Number 13 by M.R. James (1895)

Name: Number 13
Author: M.R. James

In a quaint Danish town, a researcher named Anderson arrives at a historic hotel, the Golden Lion, to study church history. He is intrigued by the absence of a room numbered 13, a common superstition in hotels. After settling into his chosen room, he experiences a series of unsettling events, including a mysterious encounter with a room he believes to be 13, despite the landlord's insistence that it does not exist. As Anderson delves into his research, he uncovers documents related to a controversial figure, Mag Nicolas Francken, who was rumored to have engaged in dark arts. His investigation leads him to question the nature of reality as he begins to doubt his own perceptions, particularly regarding the existence of room 13. He becomes increasingly anxious, especially after hearing strange noises from the adjacent room, which he believes to be occupied by a man. One night, the sounds escalate into a horrifying cacophony, prompting Anderson and another guest, a lawyer named Jensen, to confront the source of the disturbance. They discover that the door to room 13 is locked and seemingly impervious to their attempts to break in. When they finally manage to force the door, it vanishes, revealing only a blank wall where it once stood. The next day, the landlord and staff investigate the area where room 13 had been. They find a hidden copper box containing a mysterious document, hinting at the dark history of the hotel and its connection to Francken. The document's contents remain indecipherable, leaving Anderson and Jensen puzzled but relieved to have escaped the strange occurrences. Ultimately, the story explores themes of superstition, the unknown, and the thin line between reality and illusion, culminating in a chilling reminder of the past's lingering presence.

By M.R. James · First published 1895 · Genre: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Mystery · 7,072 words

First lines

Among the towns of Jutland, Viborg justly holds a high place. It is the seat of a bishopric; it has a handsome but almost entirely new cathedral, a charming garden, a lake of great beauty, and many storks. Near it is Hald, accounted one of the prettiest things in Denmark; and hard by is Finderup, where Marsk Stig murdered King Erik Glipping on St Cecilia's Day, in the year 1286. Fifty-six blows of square-headed iron maces were traced on Erik's skull when his tomb was opened in the seventeenth century. But I am not writing a guide-book.

What this Textopian page supports

Number 13 is listed on Textopian as a short story by M.R. James, dated 1895 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: M.R. James
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Supernatural Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 7,072 words
Structure: 1 section, 99 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Horror — The story revolves around supernatural elements and psychological tension, creating a sense of dread and fear.
Gothic Fiction — The setting in an old hotel, themes of the unknown, and the eerie atmosphere align with Gothic conventions.
Mystery — The narrative involves uncovering the mystery of the missing room number and the strange occurrences surrounding it.
Supernatural Fiction — The presence of unexplained phenomena and the suggestion of ghostly elements contribute to the supernatural genre.