Valancourt Books discussion

The Times Literary Supplement recently called Ernest G. Henham (1870-1946) 'one of England's lost novelists, a writer of startling abilities'. Now available is his forgotten Edwardian-era gem THE FEAST OF BACCHUS (1907), a haunted house story different from any you've ever read, featuring a decaying manor house with the strange power to take possession of anyone who enters, causing them to behave in bizarre and violent ways. Weird, fascinating, and with a truly macabre and horrific twist towards the end, it's well worth checking out if you enjoy classic supernatural fiction of the Victorian/Edwardian eras.



Book Description

In the remote hamlet of Thorlund stands the manor house known as the Strath, an eerie place that exercises a mysterious hold over anyone who enters it. The site of tragedy in 1742 when its owner, Sir John Hooper, turned highwayman and met his death on the gallows, the Strath has remained vacant for over a century, a pair of hideous masks its only occupants. When the novel opens, the Strath’s new owner has just arrived from America to take possession of the house, but he is soon found horribly murdered. Now the next heir, young Charles Conway, has come to the Strath, and the house begins to work its baneful influence on him and on the local residents, causing them to behave in bizarre and violent ways. What is the connection between the sinister power of the Strath and the ghastly masks that adorn the wall? And once Conway and the others are drawn within the evil place, can any of them possibly survive?

Ernest G. Henham, who also published under the pseudonym “John Trevena,” was the author of bizarre Gothic fantasies such as Tenebrae (1898) and The Feast of Bacchus (1907), as well as a number of unusual and highly imaginative works set in Dartmoor. This first-ever republication of Henham’s novel includes a new introduction by Gerald Monsman.

Contemporary Reviews

“[A] book of strange adventures, of ghostly, nightmare visions; you will want to read it at a sitting, but do not begin it at bedtime unless your nerves are in a thoroughly healthy condition” – The Reader

“[Q]uite a remarkable book . . . Mr. Henham has the exceptional gift of lending an atmosphere of reality to the fantastic. … Some people will find the book enthralling: others may pronounce it quite mad, but everyone must recognise its undeniable cleverness.” – The Outlook

“This strange story … has a tropical luxuriance of imagination quite unusual in works by English writers. . . . an atmosphere of eeriness and mystery strongly reminiscent of Poe. The plot is clever, the characters well-drawn; but it is in his power to create an atmosphere of vagueness and suggestion that Mr. Henham may be said to possess something very like genius.” – The Publisher

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http://www.valancourtbooks.com/the-fe...

I just got this yesterday. I can't wait to dive into it!

I'm sure you'll enjoy it! It's a beautifully written book. I just happened to start rereading it this morning! It takes a few pages to get into the story but then you'll be hooked.

I don't remember how much is given away in the introduction so I'd save it for after.

Enjoy!

Valancourt Books wrote: "I'm sure you'll enjoy it! It's a beautifully written book. I just happened to start rereading it this morning! It takes a few pages to get into the story but then you'll be hooked.

I don't remembe..."


I discovered a very long time ago that skipping introductions is a very good idea.

I leave all the intros until after I'm done. I've had a story or two ruined in that way, so this is my new policy. :)

This books sounds VERY good.

I agree, this sounds really good.

I concur with my esteemed colleagues.

Starting this one tonight. I hope it gives me the willies.

Nice! I bought it because it sounded so damn good, but I haven't had time to read it yet. :)

Charlene wrote: "Nice! I bought it because it sounded so damn good, but I haven't had time to read it yet. :)"

Do you mean 'every single Valancourt release?' ;)

Charlene wrote: "Nice! I bought it because it sounded so damn good, but I haven't had time to read it yet. :)"

I'm doing a sort of survey of "haunted house" literature. This is perfect.

Sigh--another one that looks too good to pass up!

Kimberly wrote: "Sigh--another one that looks too good to pass up!"

I say that about every book Valancourt posts. Sadly, I buy them all too.

Nancy wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Sigh--another one that looks too good to pass up!"

I say that about every book Valancourt posts. Sadly, I buy them all too."

Nancy, I've had that problem lately, myself..... LOL! (And if I have an e-version, I usually end up buying the paperback for my shelves afterwards. )

I must be a Valancourt-o-holic. I'm glad I'm not alone.

Nancy wrote: "I must be a Valancourt-o-holic. I'm glad I'm not alone."

I've recently become a convert!!! :D

Kimberly wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I must be a Valancourt-o-holic. I'm glad I'm not alone."

I've recently become a convert!!! :D"

Definitely not a bad addiction.

You're definitely not alone!
Kimberly, I could loan you my Kindle copy of this one if you like.
(I do like that most of Valancourt's books are lendable.)

Charlene wrote: "You're definitely not alone!
Kimberly, I could loan you my Kindle copy of this one if you like.
(I do like that most of Valancourt's books are lendable.)"

That's something that's becoming more and more rare! I'll take you up on it, but not right away--for reasons you know all too well!! Catch up time. ;) I just signed up for the Valancourt newsletter.

I like their newsletter quite a bit. I like their site too. It's very clean and easy to find what you want.

Let me know when you're ready for the book. :)

I WANT THIS!

Nancy wrote: "Starting this one tonight. I hope it gives me the willies."

Can't wait to hear your thoughts, Nancy! It's far from a typical haunted house story. It's a beautifully written piece of literary horror. I'd like to do more of the author's works once I'm able to travel and photograph them.

Valancourt Books wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Starting this one tonight. I hope it gives me the willies."

Can't wait to hear your thoughts, Nancy! It's far from a typical haunted house story. It's a beautifully written piece of ..."

That's why I selected it -- I don't want a typical haunted house story. :)

Okay -- this is absolutely incredible. I'm not nearly finished yet, but this book is unreal.

That's good to hear. It's the next Valancourt book I would like to get.

Redri9hthand wrote: "That's good to hear. It's the next Valancourt book I would like to get."

My advice: read it slowly. There's a lot going on here.

Randolph wrote: "I see Tenebrae mentioned above. It is bizarre beyond belief. Categorized as Gothic, I think it belongs more to fin de siecle Decadent literature."

It is now on my horror shelves.

Re Feast of Bacchus: this book is disturbing beyond belief. But in a good way, if that makes any sense.

I'm finished with the novel. Jeez -- what a great book! Thanks, Valancourt, for publishing it!

I'm thinking of doing another Henham title or two once I can go photograph the books. Glad you enjoyed it!

Valancourt Books wrote: "I'm thinking of doing another Henham title or two once I can go photograph the books. Glad you enjoyed it!"

I would love to have your job.