I was a Methodist Atheist but was told agnostics were castrati and did not want to be accused of that. However, I find being an atheist or a member of any of the other large-ish but inferior religions or belief systems does not excuse one from Christmas gift credit card debt in January. Christianity originated with an humble infant but has evolved into a lengthy season inspiring untrammeled greed in children.
In 'Xmas Thrillers: The Greatest Holiday Mysteries in One Volume', the spirit of Christmas takes a thrilling twist as it weaves through the corridors of mystery and suspense. This anthology is a masterful collection that spans a wide range of literary styles, from the classic Victorian gothic to the cunning puzzles of the golden age of detective fiction. Highlighting remarkable diversity within its pages, it amalgamates the works of some of the most influential authors in the genre. The anthology stands out not only for the significance of its individual pieces but also for its coherent exploration of the darker, more enigmatic aspects of the festive season, offering readers a unique blend of yuletide cheer and chilling intrigue. The contributing authors and editors bring to the collection a rich tapestry of backgrounds, ranging from the venerable maestros of the Victorian era to the pioneering spirits of the early twentieth century. Each author's contribution is a testament to the vibrancy and complexity of the time periods and cultural movements they represent, collectively painting a multifaceted portrayal of Christmas. The fusion of historical, cultural, and literary insights provided by these varied voices offers a profound exploration of the holiday's complexities, presenting a multifarious perspective that enriches the reader's understanding of the anthologys central theme. 'Xmas Thrillers: The Greatest Holiday Mysteries in One Volume' is an indispensable read for those looking to immerse themselves in the depth and breadth of Christmas-themed literary artistry. It invites readers to explore a multitude of perspectives, styles, and themes, all while engaging in a dialogue with some of the most iconic figures in literature. For the enthusiast of mysteries and the lover of holiday stories alike, this collection offers a unique educational value, promising insights and entertainment that cut across the conventional boundaries of the genre. This anthology is not just a book; it's an experience, perfect for anyone eager to explore the intricate interplay between joy, mystery, and the enduring spirit of Christmas.
THE EVENING BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Taws The evening before Christmas, and every one via your home, Not an animal was mixing, not also a mouse . The stockings were hung by the smokes haft with treatment, In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would definitely exist. The children were snuggled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her kerchief, also as I in my cap, Had just settled our minds for a lengthy winter season's nap. When out on the yard there developed such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to ascertain what was the difficulty . Away to the window I flew sort of a flash, Tore open the shutters also as regurgitated the sash. The moon the bust of the new-fallen snow Gave the radiance of noontime to things below. When what to my wondering eyes must appear. But a mini sleigh also as 8 small reindeer. With a touch old motorist so dynamic also as fast,. I understood during a moment it must be St. Nick. Extra quick than eagles his coursers they came,. As well as he whistled also as screamed also as called them by name. " Currently, Dasher! Now, Professional dancer! Now, Prancer! Currently, Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Dander and Blixen! To the highest of the deck, to the highest of the wall surface! Now, dash away! Rush away! Rush away! All!".
At the height of his career, writing short stories provided Dickens with a release from the formal constraints of his novels and gave free reign to his creative imagination. Ranging from "flights of fancy" to literary masterpieces, Dickens's short stories contained artistic experiments that inspired fuller developments in his novels. Yet the short stories have been all but overlooked in critical discussions. Deborah A. Thomas focuses directly on this body of work, tracing three stages of development. In the early stage until 1840, Dickens produced numerous short stories, culminating in his experience with the abortive Master Humphrey's Clock. In the following ten years, he restricted his writing of short stories to the five Christmas Books but refined his theories about the value of the genre in the context of his work. In the third stage, 1850-1868, Dickens again turned actively to the writing of short stories, many of them the "Christmas Stories" appearing in the weeklies Household Words and All the Year Round, which Dickens edited successively from 1850 to 1869 and from 1859 until his death in 1870. The author concentrates primarily upon the more notable stories, drawing for a perspective upon Dickens' own concept of "fancy." In an increasingly factual age, Dickens—attracted to the unusual and the unknown—found the short story a form in which he could indulge his high degree of fantasy and explore the hidden corners of the mind. Dickens' fascination with psychological abnormality and the supernatural—reflected in his novels—reveals itself even more intriguingly in his short stories. In Thomas's analysis, Dickens' short stories appear as an important key to understanding the novels, while proving worthy in themselves of critical attention. Essential to a thorough study of Dickens, her book sheds light upon previously obscure facets of his developing artistry.
This meticulously edited collection includes some of the finest Christmas mysteries to keep you company for the entire holiday season! From puzzling detective cases to hair raising ghost tales, this collection has it all... Choose your pick and Merry Mysterious Christmas to everyone! The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle (Arthur Conan Doyle) The Flying Stars (G. K. Chesterton) Percival Bland's Proxy (R. Austin Freeman) A Christmas Capture (Fred M. White) McAllister's Christmas (Arthur Cheney Train) The Mystery of Room Five (Fred M White) A Policeman's Business (Edgar Wallace) Stuffing (Edgar Wallace) Mr Wray's Cash Box (Wilkie Collins) The Adventure of the Second Swag (Robert Barr) A Chaparral Christmas Gift (O. Henry) A Christmas Tragedy (Emmuska Orczy) What the Shepherd Saw (Thomas Hardy) The Silver Hatchet (Arthur Conan Doyle) Markheim (Robert Louis Stevenson) The Wolves of Cernogratz (Saki) Mustapha (Sabine Baring-Gould) The Christmas Banquet (Nathaniel Hawthorne) The Haunted Man (Charles Dickens) The Ghost's Touch (Fergus Hume) Glámr (Sabine Baring-Gould) The Ghosts at Grantley (Leonard Kip) A Terrible Christmas Eve (Lucie E. Jackson) Ghosts and Family Legends (Catherine Crowe) Thurlow's Christmas Story (John Kendrick Bangs) The Abbot's Ghost (Louisa M. Alcott) Old Applejoy's Ghost (Frank R. Stockton) Wolverden Tower (Grant Allen) The Christmas-Eve Vigil (James Bowker) The Box with the Iron Clamps (Florence Marryat) Joseph (Katherine Rickford) The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton (Charles Dickens) The Ghost of Christmas Eve (J. M. Barrie) The Dead Sexton (Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu) Uncle Cornelius His Story (George MacDonald) The Grave by the Handpost (Thomas Hardy) Number Ninety (Bithia Mary Croker) At Chrighton Abbey (Mary Elizabeth Braddon) The Black Bag Left on a Door-Step (Catherine L. Pirkis) Between the Lights (E. F. Benson) Transition (Algernon Blackwood) The Kit-Bag (Algernon Blackwood)…
