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Weird Tales
Collection of stories from Weird Tales Magazine.
Contents:
Introduction · Leo Margulies · introduction
1. The Man Who Returned · Edmond Hamilton · Weird Tales Feb ’34
2. Spider Mansion · Fritz Leiber · Weird Tales Sep ’42
3. A Question of Etiquette · Robert Bloch · Weird Tales Sep ’42
4. The Sea Witch · Nictzin Dyalhis · Weird Tales Dec ’37
5. The Strange High House in the Mist · H. P. Lovecraft · Weird Tales Oct ’31
6. The Drifting Snow · August Derleth · Weird Tales Feb ’39
7. The Body-Masters · Frank Belknap Long · Weird Tales Feb ’35
8. Pigeons from Hell · Robert E. Howard · Weird Tales May ’38
Contents:
Introduction · Leo Margulies · introduction
1. The Man Who Returned · Edmond Hamilton · Weird Tales Feb ’34
2. Spider Mansion · Fritz Leiber · Weird Tales Sep ’42
3. A Question of Etiquette · Robert Bloch · Weird Tales Sep ’42
4. The Sea Witch · Nictzin Dyalhis · Weird Tales Dec ’37
5. The Strange High House in the Mist · H. P. Lovecraft · Weird Tales Oct ’31
6. The Drifting Snow · August Derleth · Weird Tales Feb ’39
7. The Body-Masters · Frank Belknap Long · Weird Tales Feb ’35
8. Pigeons from Hell · Robert E. Howard · Weird Tales May ’38
- GenresAnthologiesHorrorFiction
155 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1964
About the author
Leo Margulies
81 books9 followersLeo Margulies was born in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, but was raised in Norwalk, Connecticut. After briefly attending Columbia University, Margulies began working for Munsey's Magazine, selling subsidiary rights to its stories. He later spent five years as head of East Coast research for Fox Films, a predecessor company of 20th Century Fox, and afterward became editorial chief of publisher Ned Pines' Standard Magazines. At one time in the 1930s, he reputedly edited 46 magazines, including the pulp magazines Startling Stories and Thrilling Wonder Stories.
During World War II, Margulies served as a war correspondent. He was on board the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered.
After the war, Margulies helped launch Pines' Popular Library line of paperback books. He was co-editor of the anthology My Best Science Fiction Story in 1949, and went on to compile several several science fiction and fantasy paperback anthologies. He was editor of Mike Shayne's Mystery Magazine at the time of his death.
In December 1975 he was attending a meeting in London of the Mystery Writers of America when he suffered a stroke. He died December 26 in Los Angeles, California.
Margulies was married to the former Cylvia Kleinman at the time of his death.
[From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Marg...]
During World War II, Margulies served as a war correspondent. He was on board the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered.
After the war, Margulies helped launch Pines' Popular Library line of paperback books. He was co-editor of the anthology My Best Science Fiction Story in 1949, and went on to compile several several science fiction and fantasy paperback anthologies. He was editor of Mike Shayne's Mystery Magazine at the time of his death.
In December 1975 he was attending a meeting in London of the Mystery Writers of America when he suffered a stroke. He died December 26 in Los Angeles, California.
Margulies was married to the former Cylvia Kleinman at the time of his death.
[From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Marg...]
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 29, 2021
This is a nice collection of seven chilling stories reprinted from Weird Tales magazine, where they initially appeared from 1931-1942. There have been dozens of such anthologies, but Margulies, better known as a science fiction editor, produced this one in 1964 and it was one of the first. There's nothing by Clark Ashton Smith or Seabury Quinn, surprisingly, and the later printings omitted a story by Robert E. Howard that appeared in the first edition, but the ones he did select are all quite good. It includes stories from Fritz Leiber, Edmond Hamilton, Robert Bloch, August W. Derleth, H.P. Lovecraft (of course!), and Frank Belknap Long. My favorite is the obscure but terrific The Sea Witch by Nictzin Dyalhis. My 1979 copy has an unusual cover featuring an attractive young lady wearing a bat on her head; it should have been an album cover.
December 27, 2012
Although there have been numerous anthologies drawn from the pages of the legendary pulp magazine "Weird Tales" that have been released over the past 25 years--I have previously reviewed such outstanding collections as "Weird Tales: 32 Unearthed Terrors," "Weird Tales: The Magazine That Never Dies," "Weird Tales: A Selection in Facsimile" and "The Best of Weird Tales: 1923," with "Weird Vampire Tales" still sitting on my shelf, waiting to be read--credit must be given to editor Leo Margulies, whose May 1964 paperback, simply entitled "Weird Tales," was one of the earliest such released. A much slimmer affair than those others mentioned, this anthology presents the reader with eight stories from the classic pulp, and although several of these tales have been collected in many other short-story volumes since, they are here presented for the first time in any form since their initial publication in "Weird Tales" magazine. Oh...for those of you who may have been living in a moss-enshrouded crypt for the past 90 years, "Weird Tales" specialized in horror, fantasy and strange sci-fi material, and over the course of its 32-year run, from 1923-'54, attracted a small but intensely loyal following of both readers and contributors. Its 279 issues introduced readers to such luminaries as Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, C.L. Moore, Henry Kuttner, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson and dozens of others...a veritable Who's Who of some of the finest genre writers of the 20th century. The eight authors in the Margulies collection are all closely associated with the magazine, and so I suppose this volume can serve as a nice introduction to those new to the "Weird Tales" universe. All eight entries are wonderful, and the collection is bookended by two stories that this reader deems masterpieces of the short story form.
As for the stories themselves: That first masterpiece is Edmond "The World Wrecker" Hamilton's "The Man Who Returned," from the 2/34 issue. Here, a man awakens in his crypt after being prematurely buried. He trudges through a wintry landscape back to his family, only to find his homecoming far different from what he'd expected. Simply written and leading to a conclusion of almost foredoomed inevitability, this unforgettable tale has been oft anthologized for good reason. Fritz Leiber's "Spider Mansion" (from the 9/42 issue) follows, a marvelously pulpy tale that might have made for a neat adaptation on TV's "Thriller!" back in the early '60s. Here, a couple visits the ubercreepy home of the husband's old friend, a "midget" (they still used that word back then) who has now grown to almost seven feet in height! Combining mad science, grisly torture and a memorable monster, this is a tale that should wholly satisfy most readers. Robert "Psycho" Bloch is up next, with his tale entitled "A Question of Etiquette" (also from the 9/42 issue). Here, an unsuspecting census taker makes the mistake of his life when he knocks on the door of a Satan-worshipping witch! Laced with Bloch's usual sardonic, black humor, this short piece yet offers an undeniable frisson or two. Nictzin Dyalhis (yes, that IS his real name!) had previously impressed me with his pulpy sci-fi tale "When the Green Star Waned," and his contribution here may be even better. "The Sea Witch" (12/37) is a wonderful fantasy, telling of an elderly man who rescues a beautiful young woman on a stormy beach...a woman who just might be some kind of Viking sorceress on a quest for vengeance. Beautifully written and well researched, this is a story that concludes with a doubly satisfying emotional wallop; a really bravura piece of work from a sadly neglected author.
Anything but neglected is the next writer on display, the legendary H.P. Lovecraft, who made his reputation in the pages of "Weird Tales" magazine. His story here, "The Strange High House in the Mist" (10/31), displays his love of and debt to the writer Lord Dunsany. With language almost suggestive of prose poetry, the so-called "Sage of Providence" gives us a tale of the fictional town of Kingsport, and of the valiant philosopher who dared to climb to the titular abode on its northern cliffs. No blatant horrors in this Lovecraft tale, no tentacled Elder Gods from other dimensions, but what IS suggested is quite shuddery enough. August W. Derleth, the author most responsible for Lovecraft's abiding renown today by dint of his Arkham House publishing company, is up next with his short story "The Drifting Snow" (2/39). Very much a classic tale of horror, this piece introduces us to a concept known as a "snow vampire." I will let you, the reader, discover for yourself what this ghoulish creation entails! "The Body-Masters" (2/35), by Frank Belknap Long, Jr., is the only piece of futuristic sci-fi in the collection. Here, glandular surgeons correct all of mankind's aberrant tendencies, while female robots help appease the polyamorous inclinations of the male members of society. But, as it turns out, even in the year 5678, that ol' double standard tends to raise its ugly head! And finally, that other masterpiece previously referred to: "Pigeons From Hell" (5/38), by Conan/King Kull/Solomon Kane creator Robert E. Howard. In this genuinely scary tale, a New Englander traveling in the Deep South encounters a hatchet murder, a reanimated corpse, voodoo...and the singular being known as a "zuvembie." Suspenseful as can be, this really is an exemplar of excellent horror writing; an acknowledged classic to this day, it brings this small collection to an exciting close. But there is more good news. Margulies came out with a companion volume to this one eight months later, entitled "Worlds of Weird." Guess that will have to be this reader's next stop....
As for the stories themselves: That first masterpiece is Edmond "The World Wrecker" Hamilton's "The Man Who Returned," from the 2/34 issue. Here, a man awakens in his crypt after being prematurely buried. He trudges through a wintry landscape back to his family, only to find his homecoming far different from what he'd expected. Simply written and leading to a conclusion of almost foredoomed inevitability, this unforgettable tale has been oft anthologized for good reason. Fritz Leiber's "Spider Mansion" (from the 9/42 issue) follows, a marvelously pulpy tale that might have made for a neat adaptation on TV's "Thriller!" back in the early '60s. Here, a couple visits the ubercreepy home of the husband's old friend, a "midget" (they still used that word back then) who has now grown to almost seven feet in height! Combining mad science, grisly torture and a memorable monster, this is a tale that should wholly satisfy most readers. Robert "Psycho" Bloch is up next, with his tale entitled "A Question of Etiquette" (also from the 9/42 issue). Here, an unsuspecting census taker makes the mistake of his life when he knocks on the door of a Satan-worshipping witch! Laced with Bloch's usual sardonic, black humor, this short piece yet offers an undeniable frisson or two. Nictzin Dyalhis (yes, that IS his real name!) had previously impressed me with his pulpy sci-fi tale "When the Green Star Waned," and his contribution here may be even better. "The Sea Witch" (12/37) is a wonderful fantasy, telling of an elderly man who rescues a beautiful young woman on a stormy beach...a woman who just might be some kind of Viking sorceress on a quest for vengeance. Beautifully written and well researched, this is a story that concludes with a doubly satisfying emotional wallop; a really bravura piece of work from a sadly neglected author.
Anything but neglected is the next writer on display, the legendary H.P. Lovecraft, who made his reputation in the pages of "Weird Tales" magazine. His story here, "The Strange High House in the Mist" (10/31), displays his love of and debt to the writer Lord Dunsany. With language almost suggestive of prose poetry, the so-called "Sage of Providence" gives us a tale of the fictional town of Kingsport, and of the valiant philosopher who dared to climb to the titular abode on its northern cliffs. No blatant horrors in this Lovecraft tale, no tentacled Elder Gods from other dimensions, but what IS suggested is quite shuddery enough. August W. Derleth, the author most responsible for Lovecraft's abiding renown today by dint of his Arkham House publishing company, is up next with his short story "The Drifting Snow" (2/39). Very much a classic tale of horror, this piece introduces us to a concept known as a "snow vampire." I will let you, the reader, discover for yourself what this ghoulish creation entails! "The Body-Masters" (2/35), by Frank Belknap Long, Jr., is the only piece of futuristic sci-fi in the collection. Here, glandular surgeons correct all of mankind's aberrant tendencies, while female robots help appease the polyamorous inclinations of the male members of society. But, as it turns out, even in the year 5678, that ol' double standard tends to raise its ugly head! And finally, that other masterpiece previously referred to: "Pigeons From Hell" (5/38), by Conan/King Kull/Solomon Kane creator Robert E. Howard. In this genuinely scary tale, a New Englander traveling in the Deep South encounters a hatchet murder, a reanimated corpse, voodoo...and the singular being known as a "zuvembie." Suspenseful as can be, this really is an exemplar of excellent horror writing; an acknowledged classic to this day, it brings this small collection to an exciting close. But there is more good news. Margulies came out with a companion volume to this one eight months later, entitled "Worlds of Weird." Guess that will have to be this reader's next stop....
January 25, 2026
Nice collection of stories from Weird Tales Magazine
January 20, 2026
This dusty little Weird Tales paperback gem (the 1964 Pyramid edition, later reprinted by Jove) is a perfect pocket-sized portal to the golden age of pulp horror and fantasy. That cover alone—the mysterious cat-masked woman in sleek black, arms raised like she's summoning something delightfully wicked—had me hooked before I even cracked it open. It's pure vintage cheese in the best way: lurid, atmospheric, and unapologetically pulpy.
Inside, editor Leo Margulies (with some behind-the-scenes help) serves up a killer lineup of seven stories from the original magazine's heyday:
Edmond Hamilton's "The Man Who Returned" kicks things off with a wild reincarnation twist.
