Ancient Sorceries

Algernon Blackwood is one of Britain's greatest ever proponents of weird and supernatural stories. This collection contains four of his most unnervingly curious tales, including "Ancient Sorceries," "The Listener," "The Sea Fit," and "The Willows."

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Pushkin Press

Algernon Blackwood, a renowned British author, has left an indelible mark on the realm of eerie and supernatural storytelling. Within this captivating collection, readers are treated to four of his most spine-tingling tales: "Ancient Sorceries," "The Listener," "The Sea Fit," and "The Willows."

"Ancient Sorceries" takes us on a haunting journey to a remote French hill town, where a British traveler encounters an enigmatic community with peculiar customs and beliefs. As he delves deeper into their world, he realizes that he has unwittingly become entangled in a sinister plot that threatens his very existence. With each passing day, his grip on reality loosens, and he finds himself trapped in a maze of ancient curses and dark magic.

"The Listener" is a chilling tale that revolves around a scholar who rents a lodging house in a quiet town. Strange occurrences begin to haunt him, including the feeling of being observed by an unseen presence. As he investigates the matter, he discovers that the house is haunted by the ghost of a former resident, a woman who died under mysterious circumstances. The scholar must navigate through a web of secrets and lies to unravel the truth and confront the malevolent spirit that haunts him.

"The Sea Fit" is a mesmerizing story that takes place on a canoeing trip along the Danube River. Two friends, Sarah and John, find themselves stranded on a lonely willow-covered island in the middle of the river, haunted by the strange trees and sinister shapes in the water. As they explore the island, they discover a hidden cave that holds a dark secret, and they are plunged into a battle for survival against an ancient evil that has been awakened by their presence.

"The Willows" is a haunting tale that explores the boundaries between reality and imagination. A group of friends gathers at a remote mansion on the banks of the River Thames, unaware that they are being watched by a mysterious entity that lurks in the shadows. As the night unfolds, they begin to experience strange occurrences, including visions and voices that seem to come from beyond the grave. The group must confront their fears and unravel the dark secrets that lie within the mansion, before it consumes them all.

Algernon Blackwood's tales are masterfully crafted, filled with suspense, horror, and a sense of the supernatural. His ability to create vivid characters and intricate plots keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as they navigate through the treacherous terrain of his stories. Whether you are a fan of classic horror or are seeking a fresh perspective on the genre, this collection is sure to captivate and unsettle you in equal measure.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 138 x 204 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782278511