Cornish Horrors: Tales from the Land's End

Cornish Horrors explores Cornwall's folklore and traditions through lost and forgotten tales, featuring Gothic luminaries and underappreciated writers from the past two centuries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: British Library Publishing

Cornish Horrors: A Journey Through Cornwall's Rich Folklore and Traditions
Cornish Horrors is a captivating collection of strange and Gothic tales set in the picturesque county of Cornwall, England. The book explores the region's rich folklore and traditions through a series of captivating stories, ranging from lost or forgotten tales to chilling yarns of the haunted peninsula.

One of the key themes of Cornish Horrors is the supernatural. The mariner inherits a skull that screams incessantly along with the roar of the sea, while a phantom hare stalks the moors to deliver justice for a crime long dead. A man witnesses a murder in the woods near St. Ives, only to wonder whether it was he himself who committed the crime. These supernatural elements add a sense of mystery and intrigue to the stories, making them both thrilling and unsettling.

Cornish Horrors also delves into the local mythology and shipwrecks of the region. The mines, local mythology, shipwrecks, seascapes, and the coming of the railway and tourism are all explored in detail, providing a rich and immersive experience for the reader. The stories are told by a host of underappreciated writers from the past two centuries, including Bram Stoker and Edgar Allan Poe, who bring their unique styles and perspectives to the tales.

One of the standout stories in Cornish Horrors is "The Haunted Peninsula." This chilling tale follows a group of tourists who visit the peninsula and encounter a series of strange and terrifying events. The story is told through the eyes of the protagonist, who is haunted by the memories of a past tragedy. The story is filled with suspense, horror, and a sense of foreboding, making it a must-read for fans of Gothic literature.

Another notable story in Cornish Horrors is "The Ghost of the Lighthouse." This story follows a young woman who becomes trapped in a lighthouse during a storm. The ghost of a former lighthouse keeper haunts the lighthouse, and the woman must find a way to escape before she is killed. The story is filled with tension and suspense, and the ending is both shocking and satisfying.

Cornish Horrors also features a number of historical and cultural references. The book explores the history of Cornwall, including the mining industry, the fishing industry, and the impact of the railway and tourism on the region. The stories also touch on the cultural traditions of the region, including the Cornish language, music, and dance.

One of the strengths of Cornish Horrors is its ability to create a sense of place. The stories are set in a variety of locations throughout Cornwall, including the coastal towns of St. Ives, Penzance, and Newquay, as well as the rural countryside. The descriptions of the landscapes and the seascapes are vivid and evocative, making the reader feel as if they are actually there.

However, Cornish Horrors is not without its flaws. Some of the stories can be slow-paced, and the ending can be a bit predictable. Additionally, some of the characters can be one-dimensional, and the plot can be a bit convoluted.

Despite these flaws, Cornish Horrors is a highly recommended book for fans of Gothic literature. The collection of strange and Gothic tales set in Cornwall is both captivating and unsettling, and the stories are told by a host of underappreciated writers from the past two centuries. Whether you are a fan of Bram Stoker or Edgar Allan Poe, or you are simply looking for a new and exciting book to read, Cornish Horrors is a must-read.

In conclusion, Cornish Horrors is a captivating collection of strange and Gothic tales set in the picturesque county of Cornwall, England. The book explores the region's rich folklore and traditions through a series of captivating stories, ranging from lost or forgotten tales to chilling yarns of the haunted peninsula. The supernatural elements add a sense of mystery and intrigue to the stories, making them both thrilling and unsettling. Cornish Horrors also delves into the local mythology and shipwrecks of the region, and features a number of historical and cultural references. While the book has its flaws, it is highly recommended for fans of Gothic literature.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 130 x 189 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780712353991