Gothic

‘Lady Audley's Secret’ by Mary Elizabeth Braddon is a Victorian sensation novel and her most famous and well-known work.In this story, which combines elements from detective novels, psychological thrillers, and romance, the heroine Lady Audley is living an upper-class life with seemingly no secrets.Soon, however, truths of bigamy, arson, and murder are uncovered, as the assumptions of femininity are challenged.This novel will surely delight fans of Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’.Mary Elizabeth Braddon was a popular English novelist writing in the Victorian era. She is best known for her sensation novel ‘Lady Audley's Secret’, published in 1862, which has been dramatised for TV and film several times.While this was the novel that found her fortune as a bestseller, Braddon continued to publish works until her death in 1915, penning several works of supernatural fiction, ghost stories, and historical fiction.

‘The Beetle’ is Richard Marsh's most famous work, initially outselling ‘Dracula’ by Bram Stoker. Narrated from four different perspectives, it focuses on a monstrous creature from Ancient Egypt, which possesses the unfortunate and unemployed Richard Holt.The plot is set in motion when the creature sends Richard on a mission to steal some letters from the home of MP, Paul Lessingham. The content of the letters then sets off a chain of events that affects everyone who knows about them.A grisly, ghoulish, and supernatural story, this is a perfect read for those who like their stories served up with spine-tingling chills.Richard Marsh (1857 – 1915) was born Richard Bernard Heldmann, in London. The son of a lace merchant, he began his writing career at the age of 23, writing adventure stories for boys in the ‘Union Jack’ magazine, ‘Graphic,’ and ‘Quiver and Young England.’During his final year as a co-editor at ´Union Jack´, it was discovered that he had been forging cheques, and living between France and Britain. Apprehended after a year, he was sentenced to 18 months’ hard labour. After completing his sentence, Marsh returned to writing, using the pen name we all know him by.While a prolific writer of short stories, Marsh also wrote full novels, including ‘The Goddess: A Demon,’ and ‘The House of Mystery.’ Although a successful horror writer, he also wrote crime novels, such as ‘The Datchet Diamonds´.

When the narrator boards the ship "Independence" for a summer trip from Charleston to New York City, the days ahead look idyllic. His old college friend Cornelius Wyatt is also aboard, with his wife and two sisters, so it promises to be a sociable journey.However, there is one mysterious addition to the guest list - an oblong box measuring six feet by two-and-a-half feet. The box, which has a noisome odour, is kept in Wyatt's and his wife's room.When the narrator hears nightly outbreaks of wailing and crying from Wyatt's room, he investigates. He is closing in on the terrible truth when a hurricane hits the ship - and Wyatt refuses to leave the box behind.His heartbreaking secret will soon be revealed.This book is ideal reading for fans of 'The Riddle of the Sands' by Erskine Childers.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. In a brief life, he was renowned for his poetry, short stories and tales of the supernatural. He is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction.Born in Boston, he was abandoned by his father a year after his birth. Then, when his mother died the following year, he was taken in and raised by John and Frances Allan of Richmond, Virginia.After falling out with Mr Allan in 1827 over his gambling debts, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection 'Tamarlane and Other Poems' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went.When his wife died of tuberculosis in 1847, Poe's life descended into drinking and alleged substance abuse. He died in 1849, aged 40, with the cause of death unknown. His most famous works include 'The Raven', 'The Black Cat' and 'The Gold-Bug'.

Sent on a mission to Northern Italy by the King of Naples, Ferdinando Eboli is captured by the enemy. When he finally returns home, Eboli is arrested as a spy and discovers his identity has been stolen and no one believes he is who he says he is.‘Fernando Emboli’ (1828) is one of many classic short stories by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include ´Valperga´ (1823), ´The Last Man´ (1826), ´Perkin Warbeck´ (1830), ´Lodore´ (1835), ´Falkner´ (1837), and the posthumously published ´Mathilde´ (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of ´Frankenstein´.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

Set in Paris during King Louis the fourteenth's reign, E.T.A Hoffmann's 'Mademoiselle Scuderi' throws the reader into a city under siege from an organised group of thieves who rob citizens of their expensive jewellery. Aristocrat, Mademoiselle Scuderi, pens a poem mocking the men who now fear going out at night to see their mistresses but when an unexpected man visits her and delivers a box of jewellery, as thanks for supporting the thieves, Scuderi is plunged into a dangerous game of passion, crime, and murder.People who enjoyed Netflix’s adaptation of ‘Lupin’ shouldn’t hesitate to read Hoffmann's exciting crime thriller 'Mademoiselle Scuderi'E.T.A Hoffmann was a German author of fantasy, and gothic horror, and was highly influential on the Romantic Movement. He is perhaps best known for writing the novella 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King' which was the inspiration for Tchaikovsky's ballet 'The Nutcracker'.

