The Tale of the Tailor and the Three Dead Kings

This medieval ghost story, originally penned by a 15th-century monk and retold by historian Dan Jones, follows a tailor who encounters a frightening omen on a dark winter's night.

The Tale of the Tailor and the Three Dead Kings is a haunting medieval ghost story that has captivated readers since its original recording by a 15th-century monk. In this retelling, bestselling historian Dan Jones brings new life to the tale, presenting it in a beautifully crafted small-format hardback that makes it an ideal choice for both Halloween and Christmas gifting.

Set during the dark and tumultuous days of King Richard II, the story follows a tailor making his way home from Gilling to Ampleforth on a dreary winter night. The atmosphere is thick with gloom, and the tailor longs for the comfort of a warm fire. However, his journey takes a terrifying turn when a raven unexpectedly knocks him from his horse, transforming into a grotesque dog that warns him of dire consequences if he does not seek absolution from a priest.

Originally transcribed from Latin by medievalist M.R. James in 1922, this chilling tale is steeped in the eerie traditions of ghost stories. Dan Jones’s retelling maintains the essence of the original while infusing it with crisp and engaging prose, making it accessible to modern readers. As the tailor grapples with the supernatural warning, themes of morality and redemption emerge, leaving readers to ponder the weight of their own choices in life. This timeless narrative continues to resonate, reminding us of the thin veil between the living and the dead.