The British author and editor Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch has compiled a collection of short stories titled "Old Fires and Profitable Ghosts: A Book of Stories." The book has a variety of tones and styles of stories, from romantic and historical to enigmatic and spooky. Rich vocabulary and vivid descriptions combined with author's storytelling style make for an evocative and nostalgic read. "Old Fires and Profitable Ghosts," the title story, is a prime example of the author's skill at fusing the uncanny and mysterious with historical details. All in all, the book demonstrates Quiller-Couch's versatility as a writer by providing readers with a wide range of stories that encapsulate several genres and historical periods. Every story in the book offers a different window into the author's skill as a storyteller and his capacity to create captivating, unforgettable narratives.