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The Tale of the Tailor and the Three Dead Kings

A medieval ghost story
3.44 goodreads logo

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( 1,762 ratings, 255 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A chilling medieval ghost story, retold by bestselling historian Dan Jones. Set in the dark days of King Richard II, it follows a tailor who, while riding home through a dank and gloomy winter, is confronted by a terrifying raven that transforms into a hideous dog with a gruesome warning. The tale, first recorded in the early fifteenth century and transcribed from Latin by M.R. James in 1922, is brought to life in crisp and eerie prose by Dan Jones, blending historical detail with supernatural suspense.
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Format: Hardback
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers who enjoy historical horror and supernatural tales, especially those looking for a brief, classic ghost story with rich medieval detail. A perfect choice for fans of M.R. James, atmospheric chamber pieces, and those seeking a seasonal read around Halloween or Christmas.

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A chilling medieval ghost story, first written by a 15th-century monk and now retold by historian Dan Jones.

A chilling medieval ghost story, first written by a 15th-century monk and now retold by bestselling historian Dan Jones. Published in a beautiful small-format hardback, perfect as a Halloween read or a Christmas gift.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A chilling medieval ghost story, retold by bestselling historian Dan Jones. Published in a beautiful small-format hardback, perfect as a Halloween read or a Christmas gift.

One winter, in the dark days of King Richard II, a tailor was riding home on the road from Gilling to Ampleforth. It was dank, wet and gloomy; he couldn't wait to get home and sit in front of a blazing fire.

Then, out of nowhere, the tailor is knocked off his horse by a raven, who then transforms into a hideous dog, his mouth writhing with its own innards. The dog issues the tailor with a warning: he must go to a priest and ask for absolution and return to the road, or else there will be consequences...

First recorded in the early fifteenth century by an unknown monk, The Tale of the Tailor and the Three Dead Kings was transcribed from the Latin by the great medievalist M.R. James in 1922. Building on that tradition, now bestselling historian Dan Jones retells this medieval ghost story in crisp and creepy prose.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Dan Jones's debut fiction is a surprising and effective adaptation of a medieval supernatural tale, praised for its tight, chilling narrative and rich historical atmosphere that honours M.R. James's tradition. Reviews highlight its evocative and eerie storytelling perfect for a Halloween read, describing it as an atmospheric and classic ghost story that offers both a shiver and intriguing historical context.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781801101295

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 October 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Head of Zeus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 118.0mm

Height: 182.0mm

Weight: 133g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Dan Jones is a historian, broadcaster and award-winning journalist. His books, including The Templars, Crusaders and The Colour of Time (with Marina Amaral), have sold more than one million copies worldwide. He has written and hosted dozens of TV shows including the acclaimed Netflix/Channel 5 series, Secrets of Great British Castles. His writing has appeared in newspapers and magazines including the London Evening Standard, Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Wall Street Journal, GQ and the Spectator.

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