Coming in at spot 25 in my countdown of the Top 40 ghost stories published in the English language for the first half of the nineteenth century is
The Sexton of Cologne by George Soane (1789-1860). It was first published in 1826 and was still being published as late as 1871. The scary ghost story is based upon old legend and George Soane was the first to codify it into the English language. Given its high level of writing, compelling characters and shocking ending, it is one of the best ghost stories for this period.
This is the only known picture of George Soane, the son and rebel family member of the famous architect, John Soane. From my research, I peg him as one of the most underrated authors of the supernatural from 1800-1849. I selected his horror story "The Lighthouse" to be included in
The Best Horror Short Stories 1800-1849. "The Sexton of Cologne" is his best ghost story and I hope you enjoy it.
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