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The Iron Shroud
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
- GenresShort Stories
Hardcover
First published August 1, 1830
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 9, 2021
Inspired by phrase from Jane Eyre and inspired Poe's Pit and Pendulam - it is actually better than the last in its gothic horror.
Not recommended to claustrophobics
Not recommended to claustrophobics
April 19, 2021
Read that this story inspired Poe’s “The Pit and the Pendulum” and felt compelled to check it out. Surprisingly darker and more despondent than Poe‘s version, but both are pretty rad.
February 12, 2025
I enjoy humorously reviewing supernatural short stories, even if they tend to be dark and disturbing. However, when it comes to narratives involving ordinary people committing unimaginable atrocities, I struggle to keep the tone light.
Enter William Mudford’s “The Iron Shroud” (1830), a tale that had me chuckling less and squirming more. Why? Because it revolves around an ordinary person—a member of the nobility—who engages in truly dastardly deeds that would make even the most hardened horror fans raise an eyebrow and murmur, “Yikes!”
Imagine this: You and I are spending a cozy Saturday night reading about our unfortunate victim, who finds himself trapped in a literal iron torture chamber. Fun times, right? The twist? We have no idea who the villain is! It feels like a mystery dinner party where the only dish served is Pure Existential Dread, accompanied by a side of “I really should have chosen a different story.”
The premise is both simple and excruciating: we are stuck with a poisoner counting down the last days of his life. Instead of nail-biting suspense, we face—wait for it—seven days of agony, where each moment drags on longer than a Monday morning meeting. Spoiler alert: it’s all about being crushed! The "iron shroud" in the title? No metaphorical fluff here, folks; it’s exactly what it sounds like. Nothing says good reading like envisioning a torture device as the centerpiece of your book club!
Now, let’s talk about familiarity—it feels like déjà vu with a sinister twist. As I began reading, I thought, “Wait! I’ve been here before!” Then it hit me: oh dear, it’s as if Mudford snatched up an idea from Edgar Allan Poe! How rude! You might call it plagiarism—but wait! A quick check reveals, gasp, that it was perhaps Poe who borrowed from Mudford! Can you imagine? The gothic horror world turns, and suddenly, I feel like a judge on a reality show, evaluating the genre's most notorious thieves!
In the end, enjoying this tale is akin to trying to tickle a cactus—it sounds fun, but it’s a prickly experience, and serious issues lie beneath the laughter. So here we are, navigating the uncharted waters of human audacity and violence while attempting to keep our sense of humor afloat.
Yours humorously,
An Overzealous Reviewer Who Just Can’t Help Herself
Check the review on my blog: https://bibliophilescompass.blogspot....
Enter William Mudford’s “The Iron Shroud” (1830), a tale that had me chuckling less and squirming more. Why? Because it revolves around an ordinary person—a member of the nobility—who engages in truly dastardly deeds that would make even the most hardened horror fans raise an eyebrow and murmur, “Yikes!”
Imagine this: You and I are spending a cozy Saturday night reading about our unfortunate victim, who finds himself trapped in a literal iron torture chamber. Fun times, right? The twist? We have no idea who the villain is! It feels like a mystery dinner party where the only dish served is Pure Existential Dread, accompanied by a side of “I really should have chosen a different story.”
The premise is both simple and excruciating: we are stuck with a poisoner counting down the last days of his life. Instead of nail-biting suspense, we face—wait for it—seven days of agony, where each moment drags on longer than a Monday morning meeting. Spoiler alert: it’s all about being crushed! The "iron shroud" in the title? No metaphorical fluff here, folks; it’s exactly what it sounds like. Nothing says good reading like envisioning a torture device as the centerpiece of your book club!
Now, let’s talk about familiarity—it feels like déjà vu with a sinister twist. As I began reading, I thought, “Wait! I’ve been here before!” Then it hit me: oh dear, it’s as if Mudford snatched up an idea from Edgar Allan Poe! How rude! You might call it plagiarism—but wait! A quick check reveals, gasp, that it was perhaps Poe who borrowed from Mudford! Can you imagine? The gothic horror world turns, and suddenly, I feel like a judge on a reality show, evaluating the genre's most notorious thieves!
In the end, enjoying this tale is akin to trying to tickle a cactus—it sounds fun, but it’s a prickly experience, and serious issues lie beneath the laughter. So here we are, navigating the uncharted waters of human audacity and violence while attempting to keep our sense of humor afloat.
Yours humorously,
An Overzealous Reviewer Who Just Can’t Help Herself
Check the review on my blog: https://bibliophilescompass.blogspot....
October 14, 2025
Did this story inspire Peter Strahm's final trap in Saw V ? There were a lot of similarities and considering Seth Baxter's trap was inspired by an Edgar Allan Poe story, I feel like it's very possible. If such is the case, did Hoffman pitch to Jigsaw the idea for the walls in that room? Hmm...
Don't mind me, guys, this is just one of my neurodivergent special interests (Saw franchise) kicking in again, I'm analyzing
Don't mind me, guys, this is just one of my neurodivergent special interests (Saw franchise) kicking in again, I'm analyzing
December 10, 2017
total dystopian torture with no happy endings. death to all humans!
October 29, 2025
A lost classic of Gothic horror and suspense. Surprisingly solid and eloquent prose, never too flowery or dry. The buildup of tension is excellent as well. Definitely deserving of more recognition!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews