Middle Unearthed: The Best Fantasy Short Stories 1800-1849

by Andrew Barger (Editor), Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Washington Irving

Before there were lovable green ogres called Shrek and kid wizards named Harry Potter, there were the 10 best fantasy short stories published in English during the first half of the nineteenth century. These excellent stories have been uncovered by Andrew Barger, awarding winning editor of 6a66le: The Best Horror Short Stories 1800-1849 and BlooDeath: The Best Vampire Short Stories 1800-1849.

In old magazines and forgotten journals, Andrew read well over 100 fantasy short stories and settled on the very best for this fantasy anthology. He provides a list, at the back of the collection, of the stories considered along with the author and year of publication. Andrew further includes background introductions to each story and author photos, where available. But his treatment of some of the earliest stories in the genre gets even better with annotations of the stories, which allow readers to peek behind the stories.

2015 Middle Unearthed, an Introduction — Andrew Barger

1836 “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton” — Charles Dickens

1839 “The Kelpie Rock” — Joseph Holt Ingraham

1831 “Transformation” — Mary Shelley

1819 “Rip Van Winkle” — Washington Irving

1824 “Lilian of the Vale” — George Darley

1835 “The Doom of Soulis” — John MacKay Wilson

1827 “The Dwarf Nose” — Wilhelm Hauff

1829 “Seddik Ben Saad the Magician” — D.C.

1845 “The Witch Caprusche” — Elizabeth F. Ellet

1837 “The Pale Lady” — George Soane

Take a wondrous journey into the early unknown and read the 10 best fantasy stories from 1800-1849 today.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Classics

226 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2015

About the author

I just edited two classic anthologies - Middle Unearthed: The Best Fantasy Short Stories 1800-1849 along with Mesaerion: The Best Science Fiction Short Stories 1800-1849.

I am the author of "The Divine Dantes" trilogy that is a laugh-out-loud rock love story following the characters of "The Divine Comedy" in modern times.

I also penned the awarding book "Coffee with Poe: A Novel of Edgar Allan Poe's Life." The book brings America's most mysterious author and poet to life as never before. It was a finalist winner in the USA Best Book Awards. Visit my website for exclusive interviews and to buy my titles.

Best regards and Goodread(ing),
Andrew Barger

Website: http://www.AndrewBarger.com
Blog: http://www.andrewbarger.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to "The Witch Caprusche" by Elizabeth F. Ellet on Classic Tales Podcast episode #663 012420

[Tena · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I adored about this book is the same thing I despised! My Left Brain says: The most wondrous storytelling alongside detailed comments on history, concepts, and whatnot. As a literature admirer I was awed! So much was provided in this one book! My Right Brain says: Why is ONLY half the book the stories themselves?!? As a reader of fairy tales, I advise one to flip straight to each story as they are the WHOLE reason one would want to read this book! Whole Brain agrees: An entire selection of nothing but wonders! Lastly, my late Mother's voice reminds me to say: My special thanks to editor ANDREW BARGER for this awesome GOODREADS giveaway prize.

[Fred Dameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of short Fantasy stories edited by A. Barger. My favorites; The Story of the Goblins that stole a Sexton, The Dwarf Nose, and Transformation.