The Ash-tree

James, Montague Rhodes (1862–1936) Montague Rhodes James was born on August 1, 1862, in Goodnestone, Kent, the son of an Anglican clergyman. Raised in a devout and scholarly household, he developed early interests in theology, languages, and medieval history. He became fluent in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, skills that would later shape both his academic and literary work. Educated at Eton and King's College, Cambridge, James spent most of his life within the walls of academia. He was appointed Provost of King's College in 1905 and later Provost of Eton College in 1918. As a scholar, he was an authority on biblical apocrypha, medieval manuscripts, and Christian iconography, publishing numerous catalogs and studies that are still referenced today. Despite his scholarly achievements, James is most widely remembered for his ghost stories—tales he initially wrote to entertain his friends and students during Christmas gatherings. His narratives often feature antiquarians or academics who, through their curiosity, stumble upon hidden and often malevolent forces. James's style is marked by subtlety, psychological tension, and a creeping sense of dread. His best-known collections include Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904) and More Ghost Stories (1911). James never married and was known for his quiet, reserved nature. He preferred a life of contemplation, books, and close companionship with a circle of trusted colleagues. He died on June 12, 1936, at Eton. His ghost stories, deeply rooted in his academic world, continue to influence modern horror and remain a high point in English supernatural fiction.