If you’re searching for spine-tingling tales with a classic literary edge, Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories is a must-read collection. While Dahl is best known for his imaginative children’s books, this haunting anthology reveals another side of his literary passion: the ghost story.

Rather than penning the tales himself, Roald Dahl curated this collection by reading nearly 800 ghost stories in the late 1950s and early 60s, carefully selecting just 14 of the most unforgettable and unsettling. The result? A handpicked anthology filled with eerie elegance, written by some of the most respected names in gothic and supernatural fiction.

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A Master Curator of the Macabre

Roald Dahl had a keen eye for the unexpected. While he was a celebrated author in his own right, his fascination with the supernatural led him to explore classic ghost literature. Dahl’s selections aren’t simply scary—they’re psychologically disorienting, often quiet in tone, and linger long after reading.

Among the authors featured are E.F. Benson, known for his atmospheric and subtle chills, and Edith Wharton, who adds a touch of literary refinement to the genre. With each page, you’re invited into shadowy corridors, haunted landscapes, and encounters with the unknown.

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 What’s Inside the Collection?

Each story in this book offers a different flavor of fear—from psychological suspense to spectral horror. Here are the ghost stories included in the anthology:

• “W.S.” by L.P. Hartley

• “Harry” by Rosemary Timperley

• “The Corner Shop” by Cynthia Asquith

• “In the Tube” by E.F. Benson

• “Christmas Meeting” by Rosemary Timperley

• “Elias and the Draug” by Jonas Lie

• “Playmates” by A.M. Burrage

• “Ringing the Changes” by Robert Aickman

• “The Telephone” by Mary Treadgold

• “The Ghost of a Hand” by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

• “The Sweeper” by A.M. Burrage

• “Afterward” by Edith Wharton

• “On the Brighton Road” by Richard Middleton

• “The Upper Berth” by F. Marion Crawford

Each tale stands on its own, offering something distinct—whether it’s a slow-building dread or a shocking twist.

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Why Read This Collection Today?

In the era of fast-paced horror and jump scares, Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories offers something refreshingly classic and atmospheric. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Timeless storytelling with rich prose

• Subtle, psychological tension over gore

• A glimpse into the best ghost fiction of the 19th and early 20th centuries

• A curated experience by one of literature’s most beloved storytellers

Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, a lover of Roald Dahl’s work, or a reader in search of autumnal or Halloween-perfect reads, this anthology deserves a spot on your shelf.

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Final Thoughts

Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories is more than a collection—it’s a literary séance. While you may not love every story, the overall experience is one of creeping unease, thoughtful pacing, and masterful storytelling. This anthology is a haunting reminder of how effective a well-told ghost story can be—even without modern theatrics.