Fantastic and Horrific Stories

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This collection of short fiction by Arthur Machen, initially condemned as decadent and obscene, has garnered praise from literary figures like Oscar Wilde and H. P. Lovecraft. Machen's unsettling blend of science, myth, and magic has influenced contemporary authors such as Stephen King and Guillermo del Toro. Among his notable works is "The Great God Pan," which narrates an occult experiment that goes awry. The protagonist, Clarke, intrigued by the occult, accepts an invitation to observe a procedure meant to access the spirit realm. When the young patient Mary awakens, she exhibits signs of terror and subsequently falls into a catatonic state. Believing they have successfully tapped into the world of "the great god Pan," Clarke and his colleague Raymond decide to keep their findings secret. However, years later, a nearby town reports mysterious disappearances of young children, all last seen in the forest with a sinister presence. This collection highlights Machen's ability to weave horror and the supernatural, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Mint Editions, since its inception in 2020, focuses on sustainability and innovation, offering professionally typeset manuscripts and striking covers while preserving the integrity of original works, aiming to connect diverse public domain literature with modern audiences.