# Antiquarianism and the Past in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by M. R. James.

A central theme is the fascination with old books, manuscripts, historical artifacts, and ancient sites, which often serve as gateways to dangerous or supernatural encounters, as seen in the scrapbook, the mezzotint, and the search for the holy crown.

## Where it surfaces

- [Canon Alberic's Scrapbook](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/canon-alberic-s-scrapbook): Dennistoun's scholarly pursuit of ancient manuscripts and the scrapbook's collection of medieval illuminations.
- [Lost Hearts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/lost-hearts): Mr. Abney is deeply immersed in ancient texts, pagan mysteries, and the writings of Hermes Trismegistus, using them to justify his horrific experiments.
- [The Mezzotint](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/the-mezzotint): The story centers on an old mezzotint of a manor house, with Williams attempting to identify the depicted location through gazetteers.
- [Number 13](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/number-13): Anderson's work in the archives, examining old letters and a mysterious parchment, emphasizes the allure and peril of historical discovery.
- [Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/oh-whistle-and-i-ll-come-to-you-my-lad): The discovery of the ancient whistle with its mysterious inscription and the discussion of the Templar preceptory site reflect antiquarian interests in the past.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/i): Mr. Somerton's meticulous research into stained glass and Latin texts exemplifies the antiquarian pursuit of historical knowledge.
- [The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/the-stalls-of-barchester-cathedral): The narrator's research into the cathedral's history, the description of the stalls and their carvings, and the discovery of the Hanging Oak's gruesome past highlight a fascination with historical artifacts and local lore.
- [Mr. Humphreys and His Inheritance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/mr-humphreys-and-his-inheritance): Humphreys explores his uncle's library, cataloguing old books and manuscripts, and reflects on the historical value and unreadability of the collection.
- [The Diary of Mr. Poynter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/the-diary-of-mr-poynter): The acquisition of an old diary and the fascination with its historical fabric sample highlight the antiquarian pursuit of preserving and studying relics of the past.
- [An Episode of Cathedral History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/an-episode-of-cathedral-history): Mr. Lake's examination of cathedral archives, Worby's detailed recollections of the 1840 restoration, and the preservation of old views and artifacts.
- [The Haunted Dolls’ House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/the-haunted-dolls-house): The detailed description of the dolls' house as a collector's item and its association with Horace Walpole highlights the theme of antiquarian obsession.
- [The Uncommon Prayerbook](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/the-uncommon-prayerbook): The prayerbook is a historical artifact that draws the protagonist into a deeper, darker engagement with the past.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/i): Mr. Davidson's interest in the Leventhorp Papers, the remains of Leventhorp House, and the tombs in the church, as well as his visit to the old Brockstone Court and Chapel, reflects a fascination with history and old buildings.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/ii): Mr. Davidson's detailed examination of the chapel, its furnishings, and the anomalous Prayer Book reflects a deep engagement with historical artifacts and their mysteries.
- [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/iii): Davidson's investigation into rare Prayerbooks and the historical mystery surrounding them drives the chapter.
- [A Neighbour's Landmark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/a-neighbour-s-landmark): The narrator's meticulous examination of old tracts and his excitement at uncovering a forgotten local legend.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/endnotes): The endnotes cite historical and scholarly sources such as the Gallia Christiana and Erhard's work, reflecting a deep engagement with antiquarian research.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/themes/antiquarianism_and_the_past
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_35_se/themes