Weird Women: Volume 2: 1840-1925: Classic Supernatural Fiction by Groundbreaking Female Writers

In Weird Women: Volume 2, acclaimed anthologists Lisa Morton and Leslie S. Klinger present a collection of overlooked masterworks from early female horror writers, including George Eliot, Zora Neale Hurston, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Edith Wharton. The volume includes stories by famous authors as well as lesser-known writers, such as Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Vernon Lee, Florence Marryat, and Margaret Oliphant. The stories cover various supernatural themes, including ghosts, vampirism, mesmerism, witches, haunted India, demonic entities, and journeys into the afterlife. Morton and Klinger provide annotations and introductions to enhance the modern reader's experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: Pegasus Books

Following the success of their acclaimed Weird Women, star anthologists Lisa Morton and Leslie S. Klinger return with another offering of overlooked masterworks from early female horror writers. This volume once again gathers some of the most famous voices of literature—George Eliot, Zora Neale Hurston, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Edith Wharton—along with chilling tales by writers who were among the bestselling and most critically-praised authors of the early supernatural story. There are, of course, ghost stories here, but also tales of vampirism, mesmerism, witches, haunted India, demonic entities, and journeys into the afterlife. Introduced and annotated for modern readers, Morton and Klinger have curated more stories sure to provide another feast of entertaining (and scary) reads.

Introduction:

Following the success of their acclaimed Weird Women, star anthologists Lisa Morton and Leslie S. Klinger return with another offering of overlooked masterworks from early female horror writers. This volume once again gathers some of the most famous voices of literature—George Eliot, Zora Neale Hurston, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Edith Wharton—along with chilling tales by writers who were among the bestselling and most critically-praised authors of the early supernatural story. There are, of course, ghost stories here, but also tales of vampirism, mesmerism, witches, haunted India, demonic entities, and journeys into the afterlife. Introduced and annotated for modern readers, Morton and Klinger have curated more stories sure to provide another feast of entertaining (and scary) reads.

George Eliot:

George Eliot, one of the most influential writers of the Victorian era, contributed a chilling tale titled "The Mill on the Floss." Set in a remote mill in England, the story follows the tragic love affair between a young girl named Maggie and her cousin Philip. Eliot's vivid description of the mill's eerie atmosphere and the supernatural events that unfold add to the suspense and horror of the narrative.

Zora Neale Hurston:

Zora Neale Hurston, a pioneering African American writer, penned the haunting story "Spunk." Set in the rural South, the story follows a young woman named Cecile, who possesses a unique ability to heal others through her spunk—a spiritual force that empowers her. However, her gift comes with a price, as it attracts the attention of malevolent forces that seek to control and exploit her.

Harriet Beecher Stowe:

Harriet Beecher Stowe, best known for her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, also wrote a chilling tale titled "The Minister's Black Veil." Set in the early 19th century, the story follows a minister who wears a black veil to conceal his disfigurement, which he believes has caused his wife's death. As he interacts with the townspeople, his veil becomes a symbol of his inner torment and the darkness that lurks within him.

Edith Wharton:

Edith Wharton, a renowned American novelist, contributed a suspenseful story titled "The House of Mirth." Set in New York City during the Gilded Age, the story follows the social ascent and downfall of a young woman named Lily Bart, who is caught up in the lavish parties and social circles of high society. However, her pursuit of wealth and status comes at a cost, as she is forced to navigate the treacherous waters of love, betrayal, and social expectations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Weird Women: Volume 2 is a treasure trove of overlooked masterworks from early female horror writers. Morton and Klinger's meticulous curation and insightful annotations provide modern readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these stories, which continue to captivate and frighten audiences to this day. Whether you are a fan of supernatural horror or simply seeking to explore the rich literary legacy of early female writers, this volume is a must-read.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643137834