The Elementary Spirit

The Elementary Spirit

Author: E.T.A. Hoffmann

Publisher: Lindhardt og Ringhof

Published: 2022-06-13

Total Pages: 51

ISBN-13: 8728264290

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‘The Elementary Spirit‘ (1844) was written by the German Romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’. When Prussian lieutenant, colonel Albert von B. rides from Liège to Aachen, a chance encounter with Paul Talkebarth leads him to a mysterious country house where his best friend lies ill. But not everything or everyone are as they seem, and beset by strange dreams and apparitions, Albert is faced with a battle for his soul. ‘The Elementary Spirit’ is from Hoffmann’s ‘Later Works’. This classic short story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman. Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist. Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.


The King's Betrothed (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

The King's Betrothed (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

Author: E. T. A. Hoffmann

Publisher: Read Books Ltd

Published: 2015-10-21

Total Pages: 62

ISBN-13: 1473377439

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This early work by E. T. A. Hoffmann was originally published in 1821. Born in Königsberg, East Prussia in 1776, Hoffmann's family were all jurists, and during his youth he was initially encouraged to pursue a career in law. However, in his late teens Hoffman became increasingly interested in literature and philosophy, and spent much of his time reading German classicists and attending lectures by, amongst others, Immanuel Kant. Hoffman went on to produce a great range of both literary and musical works. Probably Hoffman's most well-known story, produced in 1816, is 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King', due to the fact that - some seventy-six years later - it inspired Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker. In the same vein, his story 'The Sandman' provided both the inspiration for Léo Delibes's ballet Coppélia, and the basis for a highly influential essay by Sigmund Freud, called 'The Uncanny'. (Indeed, Freud referred to Hoffman as the "unrivalled master of the uncanny in literature.") Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions.


The Trap (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

The Trap (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

Author: H. P. Lovecraft

Publisher: Read Books Ltd

Published: 2016-03-31

Total Pages: 27

ISBN-13: 147336910X

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When a student goes missing, one of their teachers realises that it could have something to do with an item in their possession: an antique mirror from the 1600s with a dark past and dangerous power. A classic example of quintessential horror fiction, Lovecraft's “The Trap” is highly recommended for lovers of terrifying literature. Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American writer of supernatural horror fiction. Though his works remained largely unknown and did not furnish him with a decent living, Lovecraft is today considered to be among the most significant writers of supernatural horror fiction of the twentieth century. Other notable works by this author include: “The Call of Cthulhu”, “The Rats in the Walls”, and “The Shadow Over Innsmouth”. Read & Co. is publishing this short story now as part of our “Fantasy and Horror Classics” imprint in a new edition with a dedication by George Henry Weiss.


ARTHUR MACHEN Ultimate Collection: Dark Fantasy Classics, Supernatural Tales & Horror Stories (Including Essays, Translations & Autobiography)

ARTHUR MACHEN Ultimate Collection: Dark Fantasy Classics, Supernatural Tales & Horror Stories (Including Essays, Translations & Autobiography)

Author: Arthur Machen

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2024-01-12

Total Pages: 4007

ISBN-13:

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Arthur Machen's Ultimate Collection features a compendium of dark fantasy classics, supernatural tales, and horror stories that exemplify the author's unique storytelling style. Machen's works are characterized by their exploration of mystical elements, eerie atmospheres, and philosophical themes. His prose is richly descriptive, evoking a sense of dread and wonder in equal measure. Set in a backdrop of Victorian and Edwardian England, Machen's narratives blur the lines between dream and reality, diving deep into the subconscious desires and fears of his characters. This collection also includes a selection of Machen's essays, translations, and autobiography, offering readers a comprehensive look into the life and mind of this influential author. Arthur Machen, a Welsh writer and mystic, was deeply influenced by his interest in the occult, folklore, and spirituality. His exploration of the unknown and the supernatural in his works reflects a fascination with the hidden depths of human experience. Machen's personal experiences and philosophies undoubtedly shaped the eerie and thought-provoking tales he is most renowned for. Fans of gothic literature, dark fantasy, and supernatural fiction will find Arthur Machen's Ultimate Collection a captivating and essential read. With its diverse range of stories and insights into the author's life, this anthology is a must-have for anyone seeking to delve into the world of a master of the macabre.


