From the mind of M. R. James, the acknowledged master who redefined the ghost story for the 20th century and founded the 'antiquarian ghost story' genre, comes one of his most famous and terrifying tales of reckless scholarship. A Warning to the Curious centers on Mr. Paxton, a meticulous scholar who travels to the seaside town of Seaburgh, driven by the local legend of the last of the three Anglian crowns--ancient relics buried long ago to protect England from invasion. Ignoring all local warnings and folklore, Paxton succeeds in locating and unearthing the priceless artifact. However, the crown is guarded by a relentless, ancient spectral attendant whose purpose is not merely to frighten, but to violently retrieve the sacred object. Paxton's discovery quickly turns into a frantic, terrifying struggle for his life against a persistent, unseen enemy. This story is a quintessential example of James' genius for combining creeping dread with a shocking, physical encounter. It is essential reading for fans of classic ghost stories and supernatural fiction, proving that some treasures are protected by guardians whose resolve outlives the ages.