The Book of Dreams and Ghosts by 19th century Scottish novelist and poet Andrew Lang brings together 78 spooky tales, ranging from a demon encounter in 17th-century England to a 19th century poltergeist haunting in China. Lang  offers commentary on each story, sometimes challenging eyewitness accounts and at other times critiquing the outright dismissal by scientists.

Lang’s interest in ghosts and dreams began early in his life. He explains that he remembers being frightened by vivid images of ghostly figures, inspired by the gothic tales he read as a child. Even as he grew older, Lang never fully accepted or rejected the supernatural. In the preface to The Book of Dreams and Ghosts, he shares his view that ghosts could be hallucinations, or perhaps genuine psychic phenomena. You can read the entire book here.

You may be more familiar with Lang’s extensive series of colorful books about fairies in Britain. He published at least 25 titles between 1889 and 1913.