Tales of the Weird: an Uncanny Introduction

by William Hope Hodgson, Mary E. Counselman, H.P. Lovecraft

Tales of the Weird: An Uncanny Introduction brings together a chilling collection of stories from across the entire series, offering a brief insight into the abyssal depths of the British Library archives – with offerings by Eleanor Scott, Robert Aickman, William Hope Hodgson and Vernon Lee.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

William Hope Hodgson was an English author. He produced a large body of work, consisting of essays, short fiction, and novels, spanning several overlapping genres including horror, fantastic fiction, and science fiction. Early in his writing career he dedicated effort to poetry, although few of his poems were published during his lifetime. He also attracted some notice as a photographer and achieved some renown as a bodybuilder. Hodgson served with the British Army durng World War One. He died, at age 40, at Ypres, killed by German artillery fire.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting little collection selected to introduce readers to the British Library's Tales of the Weird series. It includes eight stories in total--each preceded by a brief biographical note about the author--and runs a little over 150 pages, so it's easy enough to get through in a day or read a story or two per night. The stories included are: "Marsyas in Flanders" by Vernon Lee, "The Voice in the the Night" by William Hope Hodgson, "Caterpillars" by E. F. Benson, "Celui-La" by Eleanor Scott, "He Made a Woman--" by Marjorie Bowen, "The Festival" by H. P. Lovecraft, "The Three Marked Pennies" by Mary E. Counselman, and "The Visiting Star" by Robert Aickman.

Though the book is described as a "chilling collection," I'd say it leans towards the weird and odd (even head-scratching), rather than anything spooky or scary. "The Voice in the Night" was the standout story with a twist that could easily work in a modern sci-fi/horror novel a la From Below or Mexican Gothic. "The Three Marked Pennies" has shades of a Shirley Jackson short story. "Celui-La" and "The Visiting Star" had their moments of suspense, and Lovecraftians will be pleased by "The Festival." But "Caterpillars" was just bizarre, "Marsyas in Flanders" was a bit boring, and "He Made a Woman--" didn't make much of an impression at all.

In sum, I'd say this selection is a fair representation of the range of weird short fiction available in the first few decades of the 20th century. (Although I think Aickman's story was published a bit later.) Readers who enjoy contemporary sci-fi and horror will probably find this a bit of a yawn, but there are some interesting moments for those that persevere. Readers who enjoy this collection will be happy to know that as of October 2023 there are 40 titles and counting in the Tales of the Weird series covering everything from spooky tales about food, railways, plants, tattoos, and--most numerous--tales for dark Christmas nights.

[Ian Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The standouts are The Voice in the Night by Hodgson and Festival by Lovecraft. Both are very good at setting up unsettling locations. Hodgson is particularly good at invoking the unknown in the natural world. I had never read him before, but am interested in reading more. Lovecraft is a known commodity. His storytelling was mich better than most in this collection, I just wish he wasn't such a raging bigot.

The next tier is "He Made a Woman-" by Bowen and The Visiting Star by Aickman. Again, both authors are good at setting up a definite place and having a slow burn until the reveal. Both were satisfying reads.

I think the rest are curiosities that I'm likely to forget soon.

[squishyam]

got this at a local bookstore for five bucks and it's a very apt introduction. most of the stories are passable, but when they're good, they're *good.* you gotta sift through em a little. that's what to expect with this genre. regardless: defo gonna get some more books from this series.

top 3 stories: He Made a Woman, The Visiting Star, and The Festival

[Franklyn S. Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

And interesting little collection of stories , Caterpillars was a particular favourite of mine.

[Roisin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 up
I enjoyed the stories from William Hodgson, Eleanor Scott and Mary Counselman. Interesting to see the range of weird horror availble from the 1900s as well.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect when read aloud in October

3.5 stars

[Chris Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little collection of obscure horror stories and a good entry point into some writers I was unfamiliar with

[H.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spookier than I was expecting!

[Leo Derosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

the visiting star

[Al! · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome introduction to both unsettling short stories and notable authors from the 1800’s! Definitely worth a read if you’re a fan of classic lit and horror!

[Skylar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it pretty boring and hard to catch on. Not very descriptive and confusing. Not the greatest imo

[Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. I feel like it’s almost unfair to rate this because it’s non-contemporary horror fiction and I don’t really like non-contemporary horror fiction. That being said I did like some of the stories because of their absurdity or like weird little puzzles that they had in them

[Emma Sadler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of old short stories, some of which were better than others. It’s a pity the first in the collection was the most boring out of all of them as it might put a lot of readers off. I really liked the one about the three marked pennies.