FRISWELL, [James] Hain (1825-1878). Ghost Stories and Phantom Fancies. London: Richard Bentley, 1858. 8vo. [viii], [1]-222 pp. Rebound in marbled boards with 1/8 leather backstrip and corners, spine stamped and lettered gilt. SCARCE FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING OF FRISWELL'S GHOST STORIES.

Friswell was a varied editor and essayist who published several volumes of supernatural interest alongside numerous novels and essay collections. This scarce collection, his seventh book, is a Christmas collection of Victorian ghost stories, "many humorous," containing the earliest translation of Gogol's "Viy" into English as "The King of Gnomes" (Knowlton). 

Boards rubbed, edge worn, scuffed, paper loss to upper spine block. Rebound. Bookplate of Rev. Charles S.P. Darroch to front pastedown and ownership inscription to ffep, light toning throughout. Very good.