‘The Outsider’ is a short story by American writer H. P. Lovecraft and one of the most popular stories ever published in the successful pulp magazine, 'Weird Tales'.For as long as he can remember, a mysterious man has lived alone in a castle away from other people and the light. He does not know his name or where he’s from.Eager for human contact, he finally decides to escape his dark, decaying castle and its endless black forest. But what he finds will haunt him forever.Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction. He is best known for his short stories, including ‘The Call of Cthulhu’, ‘At the Mountains of Madness’, ‘The Shadow over Innsmouth’, and ‘The Shadow Out of Time’.Lovecraft's writing did not grant him fame or fortune during his life and he died without the acclaim his work now generates. Credited with inventing cosmic horror, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century.Inspired by the likes of Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Edgar Allan Poe, Lovecraft’s work has influenced writers and filmmakers such as Guillermo del Toro, Neil Gaiman, Thomas Ligotti and Stephen King.H.P Lovecraft was inducted into the Museum of Pop Culture's Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2016.

"e;Der Untergang des Hauses Usher"e; gilt als Inbegriff des Poe'schen Horrors.Isoliert von der Gesellschaft lebt das adelige Geschwisterpaar Madeline und Roderick Usher in einem gespenstischem Anwesen. Ein Jugendfreund sucht sie auf Rodericks Bitte hin auf und bemerkt bei seiner Ankunft einen Riss im Gemauer. Die folgenden Tage offenbaren ihm Rodericks Seelenleiden und in einer sturmischen Nacht wird er Zeuge des Niedergangs des Hauses Usher - untrennbar verbunden mit dem geistigen Zusammenbruch der gequalten Bewohner.-

Gunnar Hede, Sohn einer Gutsfamilie, widmet seine freie Zeit lieber der Musik anstelle seines Studiums. Doch der Gutshof ist in Schwierigkeiten, sodass Gunnar schlielich heimkehrt, um seine Mutter zu unterstutzen. Wie seine Vorfahren wird er fahrender Handler, doch der traumatische Verlust seiner Ziegenherde lasst ihn den Verstand verlieren. Fortan gilt er als verruckt und wird verspottet. Doch sein Weg kreuzt sich mit dem des Waisenmadchens Ingrid, das ihre eigene Geschichte zu erzahlen hat.-

Ever wondered how the quintessential bully acted during the Holy Inquisition? Look no further.In her unnerving gothic novel "The Italian" (1797), Ann Radcliffe explores individuality in a culture dominated by the church as the happiness of the young couple Vicento di Vivaldi and Ellena di Rosalbe is thwarted by the evil ways of the selfish and peremptory Father Schedoni.The last novel to be published during Radcliffe’s lifetime, this fast-paced gothic novel is packed with romantic rendezvous, nocturnal danger, kidnappings, murder, and mysterious characters lurking in the shadows.Hidden away in this sublime novel of concealment and disguise is an undying and triumphant light that emanates from the hearts of Vicento and Ellena who are sure of one thing: no one is above the law – not even the church.Ann Radcliffe (1764-1823) was a British fiction writer, best known for her pioneering role in the English gothic tradition. She married a journalist and in his long absences, she began to write. Her works exhibit a preference for exotic and sinister places, where her female protagonists often suffer supernatural occurrences. Her best known novels include "The Mysteries of Udolpho", "The Italian", and "A Sicilian Romance".

"Schalken the Painter" is a ghost short story by Sheridan Le Fanu, taking place in the 17th-century Netherlands. An aspiring painter falls in love with his master’s niece but one day, a mysterious man comes to ask for the niece’s hand, and the master agrees. Yet the heartbroken painter can’t help but feel that is something totally wrong with this new suitor. This is a short story of about greedy family relations, and is a psychologically unnerving and ghastly tale that fans of horror fiction will definitely love.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish author of short stories and novels. He was one of the most important writers of Gothic, mystery and horror stories of the Victorian era. Le Fanu’s influence cannot be neglected, for he helped develop the writing styles for atmosphere, setting, and narration. His most important works are "Uncle Silas", "The House by the Churchyard", and his short story collection "In a Glass Darkly".

