My Addiction: Reading, Ghost Stories, History and the Stories Behind the Past

My addiction is… you’ve probably guessed it: reading.

I read far more than I probably should - often when I should be doing something more practical, like tidying the garden or working in the churchyard. But books have always been my passion, especially those that explore ghost stories, local history, military history, and the fascinating stories that connect England’s past with the wider world.

While I love a good supernatural tale, my reading interests go far beyond ghost stories. I enjoy discovering forgotten moments in history, researching people who shaped our past, and learning more about the places and events that have influenced the world we live in today.

With that confession out of the way, I’d like to share a couple of important anniversaries that caught my attention:

Celebrating M.R. James: Master of the Classic Ghost Story

On 1 August 1862, Montague Rhodes James better known as M.R. James  was born.

M.R. James remains one of the greatest writers of ghost stories in English literature. His atmospheric tales, often rooted in ancient buildings, forgotten manuscripts, and mysterious discoveries, continue to influence supernatural fiction today.

My personal favourite is “Lost Hearts”, a chilling story that was notably left out of his first collection of ghost stories. If you have never read it, I highly recommend finding a copy. It is a brilliant example of M.R. James’ ability to create suspense, unease, and unforgettable imagery.

Remembering George Butterworth: Composer and Soldier of the Somme

Today, 5 August, marks 110 years since the death of composer George Butterworth, who was killed by a German sniper during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Butterworth is remembered not only as a talented English composer but also as a soldier who served during one of the most devastating battles of the First World War.

I have a limited number of signed copies of my book:

“George Butterworth: Soldier and Composer”

The book was commissioned and published by Fighting High in 2018. It is a hardback edition containing many previously unpublished and under-researched photographs, along with a detailed account of Butterworth’s military service and experiences during the Somme offensive.

Signed copies are available directly from me for £20 including postage and packaging.

This is becoming a rare book, so if you are interested in military history, First World War biographies, or the life of George Butterworth, I would recommend reserving a copy soon.

Continuing My Writing Journey

Alongside researching history and writing about the past, I continue to write ghost stories and work on my latest project, “Travels with my Grandfather” -

a book exploring family history research and the fascinating discoveries that can emerge when we look into our ancestors’ lives.

Whether it is uncovering forgotten soldiers, exploring local history, researching family connections, or creating stories inspired by the supernatural, my aim remains the same: to bring the past to life through words.