Audiobooks Children's Fiction The Five Jars
The Five Jars

The Five Jars

by M. R. JAMES (1862 - 1936)

The Five Jars is the only novel written by James, who is best known for his ghost stories. It is a peculiarly surreal fantasy apparently written for children. While he is out walking, the narrator is drawn to a remote pool, and finds a small box that has been hidden since Roman times. He gradually learns how to use its contents, fighting off a series of attempts to steal it, and becomes aware of a strange world hidden from our own. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)


1 - I: The Discovery

2 - II: The First Jar

3 - III: The Second Jar

4 - IV: The Small People

5 - V: Danger to the Jars

6 - VI: The Cat, Wag, Slim and Others

7 - VII: The Bat-Ball

8 - VII: Wag At Home