"The Burned House" is a ghost short story by Vincent O’Sullivan in which a benighted traveler stumbles upon a deserted house right in the middle of nowhere. Soon, strange things begin to happen and becomes involved in a series of supernatural events. A tale of vivid imagination, terrors, and mystery, "The Burned House" includes elements from the science fiction genre as well as classic horror elements such as murder, suicide, and violence, making a chilling yet engaging read.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Vincent O’Sullivan (1868-1940) was an American writer of short stories, poetry, and criticism. His work was characterised by hopelessness and decadence, and was largely influenced by the hardships he experienced in his own life. His most popular short story collection is "A Book of Bargains", and some of his the most famous stories are "The Burned House", "Will", and "When I Was Dead".

"The Room in the Dragon Volant" is a mysterious story about a premature burial, a theme favoured by Poe some years previously. When a chivalric young man tries to save an innocent countess from the clutches of a greedy count, little does he suspect that the whole situation could be a trap. With plenty of Gothic elements and some remarkable episodes of horror, "The Room in the Dragon Volant" is a haunting mystery story that will keep readers at the edge of their seat.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish author of short stories and novels. He was one of the most important writers of Gothic, mystery and horror stories of the Victorian era. Le Fanu’s influence cannot be neglected, for he helped develop the writing styles for atmosphere, setting, and narration. His most important works are "Uncle Silas", "The House by the Churchyard", and his short story collection "In a Glass Darkly".

Gregorio Bustamente se traslada a Inglaterra, a una localidad costera en el estado de York, en busca de inspiración. En esas mismas tierras residió Bram Stoker y se sirvió del entorno para desarrollar escenas que acabó incorporando a la historia de Drácula. Bustamante también descubrirá allí el influjo del capitán Cook, personaje histórico muy celebrado en todo el país que también tiene una conexión con la zona. Pero, sobre todo, conocerá a una misteriosa joven que aparece y desaparece de su vida de una manera asombrosa y por quien sentirá una extraña atracción. Precedido por una historia que cada vez irá pesando más sobre sus espaldas, Bustamente entra en una espiral descontrolada que acaba convirtiéndose en una auténtica pesadilla.Este audiolibro está narrado en castellano.Víctor Claudín es periodista y escritor. Ha trabajado para distintos medios de televisión, radio y prensa escrita, como Información al día, Liberación o El País. También ha ostentado cargos de renombre vinculados con el desarrollo de la cultura, tales como director de comunicación e imagen del Teatro Español y del teatro Alfil. Como escritor, cuenta con más de una treintena de libros a sus espaldas.

Tutto comincia con il ritorno a Firenze di Alfonso e di sua moglie Ines. I due, residenti in Spagna, sono tornati in Italia dopo esser stati avvertiti da Clara, sorella di Alfonso, di un imminente pericolo.Una volta a Firenze, la coppia viene pero a scoprire che Clara e morta da poco. Alfonso e Ines si recano quindi al cimitero per darle un ultimo saluto, ma e proprio li che la storia s'infittisce: Clara in realta non e morta e ha tante cose da raccontare.Una storia di mistero ambientata tra i vicoli bui di Firenze e Parigi di fine Ottocento, "e;Il bacio d'una morta"e; si presenta come controparte italiana al noir di Edgar Allan Poe. -

"¿Creéis que vuestro corazón está tan endurecido que podréis ver sinemocionaros los sufrimientos a los que me condenaríais?"Una novela gótica impregnada del terror que despierta la lucha entre lasuperstición y la racionalidad.El escenario de esta lucha es el espeluznante castillo Udolfo donde Emily Aubert, nuestra heroína romántica que tras haberse quedado huérfana alhaber muerto su padre habrá de enfrentarse además a una suerte deadversidades cuando el malvado Signor Montoni la separa de suenamorado Valancourt y la encierra en el castillo.Nos presenta ante nosotros un desfile de terrores sobrenaturales, fantasmas que viven en la almena del castillo, voces misteriosas, la naturaleza desgarradora con toda la potencia e intensidad que a menudo despliega en la literatura del romanticismo... Todos estos son solamente algunos de los ingredientes que mantienen en vilo la atención del lector en una novela de terror de la autora más emblemática de la imaginación gótica.La historia de Emily se considera una de las más sublimes del género y hatenido gran impacto en obras de autores posteriores, entre ellos Henry James y especialmente en Jane Austen, que hará uso de ella para constatar la ficción y el misterio con la verdad y las debilidades humanas de su protagonista.Ann Radcliffe (9 de julio de 1764 – 7 de febrero de 1823), novelista británica, pionera de la narrativa gótica.

