The Penguin Book of Ghost Stories by Michael Newton (Penguin Classics)

“The Penguin Book of Ghost Stories: From Elizabeth Gaskell to Ambrose Bierce” is an anthology of classic ghost stories edited by Michael Newton. The book includes stories from some of the most celebrated writers of the genre, spanning several centuries and countries.

The book is divided into six sections, each of which covers a different theme or aspect of ghostly tales. The first section, “Early Ghosts,” includes stories from the 18th and early 19th centuries, such as “The Old Nurse’s Story” by Elizabeth Gaskell.

The second section, “Victorian Ghosts,” includes stories from the heyday of the ghost story in the 19th century, including works by Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle. The third section, “American Ghosts,” features stories from some of the most celebrated American writers of the genre, such as Edgar Allan Poe and Ambrose Bierce.

The fourth section, “Ghosts and the Supernatural,” explores the boundaries between the real and the supernatural, including stories by M.R. James and Algernon Blackwood. The fifth section, “Ghosts and Society,” includes stories that deal with social and political issues, such as “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

Finally, the sixth section, “Modern Ghosts,” includes stories from the 20th century, including works by Shirley Jackson and Roald Dahl.

Throughout the book, Newton provides informative and insightful introductions to each story, placing it in the context of the author’s life and work, and highlighting its themes and motifs. He also includes biographical information about each author, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context in which each story was written.

Overall, “The Penguin Book of Ghost Stories: From Elizabeth Gaskell to Ambrose Bierce” is a rich and varied collection of ghostly tales, showcasing the enduring popularity and power of this timeless genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan of ghost stories or a newcomer to the genre, this book is sure to provide plenty of thrills and chills.