Mysterious and Horrific Stories

More about the book

Mysterious and Horrific Stories is a collection of Gothic tales by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, known for his influential role in mid-nineteenth-century Irish literature and for his novella Carmilla, a precursor to Dracula. This anthology features fifteen of Le Fanu’s finest short stories, showcasing his mastery of the genre. In “The Fortunes of Sir Robert Ardagh,” a man returns home with a shadowy companion, harboring secrets about his sudden wealth. “Schalken the Painter” tells the story of a young artist in love with his master's niece, who faces a dilemma when a wealthier suitor proposes to her, leading to unsettling consequences. “The Drunkard’s Dream” presents a chilling vision of Hell experienced by a man in despair. Alongside these tales, the collection includes twelve more stories of ghosts and supernatural events, such as “An Authentic Narrative of a Haunted House” and “The Child That Went With the Fairies.” These selections remain captivating nearly two centuries after their initial publication. With a beautifully designed cover and professional typesetting, this edition of Le Fanu's work is a classic of Irish literature, reimagined for contemporary readers.