"Uncle Silas" is a Gothic locked-room mystery novel by Sheridan Le Fanu. Maud Ruthyn is an orphan, left in the care of her mysterious and evil uncle Silas. The latter keeps thinking up new and creative ways to get rid of his niece. In a similar vein to Wilkie Collins’ novels, Le Fanu’s "Uncle Silas" depicts a heroine in danger, who moves from one hair-raising adventure to the next, making it a perfect, terrifying, horror tale of greed and vile intentions.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish author of short stories and novels. He was one of the most important writers of Gothic, mystery and horror stories of the Victorian era. Le Fanu’s influence cannot be neglected, for he helped develop the writing styles for atmosphere, setting, and narration. His most important works are "Uncle Silas", "The House by the Churchyard", and his short story collection "In a Glass Darkly".

Philip, un joven viajero americano, se encuentra extraviado en un páramo de la Bretaña francesa. Había salido de caza y no sabe encontrar el camino de regreso. Allí de pronto se encuentra a Jeanne, una misteriosa mujer que lo invita a su castillo. Se trata de la Doncella d’Ys, en cuyo castillo luego de que la relación entre ambos comienza a estrecharse, el velo de la realidad se desgarra y admite la aparición de todo tipo de criaturas asombrosas.Inesperadamente tras ser atacado por una serpiente, Philip pierde el conocimiento y cuando despierta, se halla sólo y se conmueve mediante el descubrimiento de una piedra con una dedicatoria hacia él...Robert William Chambers (1865 – 1933) nació en Brooklyn en el seno de una familia burguesa. Estudió en el New York Art Students League y en 1886 se mudó a París, donde convivió con el movimiento artístico bohemio, y donde expuso su obra en el salón de 1889. A su regreso a Nueva York, vendió ilustraciones a las principales revistas del momento. No obstante, a pesar de considerar la escritura como algo secundario, su pasión por contar historias lo llevó a publicar su primer libro, In the quarter en 1984 al cual le siguió El Rey de Amarillo, que lo convirtió en un maestro del cuento moderno de terror.Fue un escritor prolífico y sus obras alcanzaron un gran prestigio, llegando algunas a ser best-sellers. El dinero que obtuvo de ello lo invirtió en sus otras aficiones, entre las que se encontraba coleccionar mariposas y porcelana china. Chambers falleció a los sesenta y ocho años tras ser operado de una dolencia intestinal.

The La Motta family are on the run. Forced to flee Paris after a scandal, they need a place to hide. They settle for an abandoned abbey, where they’re joined by another person with dark secrets—the mysterious Adeline. But the abbey is far from a safe haven. Its halls seem to echo with ghostly voices, and a lecherous villain has set his sights on Adeline."The Romance of the Forest" was Ann Radcliffe’s third published novel, and her first literary success. Mixing threats real and supernatural, it builds a thrilling mystery while also exploring the power imbalances of 17th century society. A must for fans of Gothic literature.Ann Radcliffe (1764–1823) was a British writer who helped popularise Gothic fiction. Born in London, her writing career took off after her marriage to the journalist William Radcliffe. His work meant he wasn’t often at home, so Ann began writing in his absence.Unlike other Gothic writers, she favoured psychological horror over the supernatural, and female protagonists over male ones. Her best known novels include "The Mysteries of Udolpho", "The Italian" and "A Sicilian Romance".Radcliffe’s fans include Dostoyevksy and Edgar Allan Poe, and her style was even parodied by Jane Austen in her classic book "Northanger Abbey".

