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Gone Medieval
The Haunting Medieval World of M.R.James
Dec 17, 2024
Patrick J. Murphy, an Associate Professor of English and author, joins to discuss the haunting works of M.R. James, a renowned medieval scholar and ghost story writer. They explore how James's deep knowledge of medieval texts weaves authenticity into his eerie tales. The conversation touches on themes of cursed artifacts like a whistle, the intertwining of history and horror, and the impact of World War I on his narratives. Discover how James's academic background influences the chilling atmosphere of his timeless ghost stories.
55:56
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Quick takeaways
- M.R. James combined his expertise as a medieval scholar with supernatural fiction to create authentically chilling ghost stories that resonate deeply with history.
- His narratives often utilized real medieval artifacts, infusing his tales with a credibility that enhances their unsettling nature and connectedness to the past.
Deep dives
M.R. James: Scholar and Storyteller
M.R. James was a renowned medieval scholar whose academic pursuits profoundly influenced his narrative style in ghost stories. He specialized in medieval manuscripts, church architecture, and historical texts, contributing significantly to the field through catalogs and translations. His deep engagement with medieval artifacts brought authenticity and texture to his supernatural fiction, allowing readers to feel a genuine connection to the history he portrayed. This unique merging of scholarship and storytelling made his ghost tales stand apart, as they reflect not just fictional scares but also historical realities.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode