Nightmare Tales

by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky was born in Southern Russia, at Ekaterinoslav, on August 12th, 1831. Possessed of psychic powers from an early age, she later under-went esoteric training in both India and Tibet, and publicised the knowledge she had gained in such famous works as Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine . Less well known is Blavatsky's talent as a writer of occult fiction. In Nightmare Tales she leads the reader into a bizarre maze of beguiling and sometimes gruesome stories, from The Cave of the Echoes and The Luminous Shield to The Ensouled Violin , based upon the rumour that renowned composer Paganini had sold his soul to the devil in return for his astonishing musical talent. But fascinating as these stories are, they have a deeper, more important purpose than simple entertainment. Strewn like pearls through each tale are keys to hidden truths, expositions of esoteric principles that derive from the Ancient Wisdom. A must-read for all interested in the hidden aspects of Life.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1892

About the author

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (Russian: Еле́на Петро́вна Блава́тская, Yelena Petrovna Blavatskaya, often known as Madame Blavatsky; 12 August [O.S. 31 July] 1831 – 8 May 1891) was a Russian occultist, philosopher, and author who co-founded the Theosophical Society in 1875. She gained an international following as the leading theoretician of Theosophy, the esoteric religion that the society promoted.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Paul Snowdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this is Blavatsky in one of her lighter moments, some of it I found pretty difficult to grasp. A really great selection of mysterious stories, often set in far-off lands, not what I would call Nightmare Tales though. Recommended

[Darren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly flat/uninspiring tales (9 thereof) mostly involving mesmerism/reincarnation etc. Poe-esque "Ensouled Violin" half-decent, and "Karmic Visions" probably best written/entertaining. 2.5 Stars, rounding down.

[SyringaVulgariska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jak zawsze w przypadku wydawnictwa IX świetne tłumaczenie i wstęp. Same opowieści przyjemne i typowe dla literatury okresu.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A variable but overall solid collection of strange stories of the occult and supernatural, with a dash of Victorian melodrama. 'The Ensouled Violin' was the standout tale for me.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5
Una lettura piacevole, anche se non particolarmente spaventosa e gotica come piace a me. Mi ha colpito solo l'ultimo racconto, "Il violino umano".