The Five Jars

M. R. James

Published by Edward Arnold & Co., London, 1922

About this Item

The first edition of this surreal, fantasy novel written by M. R. James, the author of celebrated supernatural work 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary'. The first edition.Bound in the publisher's original red cloth. 'The Five Jars' is one of James' lesser known works, originally published as a fantasy novel aimed at children. This mysterious and entertaining tale presents the adventure of a man who stumbles across a small box, hidden away since Roman times. Held in this box are five small jars which hold the link to a fantastical hidden world. However, the narrator is not the only person wanting these jars, leading to a dangerous struggle between good and evil. Written by English author and medieval scholar, Montague Rhodes James, who was known as the originator of the 'antiquarian ghost story genre' with the 1904 publication of his 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary'. James's works are significant in redefining the ghost story for a new century, abandoning established cliches in favour of a more realistic style.Illustrated with seven plates by Gilbert James. Collated, complete. Bound in the publisher's original red cloth. Externally, sound, with bumping to the extremities and the light marking to cloth. Rubbing to the extremities and spine, with tears to the head of the joints. A little fading to the spine. Hinges are strained, mainly to the rear, with cords visible. Ink inscription to the front endpaper. Internally, binding is a little tender in places. Pages are bright and a little age toned to the extremities. Good.

Seller Inventory # 905Q29

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Five Jars
• Publisher: Edward Arnold & Co., London
• Publication Date: 1922
• Binding: Cloth
• Illustrator: Gilbert James
• Edition: First edition.
• Condition: Good
• Book Type: book