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Fantasmagoriana Deluxe: A Combined Edition of Fantasmagoriana and Tales of the Dead
First published in 1812, Fantasmagoriana has become one of the most seminal ghost-story anthologies of all time.
Originally collected as a French translation of eight German-language tales, Fantasmagoriana famously led to the creation of such works as the horror-classic novel Frankenstein, the short story “The Vampyre” (a progenitor to the fantasy vampire genre), the novella “Ernestus Berchtold; or, The Modern Oedipus,” the poem “Manfred,” and more.
In 1813, the anthology was partially translated into English as Tales of the Dead, excluding three of the original stories while adding in one new, and inspiring an even wider audience to delight in stories of the ghostly and macabre.
Now, for the first time, both Fantasmagoriana and Tales of the Dead have been combined with all stories into one English-language volume, in this beautifully presented showcase by Dark Moon Books!
Also included within are:
• Original English translations by Anna Ziegelhof
• Introduction by award-winning author Lisa Morton
• Annotations by noted literary editor Leslie S. Klinger
• Illustrations, biographies, reading list, and more!
Open yourself to Fantasmagoriana Deluxe, and to all that is weird, ghostly, and wonderous.
Originally collected as a French translation of eight German-language tales, Fantasmagoriana famously led to the creation of such works as the horror-classic novel Frankenstein, the short story “The Vampyre” (a progenitor to the fantasy vampire genre), the novella “Ernestus Berchtold; or, The Modern Oedipus,” the poem “Manfred,” and more.
In 1813, the anthology was partially translated into English as Tales of the Dead, excluding three of the original stories while adding in one new, and inspiring an even wider audience to delight in stories of the ghostly and macabre.
Now, for the first time, both Fantasmagoriana and Tales of the Dead have been combined with all stories into one English-language volume, in this beautifully presented showcase by Dark Moon Books!
Also included within are:
• Original English translations by Anna Ziegelhof
• Introduction by award-winning author Lisa Morton
• Annotations by noted literary editor Leslie S. Klinger
• Illustrations, biographies, reading list, and more!
Open yourself to Fantasmagoriana Deluxe, and to all that is weird, ghostly, and wonderous.
242 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2023
8 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Eric J. Guignard
190 books526 followersERIC J. GUIGNARD is a writer and editor of dark and speculative fiction, operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles, where he also runs the small press, Dark Moon Books. He’s twice won the Bram Stoker Award (the highest literary award of horror fiction), won the Shirley Jackson Award, and been a finalist for the World Fantasy Award and International Thriller Writers Award for his works of dark and speculative fiction.
He has over one hundred stories and non-fiction author credits appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.
He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).
He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.
His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).
Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.
He has over one hundred stories and non-fiction author credits appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.
He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).
He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.
His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).
Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 28, 2023
Fantasmagoriania Deluxe combines the translated stories of Fantasmagoriana and Tales of the Dead, from the early 1800's. This includes an introduction by Lisa Morton, annotations, and some incredible illustrations all throughout. Each story has a gothic setting in common, and it was difficult to pick a favorite from among them (I picked 3 or 4). Each, on its own, merit 5 stars, especially considering the time they were published. The illustrations alone make this a book you'll want to keep on your shelf among classic horrors!
My personal "top reads" from this were "The Family Portraits", "The Death-Bride", "The Revenant", and "The Spectre-Barber".
If you enjoy the old fashioned ghost stories, and want a taste of what inspired writers such as Mary Shelley, I highly recommend this anthology.
My personal "top reads" from this were "The Family Portraits", "The Death-Bride", "The Revenant", and "The Spectre-Barber".
If you enjoy the old fashioned ghost stories, and want a taste of what inspired writers such as Mary Shelley, I highly recommend this anthology.
November 29, 2023
Bibliophilia Templum Review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2023/11/29/fantasmagoriana-deluxe/
Fantasmagoriana Deluxe from Dark Moon Books is a must-have anthology of German ghost stories from the early 1800s. These stories range from intriguing and mysterious to downright creepy, and the historical authenticity of the time period and settings both stimulate the mind and chill the blood.
