Ringstones, and Other Curious Tales

Ringstones and Other Curious Tales, Sarban's first published work, established him among critics and readers as a writer of unusually evocative power. First published in 1951, this collection contains ''A Christmas Story,'' ''Capra,'' ''Calmahain,'' ''The Khan,'' and ''Ringstones.'' ''Ringstones'' is set on the Northumberland moors, where Daphne Hazel appears to cross the boundaries of time, becoming involved with terrifying personalities from the mysterious past. ''Calmahain'' deals imaginatively with two children's attempts at escape from the grim realities of the Home Front during World War II. Sarban shows himself equally at home in the Middle East, where, against the backdrop of expatriate life, three further stories (A Christmas Story, Capra,The Khan) explore ancient legends - with spine-chilling results.