Bloody Good Quote: M.R. James

“If any of [my stories] succeed in causing their readers to feel pleasantly uncomfortable when walking along a solitary road at nightfall, or sitting over a dying fire in the small hours, my purpose in writing them will have been attained.”

 

Origins: From the preface of James’ first published collection, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904). It featured eight of his best with illustrations from his friend, James McBryde – on agreeing to draw, M.R. James agreed to publish! Like most great writer’s he is rather modest with the quality of stories that would go on to become stone-cold classics.

It’s the ‘pleasantly uncomfortable’ part of the quote which really speaks to me. There is a cosy aspect to horror. Being scared at home makes you appreciate your protection from the outside world that bit more…so long as something doesn’t start peering through the window…