Although these are German stories, those originally translated into French (Fantasmagoriana in 1812) and from there to English (Tales of the Dead, 1813) have a certain French flair as well as persistent French references (e.g., chateau). By contrast, those translated directly from German to English retain the original German culture, feel, and references. Also of note, those translated into English in 1813 in Tales of the Dead (as well as the story “The Storm,” written for the anthology) are wholly in the dialect of the era, and it’s marvelous. The verbiage, punctuation, spelling structure, and dialogue are all of the early 1800s, telling stories of the early 1800s. It is a fantastic reading experience. Stories with a more modern translation, such as “The Revenant,” maintain the air and feel of the time but definitely have a more modern flow (i.e., they are easier to read), though are nonetheless immersive.
Of the stories, I found “The Family Portraits” particularly enjoyable and engrossing. It is surprisingly intense and occasionally gruesome, with an intricate and suspenseful plot.
That being said, “The Grey Chamber” and “The Black Chamber,” when properly read back-to-back as a whole, are supremely entertaining, and you’ll see why when you read them.
The historical significance of Fantasmagoriana Deluxe alone makes it worth the read—the connection to Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein is well-documented. But the stories themselves are incredible, the artwork exquisite, and the experience singular. This is truly a significant book and a valuable addition for your library, your collection, your reading pleasure. To quote the second part of “The Grey Chamber” (which comes at the end of “The Black Chamber”): “Just when you think nobody believes in ghosts anymore the era for stories about them dawns anew. Both stories and histories are written in the wake of reality after all and readers may thus, if they are lucky, awaken to the truth.”
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2023/11/29/fantasmagoriana-deluxe/
Fantasmagoriana Deluxe from Dark Moon Books is a must-have anthology of German ghost stories from the early 1800s. These stories range from intriguing and mysterious to downright creepy, and the historical authenticity of the time period and settings both stimulate the mind and chill the blood.
Although these are German stories, those originally translated into French (Fantasmagoriana in 1812) and from there to English (Tales of the Dead, 1813) have a certain French flair as well as persistent French references (e.g., chateau). By contrast, those translated directly from German to English retain the original German culture, feel, and references. Also of note, those translated into English in 1813 in Tales of the Dead (as well as the story “The Storm,” written for the anthology) are wholly in the dialect of the era, and it’s marvelous. The verbiage, punctuation, spelling structure, and dialogue are all of the early 1800s, telling stories of the early 1800s. It is a fantastic reading experience. Stories with a more modern translation, such as “The Revenant,” maintain the air and feel of the time but definitely have a more modern flow (i.e., they are easier to read), though are nonetheless immersive.
Of the stories, I found “The Family Portraits” particularly enjoyable and engrossing. It is surprisingly intense and occasionally gruesome, with an intricate and suspenseful plot.
That being said, “The Grey Chamber” and “The Black Chamber,” when properly read back-to-back as a whole, are supremely entertaining, and you’ll see why when you read them.
The historical significance of Fantasmagoriana Deluxe alone makes it worth the read—the connection to Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein is well-documented. But the stories themselves are incredible, the artwork exquisite, and the experience singular. This is truly a significant book and a valuable addition for your library, your collection, your reading pleasure. To quote the second part of “The Grey Chamber” (which comes at the end of “The Black Chamber”): “Just when you think nobody believes in ghosts anymore the era for stories about them dawns anew. Both stories and histories are written in the wake of reality after all and readers may thus, if they are lucky, awaken to the truth.”
August 28, 2024
First published in 1812, Fantasmagoriana has become one of the most seminal ghost-story anthologies of all time.
The Gothic Horror stories included in Fantasmagoriana Deluxe: A Combined Edition of Fantasmagiana And Tales Of The Dead are sure to entertain. They have a subtle, sneaky feeling of doom hovering over the pages. This is award winner Eric J Guignard’s eleventh anthology created by Ericc J Guignard.
I have been following Eric J Guignard for some time now, and he never fails to draw shivers up my spine, and having me checking those shadows hiding in the dark corners of my room. I make it a point to have the lights on, and never read his stories when I am alone…Never know what’s lurking around…
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
The Gothic Horror stories included in Fantasmagoriana Deluxe: A Combined Edition of Fantasmagiana And Tales Of The Dead are sure to entertain. They have a subtle, sneaky feeling of doom hovering over the pages. This is award winner Eric J Guignard’s eleventh anthology created by Ericc J Guignard.
