Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu s'est imposé comme un auteur irlandais prééminent de l'ère victorienne, célèbre pour sa maîtrise des récits gothiques et des romans policiers. Il fut une figure centrale dans le développement du genre des histoires de fantômes, façonnant de manière significative sa trajectoire. La capacité de Le Fanu à créer du suspense et à évoquer des atmosphères glaçantes solidifie sa position parmi les écrivains les plus importants de la fiction surnaturelle du XIXe siècle. Ses œuvres continuent de captiver les lecteurs par leur profondeur psychologique et leurs explorations troublantes.
Un château perdu au milieu d'une épaisse forêt, une étrange invitée aussi belle que mystérieuse, une jeune fille qui se réveille chaque matin avec une douleur à la base du cou... Carmilla est l'un des textes fondateurs de la littérature fantastique, qui influencera quelques années plus tard Bram Stoker pour son Dracula.
Featuring four eerie stories, this collection showcases J. Sheridan Le Fanu's mastery of ghostly fiction. In "The Mysterious Lodgers," unsettling encounters unfold, while "Madam Crowl's Ghost" reveals haunting family secrets. "Dickon the Devil" explores themes of temptation and moral conflict, and "Sir Dominick's Bargain" delves into the consequences of a Faustian pact. Each tale intricately weaves supernatural elements with psychological depth, making for a chilling reading experience.
The narrative reflects on the passage of time through the lens of a nostalgic journey back to a childhood town. The protagonist observes familiar yet changed landmarks, such as the old tower and the once-grand "Brandon Arms," now diminished in stature. As memories flood back, the protagonist grapples with the swift passage of years, contemplating the vastness of time from different ages. This introspective journey evokes themes of memory, change, and the fleeting nature of life, highlighting how perceptions shift with age.
This facsimile reprint preserves an important antiquarian work, reflecting its historical significance. While it may contain imperfections typical of old texts, such as marks and notations, the edition aims to maintain the integrity of the original. The commitment to making this culturally valuable literature accessible in high-quality formats underscores its relevance and the importance of literary preservation.
Volume 5-Including One Novel, 'The Rose and the Key, ' One Novelette, 'Spalatro,
This installment continues the captivating exploration of supernatural themes and eerie narratives characteristic of its acclaimed author, renowned as the "grandfather of the ghost story." Readers can expect a blend of chilling tales and rich atmospheric writing that delves into the unknown, showcasing the author's mastery in crafting suspenseful and haunting stories that have influenced the genre for generations. The collection promises to engage fans of classic ghost stories and those intrigued by the darker aspects of human experience.
Volume 4-Including One Novel, 'The Wyvern Mystery, ' One Novelette, 'Mr. Justice
This volume continues the compelling exploration of supernatural themes and haunting narratives characteristic of its author, known as the 'grandfather of the ghost story.' Readers can expect a rich tapestry of chilling tales that delve into the eerie and the uncanny, showcasing the author's mastery in crafting suspenseful atmospheres and unforgettable characters. This installment contributes to the overarching collection that has captivated audiences with its blend of horror and literary finesse.
Volume 1-Including Two Novels, 'The Haunted Baronet' and 'The Evil Guest, ' One N
This collection marks the beginning of an eight-volume series by a renowned author known as the grandfather of the ghost story. It showcases a captivating blend of supernatural elements and chilling narratives that have influenced the horror genre. Readers can expect to encounter eerie atmospheres, haunting characters, and timeless themes that explore the unknown and the afterlife, setting the stage for the subsequent volumes in the series.
Volume 2-Including One Novel, 'Uncle Silas, ' One Novelette, 'Green Tea' and Five
This second volume continues the captivating journey through a renowned eight-book collection by a master of ghost stories. Focusing on chilling narratives and atmospheric settings, it delves deeper into the supernatural, exploring themes of fear, the unknown, and the afterlife. Readers can expect a blend of classic storytelling and eerie encounters that highlight the author's skill in crafting haunting tales that resonate with both historical and modern audiences.
Volume 8-Including One Novel, 'a Lost Name, ' One Novelette, 'The Last Heir of CA
This concluding volume of an extensive eight-book collection showcases the works of a master storyteller renowned for pioneering the ghost story genre. Featuring a blend of chilling narratives and intricate character development, it encapsulates the essence of supernatural tales that have captivated readers for generations. The collection highlights the author's unique style and thematic depth, making it a significant addition to the literature of the macabre.
This Gothic novella tells the story of a young woman's susceptibility to the attentions of a female vampire named Carmilla. Carmilla predates Bram Stoker's Dracula by 25 years, and has been adapted many times for cinema. Although Carmilla is a lesser known and far shorter Gothic vampire story than the generally-considered master work of that genre, Dracula, the latter is heavily influenced by Le Fanu's short story.