M.R. James' stories are wonderfully scary. He uses suspense and primitive archetypes to induce fear. It is a terrific and more intellectual romp than most books in the Gothic Horror genre. ( )

One of the best for stories that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Not the most complete collection. ( )

You cannot touch this guy for sheer, unheimlich shivering dread. A school story shat me up at university and just two months ago Tyhe Mezzotint put the willies right up me. Huhuhurr! ( )

I suppose it could reasonably be said that James' range is narrow; however, within that range, he is devastating. Characterization is kind of pale here: most of James' characters are (like him) bookish antiquarians, and you won't find a lot of stimulating dialogue. However, be warned: herein are the nastiest, creepiest, strangest ghosts you've ever encountered. Because (as someone else pointed out - I can't take credit for it) you often touch them before you see them (if you see them at all) and they're nasty to touch. Brrrrr. ( )