Lisa Morton is an acclaimed author of horror fiction and a recognized expert on Halloween. Her short stories have been featured in over 50 publications, showcasing her mastery of the macabre. Morton's writing delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche, building atmosphere and psychological dread to explore the very nature of fear. She masterfully uncovers the hidden monsters that reside not just in the shadows, but within ourselves.
Following the success of Weird Women: Volume 1, acclaimed anthologists Lisa
Morton and Leslie S. Klinger return with another offering of overlooked
masterworks from early female horror writers, including George Eliot, Zora
Neale Hurston, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Edith Wharton.
"Halloween has spread around the world, yet its associations with death and the supernatural as well as its inevitable commercialization has made it one of our most puzzling holidays. How did it become what it is today? This book examines the origins and history of Halloween and explores in depth its current global popularity. The author reveals how holidays like the Celtic Samhain and Catholic All Souls' Day have blended to produce the modern Halloween, and she shows how the holiday has been reborn in America, where costumes and trick-or-treat rituals are new customs. She takes into account the influence of related but independent holidays, especially Mexico's Day of the Dead, as well as the explosion in popularity of haunted attractions and the impact of events such as 9/11 and the global economic recession. It also examines the effect Halloween has had on popular culture through literary works by Washington Irving and Ray Bradbury, films such as John Carpenter's Halloween and Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and television series, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Simpsons. This book takes us on a journey from the spectacular to the macabre, allowing us to peep behind the mask to see the real past and present of this ever more popular holiday."--Publisher's description.
Set in Victorian England, a young widow discovers her inheritance includes the responsibility of guarding supernatural portals linked to her family's legacy. As demonic entities invade from the Netherworld, Lady Diana must rise to the challenge and confront the impending war. This tale intertwines themes of duty, courage, and the supernatural, showcasing her evolution from a grieving widow to a formidable protector.
The plot centers around the emergence of Halloween Beyond stores, which connect the lives of three visitors through a captivating blend of mystery and magic. As their paths intertwine, they uncover secrets and experience enchanting encounters, revealing the deeper significance of the Halloween season. The narrative explores themes of fate and the transformative power of the holiday, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
Featuring 35 original short stories, this collection showcases the haunting imagination of Bram Stoker Award winner Lisa Morton. Each tale delves into the realm of nightmares, offering readers a diverse array of chilling themes and eerie characters. Morton's skillful storytelling promises to evoke fear and intrigue, making this anthology a must-read for fans of horror and the macabre.
A Combined Edition of Fantasmagoriana and Tales of the Dead
242 pages
9 hours of reading
Originally published in 1812, this anthology is a foundational collection of ghost stories that has significantly influenced the genre. It features a variety of haunting tales that explore themes of the supernatural and the unknown, showcasing the eerie and unsettling aspects of life and death. Fantasmagoriana not only entertains but also serves as a critical piece in the evolution of horror literature, setting the stage for future writers and their exploration of ghostly lore.