Queens of the Abyss: Lost Stories from the Women of the Weird

This new anthology highlights the contributions of women writers to the weird tale, challenging the notion that they were only followers of male authors. It features material from lost authors and contributors to early pulp magazines, showcasing the darker side of Frances Hodgson Burnett and the surreal nightmares of Marie Corelli and Violet Quirk.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2020
Publisher: British Library Publishing

It is a common misconception that during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, male writers were the primary drivers of the weird tale's development and expansion, while women writers followed in their footsteps. However, this notion is far from the truth. This groundbreaking anthology seeks to highlight the significant contributions made by women writers to the weird tale genre and revive the forgotten authors of the early pulp magazines. It also sheds light on the lesser-known works of more familiar authors. Delve into the darker side of The Secret Garden author Frances Hodgson Burnett, explore the haunting nightmares created by Marie Corelli and Violet Quirk, and be enthralled by the captivating voices of contributors to Weird Tales magazine, including Sophie Wenzel Ellis, Greye La Spina, and Margaret St Clair. These writers pushed the boundaries of their time, delivering sensational, surreal, and challenging narratives that defied the conventions of the day. This anthology features previously unpublished material sourced from the depths of the British Library vaults, offering a unique and captivating glimpse into the world of weird tales.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 129 x 190 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780712353915