Old Testament Legends (eBook)

Montague Rhodes James, often referred to as M. R. James, was an esteemed British medieval scholar and provost of King's College, Cambridge (1905-1918), and later of Eton College (1918-1936). He was born on August 1, 1862, in Goodnestone Parsonage, Kent, England, and passed away on June 12, 1936. Renowned for his work in medieval manuscripts and biblical apocrypha, James' scholarly acumen was matched by his talent as a writer, particularly of ghost stories which have earned him an enduring reputation in the genre of supernatural fiction. His seminal work on religious texts includes 'Old Testament Legends,' a collection published in 1913 that extends beyond mere translation; it reflects his keen interest in biblical apocrypha and hagiography, tailored for a broader audience keen on theology and folklore. James' literary style is characterized by understated horror, meticulous setting, and an adept use of antiquarian knowledge to evoke a chilling atmosphere. His ghost stories often hinge on the discovery of ancient artifacts or manuscripts that unleash spectral horrors, a theme that mirrors his academic life. As a wordsmith, James was influential, moulding the ghost story genre into a form recognized for its subtlety and sophistication. Beyond his fictional works, his scholarly contributions remain invaluable to enthusiasts of medieval studies and the history of religion.