<p>M. R. James redefined the ghost story by abandoning many of the formal Gothic clichés and using more realistic contemporary settings. H.P. Lovecraft was a fan, and wrote a review on his work: "...gifted with an almost diabolic power of calling horror by gentle steps from the midst of prosaic daily life." he says, also adding: "Dr. James has, it is clear, an intelligent and scientific knowledge of human nerves and feelings; and knows just how t...