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is one of Victor Hugo most popular historical novels. It follows the story of the young Quasimodo, a hunchback who lives the solitary life of an outcast in the bell tower of Notre-Dame in Paris. When his path crosses that of the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda, his little world is turned upside down. Quasimodo’s guardian, the Archdeacon Frollo, becomes equally obsessed with Esmeralda and tries to convince Quasimodo to kidnap her. This gothic tale full of betrayal and lust explores human condition and all those emotions and feelings that make us human.Hugo’s romantic description of the cathedral inspired a renewed interest in medieval architecture in France, and led to a wave of renovations across the country. His novel has been adapted into numerous big and small screen adaptations, most famously the 1996 Disney animated movie.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a prolific French poet, playwright, novelist, essayist, and statesman. His name is often associated with the Romantic movement in France. He was also an ardent politician, supporting republicanism. His best known works include "Les Miserables", "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame", "The Man Who Laughs", witnessing countless big screen adaptations.

La misteriosa visita de un cuervo parlante a la casa de un amante afligido que llora por la pérdida de su amada Leonora, lo encamina hacia la locura. El cuervo únicamente repite las palabras "nunca más", y el narrador, atormentado por la tristeza y con el perverso deseo de recordar y olvidar, le hace preguntas y siempre recibe la misma respuesta, que lo termina afectando psicológicamente y lo lleva hacia la desesperación y la locura.Este poema narrativo, publicado en 1845, es la composición poética más famosa del autor y la que le dio reconocimiento internacional. El poema recrea una atmósfera sobrenatural junto con un lenguaje estilizado y una musicalidad presente a lo largo de toda la obra, y está inspirada en el cuervo hablador de la novela Barnaby Rudge de Charles Dickens.Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849), considerado uno de los más grandes escritores estadounidenses, fue un poeta, cuentista y crítico literario. Mediante el uso de recursos innovadores y experimentales, sus historias otorgan una experiencia intensa y singular. Utiliza el terror y la violencia para ahondar en las paradojas y misterios del amor, el dolor y la culpa, y aunque acude a las fuerzas sobrenaturales, las verdaderas tinieblas que explora son las de la mente humana y su propensión a la autodestrucción, representando en buena medida el preludio de la literatura moderna de terror. A pesar de su éxito literario, vivió en la pobreza durante toda su carrera y su vida personal fue muchas veces tan lúgubre como su obra literaria. Tenia problemas con el alcohol y lo atormentaba profundamente la pérdida de su madre y su esposa que murieron de tuberculosis.

El relato comienza cuando unos investigadores descubren que en tierras bretonas hay un cementerio lleno de calaveras, y encuentran el rastro de una antigua maldición que, según parece, fue hecha para intentar destruir a una familia.Inmersos en lo incierto, la superstición y la creencia en fantasmas, hay un personaje del que nadie se atreve a hablar: el sacerdote negro, que perteneció a la familia maldita y murió en muy extrañas circunstancias. Así es que los lugareños, fieles fervorosos de la superstición, creen que el sacerdote negro ha vuelto para vengarse.Las apariciones sobrenaturales parecen probar la realidad objetiva y generan un ingenioso giro en los acontecimientos. Anímate a descubrir si la mariposa de la noche que se posa en la ventana es o no la mensajera de la muerte...Robert William Chambers (1865 – 1933) nació en Brooklyn en el seno de una familia burguesa. Estudió en el New York Art Students League y en 1886 se mudó a París, donde convivió con el movimiento artístico bohemio, y donde expuso su obra en el salón de 1889. A su regreso a Nueva York, vendió ilustraciones a las principales revistas del momento. No obstante, a pesar de considerar la escritura como algo secundario, su pasión por contar historias lo llevó a publicar su primer libro, In the quarter en 1984 al cual le siguió El Rey de Amarillo, que lo convirtió en un maestro del cuento moderno de terror.Fue un escritor prolífico y sus obras alcanzaron un gran prestigio, llegando algunas a ser best-sellers. El dinero que obtuvo de ello lo invirtió en sus otras aficiones, entre las que se encontraba coleccionar mariposas y porcelana china. Chambers falleció a los sesenta y ocho años tras ser operado de una dolencia intestinal.

