DEEP, DARK & UNSETTLING: 100+ Gothic Classics in One Edition: Tales of Haunting Beauty and Profound Terror: A Gothic Classic Collection

by Charles Dickens, Friedrich Schiller, Oscar Wilde

DEEP, DARK & 100+ Gothic Classics in One Edition is an unrivaled collection that carves a broad swath through the rich tapestry of Gothic literature, offering an astonishing array of stories that span the spectral shades of horror, romance, and psychological dread. It showcases a stunning diversity in literary styles, from the epistolary narrative to the poetic and the novella, drawing together seminal works by some of the most influential authors in the canon of Gothic fiction. The anthology is meticulously curated to underscore the thematic threads of isolation, supernatural encounters, and the macabre that weave through its pages, presenting readers with landmark tales alongside lesser-known gems, each contributing to the chilling mosaic of the genre. The contributing authors and editors of DEEP, DARK & UNSETTLING represent a veritable who's who of literary giants, transcending temporal and geographical boundaries to converge on this singular theme. From the haunting ruins of Walpole's castles to the tormented souls in Shelley's narratives, these authors collectively embody the zenith of Gothic romanticism, Victorian anxieties, and modern existential dread, rendering this collection an invaluable exploration into the movements that have shaped literature and culture. Their diverse backgrounds, from the revolutionary fervor of Shelley and Byron to the nuanced societal critiques of Austen and Eliot, enrich the anthology with varied philosophical, moral, and aesthetic perspectives, contributing to a multifaceted interpretation of darkness and unease. This anthology is an essential addition to the libraries of scholars, students, and aficionados of Gothic literature, offering a comprehensive journey through the evolution of the genre. It presents a unique opportunity to engage with a multitude of voices, styles, and themes, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities and nuances that define Gothic fiction. DEEP, DARK & UNSETTLING invites readers to immerse themselves in the haunting beauty and profound terror of these tales, providing not only entertainment but also a rich field for academic inquiry and personal reflection on the universal themes of fear, desire, and the unknown.

23047 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2023

About the author

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.

(from Wikipedia)