A collection of urban legends gleaned from period newspapers. This book would be worth reading for the introduction alone, in which the author describA collection of urban legends gleaned from period newspapers. This book would be worth reading for the introduction alone, in which the author describes the nature of an urban legend and outlines his process for finding and sorting them. The legends themselves range from the ridiculous to the merely implausible to the I-don't-quite-believe-it-but-would-like-to variety. Some of the legends here are physically impossible, and Young takes great pains to explain the science involved and the exact lengths to which it could go. A few of these chapters were a little disturbing in terms of subject matter, but many centered on human interaction, rather than gore, and were ultimately thought-provoking. People interested in print culture, in newspapers, or in urban legends will almost certainly benefit from this, but Simon Young's matter-of-fact style and eclectic topics will likely entertain any reader. A fun book of stories that didn't really happen . . . or did they?...more
This book showcases a good range of Victorian fiction. Featured in these pages are many types of story, including serious, dramatic, macabre, and humoThis book showcases a good range of Victorian fiction. Featured in these pages are many types of story, including serious, dramatic, macabre, and humorous. Here, you'll find romance, infidelity, grudges, vengeance, hard-working detectives, unflinching criminals, secrets, money, jewels, theft, and—of course—murder. You'll read stories in the third person and the first, and which are told from the points of view of the detectives, of neutral observers, and even (in a couple of the stories) of the killers themselves. The stories represent a strong mix of countries and authors, and the editors of this volume have provided for each tale a short introduction that grounds it and the author in context. Through these intros, readers can learn about different popular motifs of Victorian mysteries, and then they can read the tale that inspired or epitomized these various trends. Not all the stories herein can be strictly considered mysteries; some of them might more accurately be called "Crime Fiction." A few tales show each step of the crime and its aftermath, and one focuses more on the killer's defense in court than on the detective who arranged his arrest. As with any anthology, some of the stories are better than others, but together, they offer a glimpse into the vast body of crime fiction of this era, with its many different styles and voices....more
What an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't thinWhat an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't think there was a single one that I disliked—an unusual occurrence with anthologies and something that impresses me greatly. These exceedingly well-chosen sea stories have been grouped here into four different thematic sections, each of which explores a different element of the sea. The tales complement each other perfectly, and each section is an adventure unto itself. I cannot praise this book highly enough. Absolutely amazing collection.
Out of an already-strong collection, these seven were my favorites: • The Fog Horn (Bradbury) • A Descent into the Maelström (Poe) • The Cruise of The Jolly Roger (Vonnegut) • One for the Islands (Highsmith) • The Open Boat (Crane) • The House of Mapuhi (London) • Sail Shining in White (Helprin) ...more
Moody, atmospheric—a story of the sea so vivid in its descriptions that I could practically taste the salt air. I had a tougher time deciphering the dMoody, atmospheric—a story of the sea so vivid in its descriptions that I could practically taste the salt air. I had a tougher time deciphering the dialogues; one of the characters makes many long-winded speeches (rants?) in what I can only describe as a strong Scottish dialect. This adds flavor to the story but makes the reading a bit more difficult for readers unused to it. The plot is spare (thin?) and ends abruptly. For such a long short story, not much happens, and what story remains is a bit on the odd side. But oh! Those evocative descriptions! Easily the best part of the book....more
What a pleasure to read a book compiled by an expert who so clearly loves his topic! Hugh Lamb, in gathering this collection of macabre Victorian fictWhat a pleasure to read a book compiled by an expert who so clearly loves his topic! Hugh Lamb, in gathering this collection of macabre Victorian fiction, has sought out many authors who, while successful in their day, have not necessarily remained in the public consciousness. These forgotten (or nearly) writers are once again given attention and acknowledgement in this little gem of a book. These stories are dark, powerful, and creepy—and while they certainly have a strong 19th-century flavor (that is their time period, after all) the content is never saccharine, and the writing is such that could hold its own against the tales of the present day.
Here are some good things: • The book is well-organized. • Each author has a mini (1 page) introduction. • Lamb, in his intros, gives salient information without being loquacious. • There are many unknown (or at least not well-known) authors. • The stories show a wide variety of styles. • The stories are interesting and quite well-written. • Lamb clearly knows his craft and has done his research, but he never condescends to his readers or comes off as pretentious.