I have been following Eric J Guignard for some time now, and he never fails to draw shivers up my spine, and having me checking those shadows hiding in the dark corners of my room. I make it a point to have the lights on, and never read his stories when I am alone…Never know what’s lurking around…
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
December 1, 2023
Fantasmagoriana Deluxe from editors Eric Guignard and Leslie Klinger is a treasure trove of story telling in one of the most fantastic looking books I’ve seen. Between it and the Wonder Woman Historia, this has been a great year for visually appealing books. Fantasmagoriana scratches the itches of both my interests in story telling as well as in European history and literature. Anyone who’s ever been curious as to what Mary Shelley read to inspire her to write Frankenstein or Dr. Polidori read before writing The Vampyre, should check this out.
January 24, 2024
Just to be clear, my five-star rating is for the marvelous folks who have made this historic gem accessible to modern readers. The tales (three stars) are far less likely to inspire modern readers, as they are reported to have inspired Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, John William Polidori and Claire Clairmont at the Villa Diodati. But this book belongs in the library of every aficionado of classic ghost tales.
February 2, 2024
I loved these stories. In addition to enjoying every tale, I greatly enjoyed the supplemental materials explaining the history of Fantasmagoriana and Tales of the Dead, the background on the various translators and editors, and the suggested reading list. I am going to be busy for a long time, and I am celebrating that fact.
January 5, 2024
"In June, 1816, five friends rented a mansion in Villa Diodati, Switzerland. Included in this Romantic-ear party were: Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, John William Polidori and Clair Clairmont. Poor weather, (The Year Without A Summer), kept them indoors, and to entertain themselves at night they read out loud the ghost stories of Fantasmagoriana. Afterward, Lord Byron suggest each of them should try their own hand at writing a ghost story."
This book contains the stories that famous group read. If you are interested in what might have inspired Frankenstein, or Polidori's The Vampyre, this is the book for you. I have always been interested in the history of horror and the first real stories that inspired dread, fear and maybe even a little excitement. When I was offered a copy to review, I jumped on the chance and here we are.
These stories were originally written in German, translated, more stories added in, (it's a long tale), and combined into this edition. All that being said, I found these stories interesting and some were chilling. Be aware, however, that ghost stories of old are not like the ghost stories of today. When I think of a classic ghost story, the first name I think of is M. R. James. If you enjoy his works, you most likely will enjoy these too.
One thing I found rather strange about these tales is that some of them have happy endings. Not something I expected, to be honest, but there it is. If you're expecting gore, people running about willy-nilly, or women in nightgowns investigating dark cellars, look elsewhere. Once I realized what the tone of these stories would be, I settled in and enjoyed the ride.
My favorites were by the author Fredrich Laun, most especially The Death-Bride. This is an author I'd never previously heard of, but I enjoyed his tales immensely. I also very much liked The Spectre-Barber by Johann Karl August Musaus. Lastly, The Grey Chamber was most excellent and rather fun.
It might sound silly, but I feel like I've achieved something with reading this book. I now know what inspired Frankenstein and many other tales to follow. It's fascinating to me that stories like these inspired completely new tales, tales that went much further and that explored entirely new territory, and maybe even started a new genre: "horror," and I, for one, am here for it.
Highly recommended, especially to those interested in how horror and dark fiction have evolved over the years, and to those that love classic ghost stories, like those of M. R. James.
*Thank you to Dark Moon Books for the ARC, in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
This book contains the stories that famous group read. If you are interested in what might have inspired Frankenstein, or Polidori's The Vampyre, this is the book for you. I have always been interested in the history of horror and the first real stories that inspired dread, fear and maybe even a little excitement. When I was offered a copy to review, I jumped on the chance and here we are.
These stories were originally written in German, translated, more stories added in, (it's a long tale), and combined into this edition. All that being said, I found these stories interesting and some were chilling. Be aware, however, that ghost stories of old are not like the ghost stories of today. When I think of a classic ghost story, the first name I think of is M. R. James. If you enjoy his works, you most likely will enjoy these too.
One thing I found rather strange about these tales is that some of them have happy endings. Not something I expected, to be honest, but there it is. If you're expecting gore, people running about willy-nilly, or women in nightgowns investigating dark cellars, look elsewhere. Once I realized what the tone of these stories would be, I settled in and enjoyed the ride.
My favorites were by the author Fredrich Laun, most especially The Death-Bride. This is an author I'd never previously heard of, but I enjoyed his tales immensely. I also very much liked The Spectre-Barber by Johann Karl August Musaus. Lastly, The Grey Chamber was most excellent and rather fun.
