Rats

Written by M. R. James

Narrated by Cathy Dobson

A discussion about an infestation of rats nesting under rotting bed-clothes leads to a reminiscence about something ever more gruesome. A truly grisly horror story, by the master of the ghostly vision himself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Red Door Consulting
• Release date: Feb 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781467654012

M. R. James

M. R. James (1862-1936) was an English author, medievalist scholar, and educator. James redefined the ghost story for the twentieth century, shedding many formal Gothic conventions of the genre. Although the settings for his stories were contemporary, his subject and plots reflect his own preoccupation with ancient artifacts, archaeological sites, archives or historical manuscripts. He developed a distinct storytelling style in which the plot hinges on the discovery of an old book or artifact. Hence he is known as the originator of the "antiquarian ghost story." His stories are regarded as some of their kind and his are held in high regard by critics and other writers, including Ramsey Clarke and Stephen King. H. P. Lovecraft called "Count Magnus" (1904) a "veritable Golconda of suspense and suggestion."