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Casting the Runes, and Other Classic Stories of the Supernatural

By: M. R. James, Robert Hichens, W. W. Jacobs, F. Marion Crawford, Sheridan Le Fanu
Narrated by: Paul Boehmer, Gabrielle de Cuir, Justine Eyre, Stefan Rudnicki
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Summary

English author Montague Rhodes James (1862 - 1936) is considered by many aficionados the unquestioned master of the modern ghost story, and several of his tales have served as source material for multiple creepy film versions. He broke new ground by abandoning many of the conventions of Gothic mysteries, and substituting contemporary settings, situations, and characters. Nevertheless, as a Cambridge medieval scholar, James was steeped in the esoteric lore of the Middle Ages, and he applied that scholarship brilliantly to his stories.

The four stories in this compilation, not by James, are meant to serve as prime illustrations of the best work of a few of his contemporaries and immediate antecedents.

Contents include:

  • "Casting the Runes" - M. R. James
  • "Wailing Well" - M. R. James
  • "Rats" - M. R. James
  • "Mezzotint" - M. R. James
  • "Count Magnus" - M. R. James
  • "Number 13" - M. R. James
  • "Oh, Whistle and I’ll Come" - M. R. James
  • "The Monkey’s Paw" - W. W. Jacobs
  • "Green Tea" - Sheridan Le Fanu
  • "The Screaming Skull" - F. Marion Crawford
  • "How Love Came to Professor Guildea" - Robert Hichens
Public Domain (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing
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What listeners say about Casting the Runes, and Other Classic Stories of the Supernatural

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Very enjoyable.

Really enjoyed these stories. I had a good chuckle at the title of the first story as the titled it Casting the Rooms instead of Runes.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyed it more than I expected to!

The readings are wonderful, doing great justice to these classic tales. Hoping to find more in the same vein from all the narrators involved

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Great stories, poor readings

Although Stefan Rudniki has a great voice, ideal for reading something ominous and powerful, it just doesn't suit MR James, who needs a much lighter touch. James is full of ironic humour and local accents. David Collings is ideal!

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Always enjoy MR James

This book introduced me to some new authors. Very enjoyable to listen to and very well read!

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1 person found this helpful