This is one of the more comprehensive collections of ghost stories I've seen recently (which is not surprising, considering it's published by Oxford University Press). It's also useful to consider the thorough introduction, which provides insight into the types of stories which are and are*not* included in this volume. Leave it to the English to have a rule for just about everything! Including what does and does not constitute a proper ghost story.
The editor notes, for example, what several prominent authors thought on the subject, including some of those whose works are included herein. M.R. James, probably my favorite author of the genre, stated that "only a particular sort of short story" qualifies, one which, in the words of the editor, "a high degree of purely technical skill is essential, both in plotting and in handling description." In addition, "a good ghost story must exhibit internal consistency and observe a certain decorum of manner and tone; which is not at all the same thing as conforming either to the conventional pattern of behaviour demanded from the ghosts of oral tradition or to the pseudo-scientific theories of occultists." Another notable author, Montague Summers, even postulated that the tone must be rather malevolent, in that "the good and kindly ghost... has little or no place" in fiction. Of Casper these figures would not approve!
This discussion speaks to the types of stories these are: although some authors of other nationalities, most notably American and Irish (Bram Stoker) are included, most are of the traditional and quintessential English type, which adhere fairly closely to this admonition. The time period also spans nearly a century and a half, so there are a few exceptions, and a great variety in terms of both style and substance.
The editor notes, for example, what several prominent authors thought on the subject, including some of those whose works are included herein. M.R. James, probably my favorite author of the genre, stated that "only a particular sort of short story" qualifies, one which, in the words of the editor, "a high degree of purely technical skill is essential, both in plotting and in handling description." In addition, "a good ghost story must exhibit internal consistency and observe a certain decorum of manner and tone; which is not at all the same thing as conforming either to the conventional pattern of behaviour demanded from the ghosts of oral tradition or to the pseudo-scientific theories of occultists." Another notable author, Montague Summers, even postulated that the tone must be rather malevolent, in that "the good and kindly ghost... has little or no place" in fiction. Of Casper these figures would not approve!
This discussion speaks to the types of stories these are: although some authors of other nationalities, most notably American and Irish (Bram Stoker) are included, most are of the traditional and quintessential English type, which adhere fairly closely to this admonition. The time period also spans nearly a century and a half, so there are a few exceptions, and a great variety in terms of both style and substance.
