Classic Tales of the Macabre

by David Stuart Davies (Editor)

The dictionary defines 'macabre' as something that is 'grim, gruesome and grotesque'. This definition sums up splendidly the flavour and the content of the excellent stories you will find in this collection. Here are tales written by masters of the genre which feature ghosts, monsters, magic, and horror - everything and anything which is out of kilter with the norm and challenges the imagination, while creating that special tingle of fear which is generated by uncertainty.
In reading these pleasantly disturbing stories it is as though one is looking at the world through a glass darkly. This wonderfully potent brew of macabre titbits is guaranteed to entertain and enthral.

Genres: Short Stories, Horror, Fiction, Classics, Gothic, Anthologies

407 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

David Stuart Davies was a British writer. He worked as a teacher of English before becoming a full-time editor, writer, and playwright. Davies wrote extensively about Sherlock Holmes, both fiction and non-fiction. He was the editor of Red Herrings, the monthly in-house publication of the Crime Writers' Association, and a member of The Baker Street Irregulars and the Detection Club.

Reviews

[Ty Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think all these stories were magnificently picked. Each of them deserve to be bound as classics of Macabre. Perhaps I am easily spooked, still I am really marvelling how dexterously some of the stories managed to creep up my spine from so long time past. Not all stories were so marvellously horror like or even eloquently written. No matter, all of them had worth in them for a read. I find those that suggested loyal companionship and deep understanding of a human's mind are really the ones that stay with you most. The Beast With Five Fingers and Yellow Wallpaper come to mind first.

Despite the fact that not all of the stories deserve four stars it is certain all the stories are the best versions of themselves. Even after over century of continuing influence on our cultures and fiction.

[Al Capwned · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories were better than others of course but the overall selection was really great, with many essential stories.

[Η Cultσα · Rating 5 out of 5]

Εξαιρετική επιλογή "macabre" διηγημάτων, πολλά από τα οποία θεωρούνται κλασικά και σημαντικά για το είδος τους.

[Vasil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little collection, with several memorable gems.

[S.C. Skillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dazzling display of atmospheric writing from masters of the craft, that demonstrate the art of suspense, with the build-up of horror. The stories in this book are must-reads for anyone seeking to write in the genre nowadays; they range from supernatural to psychological subjects, and all of them are beautifully-written.