Fritz Leiber's "Spider Mansion" delivers creepy, webby dread.
Robert Bloch brings his sly wit to "A Question of Etiquette".
Nictzin Dyalhis' "The Sea Witch" oozes seductive, stormy magic.
H.P. Lovecraft's "The Strange High House in the Mist" is a misty, dreamlike masterpiece of cosmic unease.
August Derleth's "The Drifting Snow" chills with quiet, wintry horror.
Frank Belknap Long's "The Body-Masters" throws in some bizarre far-future weirdness.
It's a bite-sized blast of the macabre—werewolves, ancient curses, shadowy mansions, and just enough eldritch strangeness to keep the midnight pages turning. Not every tale hits a home run, but the hits (especially Lovecraft and Leiber) are worth the price of admission alone.
If you're hunting for a quick, nostalgic dose of classic Weird Tales without committing to a doorstopper collection, this battered beauty is a total win. Five creepy stars for the vibes, it's a fun, fiendish little treasure. Grab a copy if you spot one; that cover still slays! 🐱✨
Inside, editor Leo Margulies (with some behind-the-scenes help) serves up a killer lineup of seven stories from the original magazine's heyday:
Edmond Hamilton's "The Man Who Returned" kicks things off with a wild reincarnation twist.
Fritz Leiber's "Spider Mansion" delivers creepy, webby dread.
Robert Bloch brings his sly wit to "A Question of Etiquette".
Nictzin Dyalhis' "The Sea Witch" oozes seductive, stormy magic.
H.P. Lovecraft's "The Strange High House in the Mist" is a misty, dreamlike masterpiece of cosmic unease.
August Derleth's "The Drifting Snow" chills with quiet, wintry horror.
Frank Belknap Long's "The Body-Masters" throws in some bizarre far-future weirdness.
It's a bite-sized blast of the macabre—werewolves, ancient curses, shadowy mansions, and just enough eldritch strangeness to keep the midnight pages turning. Not every tale hits a home run, but the hits (especially Lovecraft and Leiber) are worth the price of admission alone.
If you're hunting for a quick, nostalgic dose of classic Weird Tales without committing to a doorstopper collection, this battered beauty is a total win. Five creepy stars for the vibes, it's a fun, fiendish little treasure. Grab a copy if you spot one; that cover still slays! 🐱✨
April 16, 2019
One of the first books I ever saw with stories from the pages of the iconic magazine Weird Tales; I have read and re-read it uncounted times. I was fifteen when I bought it for 25¢ at a used bookstore near my high school. I picked it up for the Howard story, Pigeons From Hell, which immediately became my favorite work of that prolific pulp author. The Sea Witch by Dyalhis and The Drifting Snow by Derleth came in right behind Howard's story, though I must admit the quality of horror/fantasy stories Margulies chose for this book is top level.
After several re-readings of the book I finally warmed up to the Lovecraft selection, The Strange High House In The Mist. Interestingly enough, that was the one piece that came to most influence my own writing and helped me on my way to becoming a confirmed Lovecraftophile!
I highly recommend this and any of Margulies' collections. He has a great sense of the disturbing and outré!
After several re-readings of the book I finally warmed up to the Lovecraft selection, The Strange High House In The Mist. Interestingly enough, that was the one piece that came to most influence my own writing and helped me on my way to becoming a confirmed Lovecraftophile!
I highly recommend this and any of Margulies' collections. He has a great sense of the disturbing and outré!
April 7, 2026
An anthology of stories that appeared in Weird Tales, edited by Leo Margulies and published by Pyramid in 1964. It brings one story each from the some of the best-known contributors to WT: Edmond Hamilton, Fritz Leiber, Robert Bloch, Nictzin Dyalhis, H.P. Lovecraft, August Derleth, Frank Belknap Long, and Robert E. Howard.
Hamilton's poignant "The Man Who Returned" is a classic, but although I know the story well I think that this is the first time that I have actually read it. It is a variant on the horror of being buried alive, but here the protagonist manages to escape his grave and goes off to let his family and friends know that he is alive. But things do not go well after that.
It's a selection of solid, but unremarkable stories.
Hamilton's poignant "The Man Who Returned" is a classic, but although I know the story well I think that this is the first time that I have actually read it. It is a variant on the horror of being buried alive, but here the protagonist manages to escape his grave and goes off to let his family and friends know that he is alive. But things do not go well after that.
It's a selection of solid, but unremarkable stories.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews