Published in 1917, Dorothy Scarborough's book is not a novel, but a guided tour through the haunted house of English literature. She acts as our expert curator, showing us how writers from the late 1700s up to her own time used ghosts, demons, and the unexplained.

The Story

Scarborough doesn't just catalog spooky stories. She organizes them by the 'why' behind the scare. She starts with the Gothic era, where crumbling castles and family curses ruled. Then, she shows how the ghost story evolved. When science began explaining the world, ghosts became psychological—figments of a guilty mind or symbols of social oppression. She examines specific types: the tragic ghost seeking justice, the humorous ghost, the animal ghost, and even stories about damnation and the Devil. Throughout, she pulls examples from famous authors like Dickens and Henry James, and many lesser-known writers, to build her case that the supernatural is a flexible tool for exploring human nature.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book a joy is Scarborough's clear passion. She writes like someone who has stayed up too late reading by candlelight and wants to tell you all about it. You can feel her excitement when she points out a trend. Reading this, you realize that a ghost in a 1790s novel is doing a completely different job than a ghost in a 1890s novel. It made me think about modern horror in a new way—our zombies and vampires are just the latest versions of this ancient storytelling impulse, reflecting our own fears about pandemics, loss of identity, and technology. It's a masterclass in how culture shapes the stories we tell to frighten ourselves.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for book lovers who enjoy seeing the 'clockwork' behind their favorite genres. It's for fans of Gothic literature, Victorian novels, or classic horror who want richer context. It's also a great pick for writers looking to understand the history and purpose of supernatural elements. Be warned: your 'to-be-read' pile will grow exponentially, as Scarborough's compelling descriptions will make you want to hunt down every obscure story she mentions. A truly illuminating read that proves the best literary criticism feels like a conversation with a brilliant, book-obsessed friend.