Old Fires and Profitable Ghosts: A Book of Stories

Name: Old Fires and Profitable Ghosts: A Book of Stories
Author: Arthur Quiller-Couch

By Arthur Quiller-Couch

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British Literature Short Stories

About This Book

A collection of short tales about revenants and uncanny returns, examining how the past intrudes on the present through spirits, doubled selves, and messages from beyond perception. Settings move between maritime and rural scenes and intimate domestic rooms, while forms shift among framed letters, historical pastiches, and alternative versions of the same incident. Several narratives draw on local incidents or earlier notes, and others invent eerie conceits involving mirrors, hands, and town memories. Recurring themes include grief, the persistence of former emotions and identities, and the uneasy overlap of memory and the supernatural.

About the Author

Arthur Quiller-Couch

Arthur Quiller-Couch, often referred to as 'Q', was a British author and literary critic known for his contributions to English literature in the early 20th century. He was born in Cornwall and had a profound appreciation for the region's culture, which is reflected in many of his works. Quiller-Couch is particularly recognized for his storytelling prowess and his ability to weave intricate narratives, as seen in his notable novel 'Dead Man's Rock'. His literary criticism, compiled in 'Adventures in Criticism', showcases his insights into the works of other authors, including Charles Dickens. Quiller-Couch's legacy includes a rich collection of novels, short stories, and essays that continue to resonate with readers today.