I suppose perhaps the best compliment I can give is this: these tales tend a bit too much toward the macabre for my taste, and yet I enjoyed reading each and every one of them, partly because Lamb’s introductions helped me understand their value, and mostly because his love for these stories shone through every page....more
Well, this was different. I had never heard of most of these works by Edgar Allan Poe, and I can see why: these are tales that stray from Poe’s usual Well, this was different. I had never heard of most of these works by Edgar Allan Poe, and I can see why: these are tales that stray from Poe’s usual fare of horror and mystery. Here, he tries his hand at sci-fi and even comedy. And believe it or not, I did laugh out loud a little bit in places. This is a bit of a mixed bag: some of Poe’s classic poems are included alongside bizarre tales of adventure and even a silly satirical response to the legend of Scheherazade. As to the quality of some of these stories, that’s a bit tougher to judge. I listened to an audio recording, but I’m not sure that that is the best format for these tales. There is, for example, a great deal of dialogue and some long-winded explanations given by different characters. Parts of this collection felt a little tedious to me, but it’s possible—and, I suspect, likely—that these stories would flow better in a traditional print format. As to the content, one of the stories was so disturbing I couldn’t finish it, but most were interesting. I tend to like 19th-century sea tales, so that helped a bit, too. This would probably be interesting to people who like Poe, or who are interested in short fiction from this era....more
A highly enjoyable ghost story that's far more entertaining than scary. A jilted woman, a newlywed bachelor, and a young wife form the key players in A highly enjoyable ghost story that's far more entertaining than scary. A jilted woman, a newlywed bachelor, and a young wife form the key players in this drama. A terrific tale of promises broken, and of promises kept, even from beyond the grave....more
I greatly enjoyed this haunting tale about a mysterious schoolmaster and a boy with a fishing rod. Dark, atmospheric, memorable. I liked that there arI greatly enjoyed this haunting tale about a mysterious schoolmaster and a boy with a fishing rod. Dark, atmospheric, memorable. I liked that there are elements to the mystery that are decidedly human in origin, and the ghostly aspects are built on this solid foundation. A sad story, but quite satisfying....more
Atmospheric and compelling, this gripping tale begins slowly and builds gradually to its horrifying conclusion. Edith Wharton sure knows her craft, anAtmospheric and compelling, this gripping tale begins slowly and builds gradually to its horrifying conclusion. Edith Wharton sure knows her craft, and this melancholy little tale, full of dread and pathos, offers a memorable experience. Well worth the read....more
This was honestly probably just a 4-star read, but I'm giving it five because I enjoyed it so. A horrific depiction of a vampire, a gripping tale of hThis was honestly probably just a 4-star read, but I'm giving it five because I enjoyed it so. A horrific depiction of a vampire, a gripping tale of hunter and prey, and a disturbing tone, of course. This story reminded me a great deal of Bram Stoker's Dracula: both are told in diary format, both describe some men working together to hunt a vampire, and both treat of disturbing subject matter. This story lacks the characters' nuance that Stoker portrayed so well, but this short tale is also nowhere near as long. For what it is—a quick read about a vampire who wakes from death to prey on children—this story is excellent. Fans of Dracula will likely enjoy this shorter tale that follows in the same line. Recommended for fans of horror and vampire stories....more
An interesting read, and likely to be enjoyed by someone looking for an atmospheric ghostly tale. Not a lot happening here, and it isn't particularly An interesting read, and likely to be enjoyed by someone looking for an atmospheric ghostly tale. Not a lot happening here, and it isn't particularly ground-breaking, but it does offer a solid, entertaining tale. An enjoyable read....more
Ooh, oh, ack! This awful, horrifying, dreadful, wonderful ghost story is sure to delight and torment in equal measure. It's horrifying, but I couldn'tOoh, oh, ack! This awful, horrifying, dreadful, wonderful ghost story is sure to delight and torment in equal measure. It's horrifying, but I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to look away but could not. That's part of the story's power: it gripped me and wouldn't let go. I had to keep reading to the end, even though I knew that it would be gruesome, that there was no avoiding the tale's inexorable conclusion. I read it more than a fortnight ago, but I still remember it vividly, and even now, I can feel my skin crawl. Not gory—not at all—but chilling and unsettling. Perfect for horror readers....more
A wonderful nested story-within-a-story. A ship, foreign travels, and a stranger with a tale to tell: this quick read unfolds into a horrifying ghost A wonderful nested story-within-a-story. A ship, foreign travels, and a stranger with a tale to tell: this quick read unfolds into a horrifying ghost story and promises great entertainment. A treat for lovers of horror, of short fiction, and of Victorian drama....more
Eerie, compelling, unnatural. This is one of those Victorian stories that you can wrap yourself in like a warm blanket to enjoy the moody elements of Eerie, compelling, unnatural. This is one of those Victorian stories that you can wrap yourself in like a warm blanket to enjoy the moody elements of the tale. A phantasm, a wind, a mysterious whistle, and some unexplained events . . . this highly enjoyable short story is the perfect read for a dark, windy evening....more
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