Horror Stories: Classic Tales from Hoffmann to Hodgson

The nineteenth century saw the growth and development of the modern horror story, encompassing various categories such as ghost stories, supernatural, psychological horror, medical and scientific horror, colonial horror, and uncanny and precognition. This anthology brings together twenty-nine of the greatest horror stories from the British, Irish, American, and European traditions, ranging widely across the sub-genres and featuring authors such as Hoffmann, Poe, Balzac, Dickens, Hawthorne, Melville, and Zola. The book also includes rare and little-known pieces by writers such as William Maginn, Francis Marion Crawford, W. F. Harvey, and William Hope Hodgson, and shows the important role played by periodicals in popularizing the horror story.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The horror story evolved and expanded significantly throughout the 19th century, encompassing a wide range of sub-genres such as ghost stories, supernatural horror, psychological horror, medical and scientific horror, colonial horror, and tales of the uncanny and precognition. This anthology presents a collection of twenty-nine of the finest horror stories from the period spanning from 1816 to 1912, originating from British, Irish, American, and European traditions. The book showcases a diverse range of authors whose terrifying prowess remains unmatched, spanning various sub-genres. It includes works by renowned writers like Hoffmann, Poe, Balzac, Dickens, Hawthorne, Melville, and Zola, as well as established genre classics from M. R. James, Arthur Machen, Bram Stoker, Algernon Blackwood, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and others. Additionally, the book features rare and lesser-known pieces by authors such as William Maginn, Francis Marion Crawford, W. F. Harvey, and William Hope Hodgson, highlighting the significant role played by periodicals in popularizing the horror story. Wherever possible, stories are reproduced in their original published form, accompanied by background information about their authors and helpful contextualizing annotations. Darryl Jones' lively introduction delves into the literary evolution of horror and its expression of cultural preoccupations and anxieties, ensuring that readers are prepared to experience a spine-chilling journey into the realm of fear. Brace yourself for a series of stories that will send shivers down your spine, evoke revulsion, and keep you awake long into the night. Get ready to be terrified!

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 167 x 135 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199685448