A warning to the curious and other ghost stories

M. R. James, an esteemed English medieval scholar and provost at both King's College and Eton College, is renowned for his innovative ghost stories. He transformed the genre by moving away from traditional Gothic elements, opting instead for realistic contemporary settings. His narratives often feature protagonists and plots that echo his antiquarian interests, establishing him as the pioneer of the "antiquarian ghost story." James's work has left a lasting impact on the ghost story genre, making him a significant figure in early 20th-century literature.