gothic trappings and setting his tales in more contemporary, realistic environments. He often wrote his stories to be read aloud to friends and colleagues during Christmas gatherings. James's work has had a lasting influence on the horror genre, with many of his stories adapted for television and film. His writing style is characterized by its subtle build-up of tension and understated horror.

0:00
-0:00
1x
Dan
Andrew
Michelle
Lauren
Select Speed
1.0×
+
200 words per minute
Create a free account to unlock:
Requests: Request new book summaries
Bookmarks: Save your favorite books
History: Revisit books later
Recommendations: Get personalized suggestions
Ratings: Rate books & see your ratings
Try Full Access for 7 Days
Listen, bookmark, and more
Compare Features Free Pro
📖 Read Summaries
All summaries are free to read in 40 languages
🎧 Listen to Summaries
Listen to unlimited summaries in 40 languages
❤️ Unlimited Bookmarks
Free users are limited to 10
📜 Unlimited History
Free users are limited to 10
Risk-Free Timeline
Today: Get Instant Access
Listen to full summaries of 73,530 books. That's 12,000+ hours of audio!
Day 4: Trial Reminder
We'll send you a notification that your trial is ending soon.
Day 7: Your subscription begins
You'll be charged on Mar 22,
cancel anytime before.
Consume 2.8x More Books
2.8x more books Listening Reading
Our users love us
100,000+ readers
"...I can 10x the number of books I can read..."
"...exceptionally accurate, engaging, and beautifully presented..."
"...better than any amazon review when I'm making a book-buying decision..."
Save 62%
Yearly
$119.88 $44.99/year
$3.75/mo
Monthly
$9.99/mo
Try Free & Unlock
7 days free, then $44.99/year. Cancel anytime.
Settings
Appearance
Black Friday Sale 🎉
$20 off Lifetime Access
$79.99 $59.99
Upgrade Now →