The Ingoldsby Legends (1910 edition) is a lavishly illustrated collection of macabre humor, ghost stories, and satirical verse penned by Richard Harris Barham under the pseudonym “Thomas Ingoldsby.” First published serially between 1837–1847, these tales blend Gothic horror, folklore, and biting wit, set against medieval and Regency-era backdrops. The 1910 edition, often paired with artists like Arthur Rackham, George Cruikshank, or John Tenniel, elevates the text with haunting or whimsical visuals that capture its mix of the grotesque and the absurd.
Barham’s Legends—featuring vengeful specters, bumbling monks, and devilish pacts—influenced later writers like M.R. James and Neil Gaiman. Standouts include The Spectre of Tappington, a ghostly murder tale, and The Jackdaw of Rheims, a comic poem about a thieving bird cursed by a cardinal. The 1910 reprint (likely by J.M. Dent & Co. or Macmillan) preserves the Victorian charm while appealing to Edwardian-era fans of illustrated dark fantasy.
For Fans of The Ingoldsby Legends, Explore:
- The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (illus. Gustave Doré) – Another Gothic narrative poem with stunning art.
- Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti (illus. Arthur Rackham) – Darkly lyrical fairy verse.
- Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M.R. James – For more scholarly horror with a wink.
A treasure for lovers of Gothic satire and Golden Age illustration.
