M. R. James quotes

M. R. James was an English author and scholar, renowned for his influential ghost stories. His chilling tales have become classics of supernatural fiction and have inspired generations of writers. He also made significant academic contributions as a medievalist and antiquarian. Here are 7 of his quotes:

A ghost story of which the scene is laid in the twelfth or thirteenth century may succeed in being romantic or poetical: it will never put the reader into the position of saying to himself: "If I'm not careful, something of this kind may happen to me!" (M. R. James)
Reticence may be an elderly doctrine to preach, yet from the artistic point of view I am sure it is a sound one. Reticence conduces to effect, blatancy ruins it. View quote
M. R. James
I heard one cry in the night, and I heard one laugh afterwards. If I cannot forget that, I shall not be able to sleep again. View quote
M. R. James
There was a man sitting or kneeling on Sampson's window-sill, and looking in, and I thought he was beckoning...He looked as if he was wet all over: and," he said, looking round and whispering as if he hardly liked to hear himself, "I'm not at all sure that he was alive. View quote
M. R. James
Yes, I definitely prefer the daylight population of the playing fields to that which comes there after dark. View quote
M. R. James
Do I believe in ghosts?...I am prepared to consider evidence and accept it if it satisfies me. View 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. View quote
M. R. James

M. R. James

M. R. James - Image
Occupation: British Author
Born: August 1, 1862
Died: June 12, 1936
Quotes count: 7
Wikipedia: M. R. James

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