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Cover of The Ghost in the Tower: An Episode in Jacobia

The Ghost in the Tower: An Episode in Jacobia

Written by Earl H. (Earl Howell) Reed

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Ghost storiesHaunted placesMichiganMichigan, LakeWater towers

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About this book

"The Ghost in the Tower: An Episode in Jacobia" by Earl H. Reed is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. This novel blends elements of ghost stories with humor, centered around an encounter between the narrator and a ghost named Emric Szapolyai, who reveals his past as a Hungarian duke turned robber baron. The story unfolds during Christmas time in a tower in Michigan, detailing themes of isolation, history, and the contrast between past and present moralities. The plot begins with the narrator visiting his friend Jacobs' farmhouse and being drawn to the eerie water tower that stands nearby. While contemplating the quiet surroundings, he encounters Szapolyai, who emerges from the mist and engages him in a conversation about his storied life. The ghost shares humorous accounts of his past as a nobleman and his escapades with infamous pirates, portraying the evolution of morality from his time to modern-day business practices, illustrated through his candid remarks on contemporary financial sins. The narrative ultimately reflects on the themes of nostalgia, companionship, and the idea of lingering spirits and their aspirations, leaving readers with a blend of lightheartedness and contemplation on the evolving nature of human ethics.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Ghost in the Tower: An Episode in Jacobia, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • mysterious
  • contemplative

Earl H. Reed's "The Ghost in the Tower: An Episode in Jacobia" is an early 20th-century novel that cleverly merges the supernatural with sharp wit and social commentary. Set during Christmas in a secluded Michigan tower, the story introduces a narrator who encounters Emric Szapolyai, a Hungarian duke turned robber baron, now a ghost. Emric's humorous accounts of his adventurous past and his candid comparisons of historical transgressions with modern financial ethics form the core of the narrative. The book explores themes of isolation, the fluidity of morality across eras, and the enduring human need for connection, all while blending lightheartedness with contemplative insights into history and lingering spirits. It ultimately offers a unique take on the ghost story genre, emphasizing dialogue and character over fright.

“"One may be a duke, or a robber baron, or even a pirate, but one always remains a connoisseur of human folly."”

Key themes

The Evolution of Morality and Ethics
This theme is central to the novel, explored through Emric Szapolyai's humorous yet pointed comparisons between his past life as a robber baron and the financial practices of the early 20th century. The book questions whether human ethics truly 'evolve' or merely change form, often becoming more complex or hypocritical over time. Emric's perspective highlights the subjective nature of 'good' and 'evil' across different eras.
Past vs. Present and Nostalgia
The novel constantly draws a parallel between Emric's historical past and the narrator's present. Emric's detailed recollections evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, even one fraught with moral ambiguity. The theme explores how the past informs the present and how individuals (even ghosts) grapple with the changes wrought by time. It also touches on the idea of longing for what once was.
Isolation and Companionship
The story begins with the narrator seeking isolation during Christmas, a time traditionally associated with togetherness. His encounter with Emric, a ghost who has been isolated in the tower for ages, transforms this solitude into an unexpected form of companionship. The theme explores the human need for connection, even across the boundaries of life and death, and how shared stories can bridge immense distances.

Worth discussing

How does Emric Szapolyai challenge or conform to traditional notions of a 'ghost' in literature?

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