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Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936) was a medievalist scholar and provost of King's College, Cambridge, but he is best remembered for his contributions to the ghost story genre. His tales, often described as antiquarian ghost stories, combine his erudition with a chilling narrative style, creating an enduring literary legacy. 'The Residence at Whitminster' is one such tale, conveying a sinister ambiance through the careful construction of mood and attention to historical detail. James's work is characterized by understated horror and an emphasis on psychological rather than visceral fear, often set amidst academic or ecclesiastical backdrops reflecting his scholarly environment. In addition to his fiction, James's academic contributions were significant, including his cataloging of manuscripts and work on biblical apocrypha. His ghost stories were originally penned as Christmas Eve entertainments and later were collected in books such as 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' and 'More Ghost Stories,' securing his reputation as a master of the supernatural. James's stories have influenced generations of horror writers and remain popular with readers who appreciate the subtle art of the classic ghost story.
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