Ralph Adams Cram's 'Black Spirits and White: A Book of Ghost Stories' is a collection of haunting tales that delves into the supernatural realm with a sense of eerie realism. Cram combines elements of Gothic horror with psychological depth, creating a chilling atmosphere that will send shivers down the reader's spine. Each story is intricately woven with rich language and vivid imagery, capturing the imagination of the audience. Set in the late 19th century, the book reflects the spiritualism and fascination with the occult prevalent during that time period. The stories explore themes of death, the afterlife, and the unseen forces that linger in the world. Cram's writing style is reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe, with a focus on the macabre and the mysterious. Ralph Adams Cram, a noted architect and writer, had a deep fascination with the supernatural and the unknown, which is evident in his collection of ghost stories. His background in Gothic architecture likely influenced his interest in dark and mysterious themes, adding a unique depth to his storytelling. Cram's expertise in creating atmospheric settings and intricate details shines through in each story, drawing readers into a world of ghosts and ghouls. I highly recommend 'Black Spirits and White' to readers who enjoy classic ghost stories with a touch of Gothic elegance. Cram's masterful storytelling and imaginative plots make this collection a must-read for those seeking a spine-tingling experience.

Ralph Adams Cram (1863-1942) was not only an influential American architect, but also a writer who delved into the realms of the supernatural and the esoteric. Cram's architectural contributions were substantial, but his literary output, though less extensive, was nonetheless profound, with 'Black Spirits and White: A Book of Ghost Stories' (1895) standing as a testament to his narrative skill and fascination with the gothic. In this collection, Cram distilled his aesthetic sensibilities and architectural expertise into literary form, conjuring an atmosphere of eerie elegance reminiscent of the High Gothic style he championed in his buildings. His ghost stories are characterized by a blend of medievalism and modernity, much like his architectural works which merged traditional Gothic principles with contemporary sensibilities (Cram 1895). The book is a pivotal point showcasing his imaginative vision and his ability to invoke the spectral and spiritual in both stone and story. Cram's influence extended beyond the architectural to the literary, where his contribution to the ghost story genre maintains a reserved yet distinguished place. His works continue to be a subject of scholarly interest, revealing the multifaceted nature of an individual who straddled the line between palpable and ethereal creations.