"Humorous Ghost Stories" by Dorothy Scarborough is a collection of short stories compiled and introduced in the early 20th century. The volume showcases a variety of ghost stories that emphasize the humor found in supernatural encounters, moving away from the traditional, somber portrayals of ghosts prevalent in earlier literature.

The opening context establishes ghosts as whimsical characters that create laughter rather than fear, often poking fun at both themselves and their living counterparts. The beginning of this work elaborates on the evolution of ghosts in literature, highlighting the transition from serious and fearsome specters to humorous and playful ones that reflect modern individualism and societal changes.

Scarborough argues that the contemporary ghost possesses much more personality, embracing humor and satire while engaging with the living in absurdly comical ways. By contrasting the grim tradition of apparitions with the lively modern spirits, the introduction sets the stage for the delightful stories that follow, suggesting that readers can expect to experience a refreshing take on ghostly tales filled with wit and charm.