It might sound silly, but I feel like I've achieved something with reading this book. I now know what inspired Frankenstein and many other tales to follow. It's fascinating to me that stories like these inspired completely new tales, tales that went much further and that explored entirely new territory, and maybe even started a new genre: "horror," and I, for one, am here for it.
Highly recommended, especially to those interested in how horror and dark fiction have evolved over the years, and to those that love classic ghost stories, like those of M. R. James.
*Thank you to Dark Moon Books for the ARC, in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
November 28, 2023
I’m here to tell you that 18th and early 19th century German ghost stories are a different breed of cat. Different, but most definitely purebred.
It is interesting to note that Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (soon to be Shelley) and Vampyr by Dr. John Polidori were created as a direct result of an evening of reading German ghost stories. The impressed listeners, who also included Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron, then decided to give writing their own ghost stories a try, and it was the work of the two novice writers in the group that has endured.
And the book they were reading that night? Fantasmagoriana—this very one! The eight original stories from the original 1812 tome were tracked down and preserved in this beautifully rendered anthology in all their bump-in-the-night spookiness.
I loved every story in this book. The style is quite different from contemporary horror writing, though. There are no jump scares, no blood and guts and veins in the teeth… nothing but superb paranormal suspense. The modern reader will need to adapt to the antique style and phraseology endemic to these old German stories, but it is easily handled after a paragraph or two… and so worth it.
The stories are as follows:
“The Spectre-Barber”—A man wasted his fortune, and it is restored in a highly unusual manner. I loved the ending.
“The Family Portraits”— Haunted portraits open a path of influence between two families.
“The Death’s Head”—What could be better? A gypsy carnival, a skull, and a ventriloquist?
“The Death-Bride”—engagements, inconstant lovers, and death take center stage here.
“The Fated Hour”—A story of two sisters and a prophecy.
“The Revenant”—A youthful, passionate marriage burns out but is saved by strange means.
“The Grey Chamber”—A haunted guest room.
“The Black Chamber”—I loved this one. It was a parody of The Grey Chamber and quite amusing.
Besides The Black Chamber, my favorites were “The Fated Hour” and “The Death’s Head.”
You’ll want to buy this book and get a genuine piece of horror history for yourself. Hey, if it’s good enough for Mary Shelley…
5 Stars—Highly recommended.
It is interesting to note that Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (soon to be Shelley) and Vampyr by Dr. John Polidori were created as a direct result of an evening of reading German ghost stories. The impressed listeners, who also included Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron, then decided to give writing their own ghost stories a try, and it was the work of the two novice writers in the group that has endured.
And the book they were reading that night? Fantasmagoriana—this very one! The eight original stories from the original 1812 tome were tracked down and preserved in this beautifully rendered anthology in all their bump-in-the-night spookiness.
I loved every story in this book. The style is quite different from contemporary horror writing, though. There are no jump scares, no blood and guts and veins in the teeth… nothing but superb paranormal suspense. The modern reader will need to adapt to the antique style and phraseology endemic to these old German stories, but it is easily handled after a paragraph or two… and so worth it.
The stories are as follows:
“The Spectre-Barber”—A man wasted his fortune, and it is restored in a highly unusual manner. I loved the ending.
“The Family Portraits”— Haunted portraits open a path of influence between two families.
“The Death’s Head”—What could be better? A gypsy carnival, a skull, and a ventriloquist?
“The Death-Bride”—engagements, inconstant lovers, and death take center stage here.
“The Fated Hour”—A story of two sisters and a prophecy.
“The Revenant”—A youthful, passionate marriage burns out but is saved by strange means.
“The Grey Chamber”—A haunted guest room.
“The Black Chamber”—I loved this one. It was a parody of The Grey Chamber and quite amusing.
Besides The Black Chamber, my favorites were “The Fated Hour” and “The Death’s Head.”
You’ll want to buy this book and get a genuine piece of horror history for yourself. Hey, if it’s good enough for Mary Shelley…
5 Stars—Highly recommended.
November 4, 2024
This is the definitive edition of the book that inspired Mary Shelley, Dr. John Polidori, Lord Byron, and Percey Shelley to challenge each other to a ghost story competition one rainy night which resulted in Frankenstein, The Vampyre, and Manfred.