El relato narra la historia del artista Boris Yvain, quien estudiando el Rey de Amarillo, descubrió un líquido misterioso con propiedades tan asombrosas como inquietantes, que tiene la facultad de convertir cualquier objeto en una bella escultura de mármol.Junto con su amante, Geneviève, y sus dos amigos Alec, el narrador, y Jack Scott, la historia se desarrolla en la casa de Boris en Francia, mientras pinta, esculpe y pasa el rato con sus amigos. Geneviève, al encontrarse enredada en una trama amorosa, ya que es deseada tanto por Boris como por Alec, elige al escultor.De manera repentina, Geneviève comienza a tener una fiebre misteriosa y severa, a la vez que comienza a delirar y a tener pensamientos suicidas. Al rato, Alec comienza a tener los mismos síntomas misteriosos. Es así que bajo los efectos de la droga, Geneviève se tira al estanque lleno del líquido misterioso... Descubre el misterio que atañe la historia y que desencadena una serie de eventos misteriosos y desafortunados.Robert William Chambers (1865 – 1933) nació en Brooklyn en el seno de una familia burguesa. Estudió en el New York Art Students League y en 1886 se mudó a París, donde convivió con el movimiento artístico bohemio, y donde expuso su obra en el salón de 1889. A su regreso a Nueva York, vendió ilustraciones a las principales revistas del momento. No obstante, a pesar de considerar la escritura como algo secundario, su pasión por contar historias lo llevó a publicar su primer libro, In the quarter en 1984 al cual le siguió El Rey de Amarillo, que lo convirtió en un maestro del cuento moderno de terror.Fue un escritor prolífico y sus obras alcanzaron un gran prestigio, llegando algunas a ser best-sellers. El dinero que obtuvo de ello lo invirtió en sus otras aficiones, entre las que se encontraba coleccionar mariposas y porcelana china. Chambers falleció a los sesenta y ocho años tras ser operado de una dolencia intestinal.

"No os preocupéis; se dirige a la Llave del Dolor. De esa isla no ha vuelto nadie vivo."Al lograr escapar de un grupo de hombres que quiere lincharle, Kent se tira al agua y se sube a una canoa donde empieza a remar con toda velocidad atravesando una misteriosa cortina de niebla y así llega a la isla llamada la Llave del Dolor. Allí, una extraña mujer lo recibe como si se tratara de un dios.En este paraíso que no ha conocido el crimen y la corrupción, Kent, quien lleva sobre sí el peso de un acto inconfesable, finalmente es alcanzado por su pasado...Robert William Chambers (1865 – 1933) nació en Brooklyn en el seno de una familia burguesa. Estudió en el New York Art Students League y en 1886 se mudó a París, donde convivió con el movimiento artístico bohemio, y donde expuso su obra en el salón de 1889. A su regreso a Nueva York, vendió ilustraciones a las principales revistas del momento. No obstante, a pesar de considerar la escritura como algo secundario, su pasión por contar historias lo llevó a publicar su primer libro, In the quarter en 1984 al cual le siguió El Rey de Amarillo, que lo convirtió en un maestro del cuento moderno de terror.Fue un escritor prolífico y sus obras alcanzaron un gran prestigio, llegando algunas a ser best-sellers. El dinero que obtuvo de ello lo invirtió en sus otras aficiones, entre las que se encontraba coleccionar mariposas y porcelana china. Chambers falleció a los sesenta y ocho años tras ser operado de una dolencia intestinal.

Un joven periodista que trabaja para el periódico Manhattan Illustrator se queja a un compañero de las exigencias de su jefe, al que llama el viejo gato capón, que además de hacerle trabajar todas las horas del día, únicamente le da reportajes banales, vacíos y tontos. El último que le ha encargado para tener listo al día siguiente es sobre los animales del zoológico.Cuando estaba haciendo un estudio del bisonte, se le acerca una joven misteriosa que le entrega dos cartas, mojadas y con olor a sal marina, diciéndole que ya sabrá cuándo debe abrirlas. De manera repentina, la joven desaparece sin que el periodista se de cuenta.Esa misma tarde, el joven se entera de que encontraron el cadáver de una joven en la desembocadura del río, y que por la descripción le remite inmediatamente a la joven de las dos cartas...Robert William Chambers (1865 – 1933) nació en Brooklyn en el seno de una familia burguesa. Estudió en el New York Art Students League y en 1886 se mudó a París, donde convivió con el movimiento artístico bohemio, y donde expuso su obra en el salón de 1889. A su regreso a Nueva York, vendió ilustraciones a las principales revistas del momento. No obstante, a pesar de considerar la escritura como algo secundario, su pasión por contar historias lo llevó a publicar su primer libro, In the quarter en 1984 al cual le siguió El Rey de Amarillo, que lo convirtió en un maestro del cuento moderno de terror.Fue un escritor prolífico y sus obras alcanzaron un gran prestigio, llegando algunas a ser best-sellers. El dinero que obtuvo de ello lo invirtió en sus otras aficiones, entre las que se encontraba coleccionar mariposas y porcelana china. Chambers falleció a los sesenta y ocho años tras ser operado de una dolencia intestinal.

