Hauntings

Vernon Lee's Hauntings (1890) is a short story collection that employs formal techniques to mimic diary and letter writing, bringing her reader face to face with the psychological unease embodied in her characters. A principled feminist and committed pacifist, Lee was virtually blacklisted by critics and publishers following her opposition to the First World War, but interest in her works has increased over the past several decades, granting her the readership she deserves as a master of literary horror.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Hauntings (1890) is a collection of short stories by Vernon Lee, published during her peak as a prominent advocate of Aestheticism and a scholar of the Italian Renaissance. Comprising four of her most spine-tingling tales of the supernatural, Hauntings employs formal techniques to emulate diary and letter writing, immersing readers in the psychological unease that permeates her characters. Lee, known for her principled feminism and unwavering pacifism, faced significant criticism and exclusion from publishers due to her opposition to the First World War. However, the tireless efforts of dedicated scholars have brought her works to the forefront, granting her the readership she truly deserves as a master of literary horror.

In Vernon Lee's world, ghosts and humans coexist, sometimes unaware of each other's presence. However, when their paths cross, strange and terrifying events are bound to occur. The stories within this collection document such fateful encounters: a German academic becomes consumed by his fascination with a lady of the Italian Renaissance, a young girl is found alone on the Italian coast after a devastating storm, a painter grows uneasy at the resemblance of her subject to one of her distant ancestors, and a .

Lee's Hauntings is a testament to her exceptional talent as a storyteller, offering readers a glimpse into the eerie and unsettling realm of the supernatural. Through her vivid descriptions and intricate characterizations, Lee transports her readers to a world where the line between reality and illusion blurs, and where the supernatural forces that lurk in the shadows can be both alluring and dangerous.

While Hauntings may not be for the faint of heart, it is a testament to Lee's enduring legacy as a master of literary horror. Her stories continue to captivate and intrigue readers, reminding us of the power of imagination and the horrors that lie within the human psyche. As we delve into the pages of this collection, we are invited to explore the depths of human emotion, the complexities of relationships, and the terrifying consequences of our choices.

In conclusion, Vernon Lee's Hauntings is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and the supernatural. With its hauntingly beautiful prose, intricate plotlines, and unforgettable characters, this collection offers a glimpse into the darker corners of the human mind and the supernatural realm. Lee's legacy as a master of literary horror continues to inspire and captivate readers, and her stories will undoubtedly remain a staple of horror literature for generations to come.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135540