--| First Edition | Scarce Victorian Humorous Ghost Story Collection |--

Told After Supper is a humorous frame narrative centered on a group of slightly tipsy characters gathered around the fire on Christmas Eve to share absurd, satirical ghost stories. The narrator, Mr. Jones, recounts tales that delightfully mock the clichéd tropes of traditional Victorian gothic horror fiction. Rather than inducing fright, the narratives feature inconvenienced spirits who complain about their haunting duties and bumbling mortals more annoyed than terrified by the supernatural. The collection ultimately serves as a charmingly chaotic and witty parody of seasonal ghost-story traditions.

includes a 14-page publisher's catalogue ("Extracts from The Leadenhall Press Book List") at the rear. Features the early printer's code "T. 4,471" to the preliminary pages, confirming the earliest printing state.

Bound in the original publisher's red cloth, with black stamped decorations and black titles to the front board and spine. Top edge gilt (TEG), other edges untrimmed as issued.

A solid, Good copy. Boards show minor shelf wear and light rubbing to the corners. The spine shows minor, uniform fading ("sunning"), typical for Victorian red cloth of this period, though the lettering remains clear and legible. Inside, the hinges are firm, sound, and tight. The text block and Kenneth M. Skeaping's extensive humorous illustrations are clean, bright, and free from foxing. All pages are present and attached. A previous owner's name is written in pencil on the inside leaf. A highly collectible, unrestored example of this classic late-Victorian comedic ghost story anthology.

169 pp.