Claimed

Claimed (1920) is a science fiction novel by Francis Stevens, published under the pseudonym Gertrude Barrows Bennett. The novel combines nautical adventure and the occult, and is considered a powerful tale of dark fantasy. The story follows a merchant vessel that discovers a volcanic island and takes a memento of a metallic green block, which later causes hallucinations for Jesse J. Robinson and his niece Leilah. Doctor John Vanaman investigates the box, uncovering its original owner and dealer, who have also fallen victim to the madness. This edition of the novel features a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript.

Format: Hardback
Length: 116 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Francis Stevens' science fiction book Claimed, which was first published in 1920, is regarded as a significant work of dark fantasy. Some of the best science fiction stories and novels of the twentieth century were written by Gertrude Barrows Bennett, who used her well-known pen name.

The final book by Stevens, Claimed, has been hailed as a potent narrative of dark fantasy for its blend of maritime adventure and occult themes. It continues to be a significant part of Stevens' legacy as a trailblazing writer of fantasy and science fiction.

"From where we stood, the illusion of ruins was nearly perfect, and indeed—who knows?—we may to-day have looked upon the last surviving trace of some ancient city, flung up from the abyss that engulfed it ages before the brief history we have of the race of man began."

A merchant ship encounters a recently formed volcanic island while on a voyage at sea. Fascinated by the geometric rock formations that reach their peak at the island's smoldering center, they take a memento of their discovery: a small, rectangular block of a metallic green color, perfect for carving into a sea chest.

The artifact eventually finds its way into the collection of Jesse J. Robinson, a renowned antiquarian from Tremont, a town situated along the Delaware River. When Robinson and his niece Leilah fall victim to powerful hallucinations, Doctor John Vanaman is called in to assist. He begins an investigation into the box's nature, tracing its original owner and the dealer who sold it to Robinson. To his horror, they seem to have succumbed to the same madness that plagues the antiquarian's home.

This edition of Francis Stevens' Claimed is a classic work of American science fiction reimagined for modern readers. It features a beautifully designed cover and a professionally typeset manuscript, making it an essential addition to any collection of science fiction literature.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513133522