The Poet and the Composer (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

The Poet and the Composer (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

Author: E. T. A. Hoffmann

Publisher: Read Books Ltd

Published: 2015-10-21

Total Pages: 31

ISBN-13: 1473377323

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This early work by E. T. A. Hoffmann was originally published in 1813. Born in Königsberg, East Prussia in 1776, Hoffmann's family were all jurists, and during his youth he was initially encouraged to pursue a career in law. However, in his late teens Hoffman became increasingly interested in literature and philosophy, and spent much of his time reading German classicists and attending lectures by, amongst others, Immanuel Kant. Hoffman went on to produce a great range of both literary and musical works. Probably Hoffman's most well-known story, produced in 1816, is 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King', due to the fact that - some seventy-six years later - it inspired Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker. In the same vein, his story 'The Sandman' provided both the inspiration for Léo Delibes's ballet Coppélia, and the basis for a highly influential essay by Sigmund Freud, called 'The Uncanny'. (Indeed, Freud referred to Hoffman as the "unrivalled master of the uncanny in literature.") Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions.


Secret Worship (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

Secret Worship (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

Author: Algernon Blackwood

Publisher: Read Books Ltd

Published: 2023-11-22

Total Pages: 43

ISBN-13: 1528799062

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This stand-alone short story is one of Algernon Blackwood's masterful John Silence tales, exploring the strange and mysterious adventures of a psychic doctor. A silk merchant is traveling home through the perilous mountains of southern Germany when he decides to visit his old school. He fondly remembers the strict discipline and dedicated religious education he underwent at the school over 30 years ago, and how the system had shaped his life and brought him peace. Yet, the institution isn't all he remembers, and the merchant soon finds himself entrapped in a disturbing Brotherhood ritual. First published in 1908, Secret Worship is a chilling work of weird literature and a must-read for fans of classic horror.


Arthur Machen: 30+ Horror Classics, Supernatural Mysteries & Fantasy Books

Arthur Machen: 30+ Horror Classics, Supernatural Mysteries & Fantasy Books

Author: Arthur Machen

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-12-06

Total Pages: 4363

ISBN-13:

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Arthur Machen's collection 'Arthur Machen: 30+ Horror Classics, Supernatural Mysteries & Fantasy Books' offers a grand anthology of the author's diverse and captivating works. Machen is known for his eerie and mysterious storytelling, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and the supernatural. His vivid descriptions and intricate plots create a sense of unease and wonder, making his works a unique contribution to the literary world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From tales of ancient myths to modern-day horrors, Machen's stories are sure to leave readers enthralled and haunted. Born in Wales in 1863, Machen's fascination with folklore, mythology, and the occult heavily influenced his writing. His life experiences and personal beliefs often seeped into his narratives, giving them a sense of authenticity and depth. Through his exploration of the unknown and the macabre, Machen paved the way for future horror and fantasy writers, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. I highly recommend 'Arthur Machen: 30+ Horror Classics, Supernatural Mysteries & Fantasy Books' to any reader with a taste for the eerie and the supernatural. Machen's craftsmanship and storytelling abilities make this anthology a must-read for fans of horror, fantasy, and the macabre.


