book data
73 ratings, 3.88 average rating, 5 reviews
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published
August 27th 2002
by Penguin (Non-Classics)
binding
Paperback, 208 pages
isbn
0142002461
(isbn13: 9780142002469)
description
Robertson Davies first hit upon the notion of writing ghost stories when he joined the University of Toronto's Massey College as a Master. Wishing to ...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 102)
Every story in this book is a joy. Davies spoofs himself, as, in his persona as Master of Massey College of the University of Toronto, he narrates them. It seems that there is something about Massey College that is attractive to ghosts, famous, infamous and not famous at all. "Every part of our great University strives for distinction of one kind or another, but it is everywhere admitted that in the regularity and variety of our ghostly visitations Massey College stands alone." Even Li...more
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I'd heard this collection of ghost stories was the inspiration for the movie of the same name. However, the book appears to have little to do with the movie which is probably a good thing. Robinson Davies writes well and is quite witty on occasion. Still, I found the stories a little silly overall as he relies on humor about academia overmuch for my taste.
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Davies is one of the most *charming* writers I have read (probably because he's Canadian). These are not "ghost stories" in the obvious way- they are meant not to terrify, but rather amuse. My favorite is the one in which the bust of Charles Dickens drives a student madly to his death and then eats his body. Ghoulish, but absurdly enjoyable.
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Read in January, 2004
Wittily introduced by Davies, as himself (no alter ego this time), this book is a collection of hilarious ghost stories Davies wrote in celebration of Christmas, a tradition in the college he was the master of. Each year, he wrote and read one of those delightful stories as part of the festivities. What a treat it must have been...
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Read in January, 2000
recommends it for:
Graduate Students
"The Ghost Who Vanished by Degrees" is perfect preparation for graduate students about to take their general exams.
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