The history of Fantasmagoriana is as interesting and entertaining as the stories it contains, and as such, I felt like I was reading a book that managed to both be a compelling and antiquated collection of highly influential stories of the supernatural and also a very informative collection of texts about the background of the book and its various translators, editions, and authors. This is a fascinating and important book which I would highly recommend to fans of ghost stories, Gothic fiction, classic literary works, and those who enjoyed Frankenstein and The Vampyre. There's also a great recommended reading section (I put quite a few of those titles on my wish list) and a ton of illustrations (various woodcuts and pieces of macabre art from different eras).
The short stories themselves are rife with atmosphere. Castles, spectres, and twists of fate abound. A few of the stories ended up having no supernatural element, but were intriguing enough that I didn't mind. It is hard to choose a favorite, but "The Death Bride," "The Family Portraits," and "The Fated Hour" were suitably creepy.
One of my favorite reads of the year!
The history of Fantasmagoriana is as interesting and entertaining as the stories it contains, and as such, I felt like I was reading a book that managed to both be a compelling and antiquated collection of highly influential stories of the supernatural and also a very informative collection of texts about the background of the book and its various translators, editions, and authors. This is a fascinating and important book which I would highly recommend to fans of ghost stories, Gothic fiction, classic literary works, and those who enjoyed Frankenstein and The Vampyre. There's also a great recommended reading section (I put quite a few of those titles on my wish list) and a ton of illustrations (various woodcuts and pieces of macabre art from different eras).
The short stories themselves are rife with atmosphere. Castles, spectres, and twists of fate abound. A few of the stories ended up having no supernatural element, but were intriguing enough that I didn't mind. It is hard to choose a favorite, but "The Death Bride," "The Family Portraits," and "The Fated Hour" were suitably creepy.
One of my favorite reads of the year!
November 25, 2023
Apparently, you can judge a book by its cover; the beautifully weird and macabre artwork on the cover of Fantasmagoriana Deluxe is a perfect match for the wonderful ghost stories told within. Editors Guignard and Klinger have combined Fantasmagoriana, an 1812 French anthology of German ghost stories with Elizabeth Utterson’s English translation of 1813 which she retitled, Tales of the Dead.
The dread stories of gloomy castles, haunted family portraits, fateful prophecies from the spirit world, and revengeful ghosts contained in this anthology chilled eighteenth century readers and inspired such writers as Shelley, Byron, and Polidori to create their own works of horror, most famously Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
For the serious student of horror literature there is real delight in reading through these seminal pieces; precursor stories that inform so much of modern horror, even if today’s reader may not recognize their contribution. Fantasmagoriana Deluxe belongs on the library shelf of anyone truly interested in tracing the history of horror literature and the many intriguing and often grotesque illustrations accompanying the stories are a nice addition to the book.
The dread stories of gloomy castles, haunted family portraits, fateful prophecies from the spirit world, and revengeful ghosts contained in this anthology chilled eighteenth century readers and inspired such writers as Shelley, Byron, and Polidori to create their own works of horror, most famously Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
For the serious student of horror literature there is real delight in reading through these seminal pieces; precursor stories that inform so much of modern horror, even if today’s reader may not recognize their contribution. Fantasmagoriana Deluxe belongs on the library shelf of anyone truly interested in tracing the history of horror literature and the many intriguing and often grotesque illustrations accompanying the stories are a nice addition to the book.
December 3, 2023
I was given the book for an honest review from the publisher only, and make no money off this review.
If you are feeling a need to read with Christmas coming upon us and winter close behind, these stories will fill the bill. It will take you back to those days when the Victorians told scary ghost stories as they huddled around the fireplace. Thanks to Dark Moon Books for bringing back some great ghostly tales.
Read the rest of the review at http://www.ismellsheep.com/2023/11/5-...
If you are feeling a need to read with Christmas coming upon us and winter close behind, these stories will fill the bill. It will take you back to those days when the Victorians told scary ghost stories as they huddled around the fireplace. Thanks to Dark Moon Books for bringing back some great ghostly tales.
Read the rest of the review at http://www.ismellsheep.com/2023/11/5-...
April 5, 2024
Where to begin, except incredible execution of a bizarre and historic anthology collection. This is a rerelease and study of different translated pieces that together became one of the most famous ghost story anthologies ever. This version from Dark Moon Books is the first to include all the work into one edition and have it translated into English. (originally German and French). Amazing book. Beautiful art and presentation. Introduction by award-winning author Lisa Morton. Annotations by literary editor Leslie Klinger. 5 out of 5 stars.
November 22, 2025
hobby, haunting, or gaslit about ur mental illness - a wild time pre-SSRI's
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews