M. R. James was born in Kent, England in 1862. James came to writing fiction relatively late, not publishing his first collection of short stories - Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904) - until the age of 42. Modern scholars now see James as having redefined the ghost story for the 20th century and he is seen as the founder of the 'antiquarian ghost story'. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions with a brand new introductory biography of the author.
M. R. James was born in Kent, England in 1862. James came to writing fiction relatively late, not publishing his first collection of short stories - Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904) - until the age of 42. Modern scholars now see James as having redefined the ghost story for the 20th century and he is seen as the founder of the 'antiquarian ghost story'. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions with a brand new introductory biography of the author.
Considered by many to be the most terrifying writer in English, M.R. James was an eminent scholar who spent his entire adult life in the academic surroundings of Eton and Cambridge. His classic supernatural tales draw on the terrors of the everyday, in which documents and objects unleash terrible forces, often in closed rooms and night-time settings where imagination runs riot. Lonely country houses, remote inns, ancient churches or the manuscript collections of great libraries provide settings for unbearable menace, from creatures seeking retribution and harm. These stories have lost none of their power to unsettle and disturb. This edition presents all of James's published ghost stories, including the unforgettable 'Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad' and 'Casting the Runes', and an appendix of James's writings on the ghost story. Darryl Jones's introduction and notes provide a fascinating insight into James's background and his mastery of the genre he made his own. --! From publisher's description.
This early work by E. T. A. Hoffmann was originally published in 1818. 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.
Taking its cue from the horror film fanzines of yesteryear... Horror and fantasy cinema from around the world with a distinctive retro sensibility, Creeping Flesh focuses on obscure and vilified horror movies, the discovery of "lost" films, BBC telefantasy, and an appreciation of American and British exploitation. Book jacket.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of detective Sherlock Holmes, is the father of crime fiction. Published in 1886, 'John Barrington Cowles' is one of his most underrated tales. Many of the earliest and most interesting vampire stories, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
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.
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.
Many of the earliest occult stories, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
