This anthology presents a curated collection of supernatural tales designed to unsettle the reader through encounters with the spectral and the unexplained. The editor, R. Chetwynd-Hayes, gathers a diverse array of short fiction that explores the thin boundary between the living and the dead. Each story functions as an independent narrative, often utilizing atmospheric settings such as isolated cottages, long galleries, and mysterious villas to heighten the sense of dread. The collection employs various narrative frameworks, ranging from epistolary diary entries to third-person accounts of haunting, ensuring a varied experience of terror.

The Fontana Book of Great Ghost Stories series is recognized by enthusiasts of the genre as a significant repository of mid-to-late 20th-century horror fiction. This specific volume benefits from the editorial oversight of R. Chetwynd-Hayes, who was a prominent figure in British horror literature during this period. The selection reflects a preference for traditional, mood-driven ghost stories that prioritize suspense and atmosphere over modern slasher sensibilities. Readers often appreciate the inclusion of both established classic authors and lesser-known writers, which provides a balanced and varied reading experience. The anthology serves as a representative example of the paperback horror market that flourished in the United Kingdom during the 1970s and 1980s.