These two collections of supernatural short stories have been brought together in this special Leonaur edition because of their relatively small sizes and because each, in its way, has links to that great master of the academically inspired literature of the other worldly, M. R James. Swain's connection is quite straightforward-he knew and was a friend of James. They came from similar backgrounds, were academics and shared common interests-particularly concerning the church and its history. There can be little doubt that Swain was an ardent admirer of James' writing and while it is true that his own literary efforts are not in the class of the grand-master of the genre, to criticise him for that would be to forget that very few writers of supernatural tales have consistently risen to James' standard. Nonetheless, Swain's 'Stoneground Stories' are wonderfully charming. The principal character of these tales is, of course, based on Swain himself; he is a cleric whose benefice-like Swain's own at Stanground-sat close by the railway city of Peterborough in the English East Midlands. Those who relish a good ghost story will find much to enjoy in Swain's tales and little to regret. Cram was a renowned American architect by profession. He too was no stranger to the world of academia, since among many other important commissions of an ecclesiastical and collegiate nature he worked on the design for the military academy at West Point. Both these books are rare in their original editions and Leonaur has brought them together in this good value form so that enthusiasts may enjoy them.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.