60 GOTHIC CLASSICS - Boxed Set: Dark Fantasy Novels, Supernatural Mysteries, Horror Tales & Gothic Romances

60 GOTHIC CLASSICS - Boxed Set: Dark Fantasy Novels, Supernatural Mysteries, Horror Tales & Gothic Romances

Author: Charles Dickens

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-11-19

Total Pages: 9596

ISBN-13:

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The '60 GOTHIC CLASSICS - Boxed Set' encompasses an unparalleled collection of dark fantasy novels, supernatural mysteries, horror tales, and gothic romances, offering an expansive exploration of the Gothic tradition that has shaped much of the literary landscape from the 18th century to the early 20th century. This anthology encapsulates the varied narrative structures, themes of transgression, decay, and the sublime, and the richly painted settings of isolation and melancholy inherent in Gothic literature. The selection thrives on its diversity, featuring foundational texts of the genre alongside lesser-known gems that collectively underscore the depth and complexity of Gothic fiction. The inclusion of works from a broad spectrum of authors, ranging from the brooding landscapes of the Brontë sisters to the psychological depths explored by Edgar Allan Poe, showcases the genres ability to evolve and adapt, remaining vibrant and profoundly influential over the decades. The contributing authors and editors of this collection are titans in the literary world, whose individual and collective contributions have not only defined the contours of Gothic fiction but also influenced numerous cultural and literary movements. The backgrounds of these authors, encompassing the transformative periods of Romanticism, Victorianism, and early modernism, offer a rich tapestry of socio-political contexts that deeply inform their Gothic creations. This diversity of perspective enriches the collection, allowing readers to traverse the manifold expressions of Gothic tension and terror while engaging with the historical conditions that spurred their creation. '60 GOTHIC CLASSICS - Boxed Set' is essential reading for anyone eager to delve into the shadowy corridors of Gothic literature. It presents a unique opportunity to experience the multifaceted dimensions of fear, obsession, and longing that characterize the genre. This anthology not only serves as a comprehensive educational resource but also invites readers to witness the dialogues between different epochs, cultural shifts, and literary styles. It is a testament to the enduring allure and relevance of Gothic fiction, making it a must-have for scholars, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike.


The Sandman. The Elementary Spirit (Two Mysterious Tales. German Classics)

The Sandman. The Elementary Spirit (Two Mysterious Tales. German Classics)

Author: E. T. A. Hoffmann

Publisher: Mondial

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 106

ISBN-13: 1595691170

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No literature can produce a more original writer than Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776 1822), a German Romantic author of fantasy and horror, better known by his pen name E. T. A. Hoffmann (Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann). His works are very numerous and were published at Berlin in fifteen volumes. He is the subject and hero of Jacques Offenbach's famous but fictional opera The Tales of Hoffmann.---Of the two tales in this book, "The Sandman" is from the collection "Night Pieces," and The Elementary Spirit is from his "Later Works." In these stories, Hoffmann's purpose is to point out the ill-effect of a morbid desire after an imaginary world, and a distaste for realities. Different as their adventures are, there is a striking similarity in the characters of Nathaniel (in "The Sandman") and Victor (in "The Elementary Spirit"). However wild may be the subjects of Hoffmann, and however rambling his method of treating them, his style is remarkably lucid.---The story of the Sandman had its origin in a discussion which actually took place between La Motte Fouque (a German writer of the romantic movement, 1777 1843) and some friends, at which Hoffmann was present. Some of the party found fault with the cold, mechanical deportment of a young lady of their acquaintance, while La Motte Fouque zealously defended her. Here Hoffmann caught the notion of the automaton Olympia, and the arguments used by Nathaniel are those that were employed by La Motte Fouque."


The Tell Tale Heart - The Short Stories of Edgar Allan Poe (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

The Tell Tale Heart - The Short Stories of Edgar Allan Poe (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

Author: Edgar Allan Poe

Publisher: Read Books Ltd

Published: 2017-01-23

Total Pages: 185

ISBN-13: 1473348730

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This vintage book contains Edgar Allen Poe’s 1843 short story, “The Tell-Tale Heart". An anonymous narrator recounts a murder that he has committed, detailing how he carefully dismembered the body and concealed it underneath the floorboards. His endeavours, however, are threatened when his guilt and insanity take on the form of a hallucination that the victim’s heart is still beating from beneath the floor. Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was an American author, editor, poet, and critic. Most famous for his stories of mystery and horror, he was one of the first American short story writers, and is widely considered to be the inventor of the detective fiction genre. Many antiquarian books such as this are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.