"A Chapter in the History of the Tyrone Family" is a Gothic short story by Sheridan Le Fanu focusing on a young woman who marries a Scottish landowner with a dark past. A short story whose haunting and semi-supernatural elements might have influenced Charlotte Brontë’s "Jane Eyre", Le Fanu’s tale combines a lot of elements – horror, romance, thriller, and drama – to create a compelling and sophisticated world from which there is no easy escape. All this, together with the countless secrets, murders, and betrayal turn the short story into a melodramatic Gothic classic, recommended to fans of the genre.B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish author of short stories and novels. He was one of the most important writers of Gothic, mystery and horror stories of the Victorian era. Le Fanu’s influence cannot be neglected, for he helped develop the writing styles for atmosphere, setting, and narration. His most important works are "Uncle Silas", "The House by the Churchyard", and his short story collection "In a Glass Darkly".

An ageing singer asks for shelter at Newark Castle, and in exchange performs for his hostess the Duchess of Buccleuch the story of a 16th century border feud. The story he tells is about the so-called "Flower of Teviot," the Lady Margaret Scott of Buccleuch, who the Baron Henry of Cranstown is in love with. But whilst Henry is from the Ker Clan, Margaret is from the Scott clan, and the two families are in the midst of a vicious border war. This conflict has recently caused the death of Margaret’s father, and as such, her mother is fervently against the union of the two lovers. Scott spent a lot of his career collecting traditional ballads and studying local legends and folklore, which he masterfully weaves into this gothic romance. Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a Scottish writer, poet, and historian. A jurist by formation, he was also judge, and an active member of the Highland Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He also played a major role in bringing the Sturm und Drang literary movement to the United Kingdom, both through translations, but also through his own creations. He wrote numerous well-known historical novels, including "Waverley," "Rob Roy," and "Ivanhoe," which have inspired countless authors ever since.

"You will always be fond of me. I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit."One day, the artist Basil Hallward is painting a picture of his muse Dorian Gray with his friend Lord Henry watching. Dorian listens as Lord Henry confidentially presents his hedonistic world view, saying beauty is the only thing in life that truly matters. It makes Dorian wish that his painting would age instead of him. Not long thereafter, Dorian sees his girl perform Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and is so turned off by her bad performance that he rejects her. When he gets home, he notices a certain cruel sneer in his portrait.Told with flowery and snappy Jane Austen-like language, The Picture of Dorian Gray, about a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth, is Oscar Wilde’s most famous and popular work. It has been adapted for film and television many times, most recently in the 2009 film Dorian Gray starring Colin Firth and Ben Barnes.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ to name a couple. He was believed to be a homosexual and met a lot of resistance in his life on that account. He died in Paris at the age of 46.

La strada al chiaro di luna è un racconto gotico dell’orrore apparso per la prima volta sul cosmopolitan nel 1907. La storia presenta la storia dell’omicidio di una donna dalla prospettiva del figlio, del marito e di se stessa, tramite un medium. Ambrose Bierce con "La strada al chiaro di luna", una storia in bilico tra mistery e ghost story, si rivela tale ancora una volta. Una donna viene uccisa nella notte, come e perché lo si scoprirà grazie a tre diverse testimonianze, una delle quali – la più struggente e toccante – fornita proprio dalla vittima tramite un medium.La ricostruzione affidata ai diversi punti di vista ha ispirato un film che appartiene alla storia del cinema con la maiuscola: "Rashomon" (Leone d’Oro e Oscar) di Akira Kurosawa. Dalla storia è tratto anche un film tv di Massimo Manuelli nel 1980.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) è un autore capitale della letteratura americana. Considerato l’unico vero erede di Edgar Allan Poe, è stato un inquieto giramondo dalla vita avventurosa. Non a caso di lui non si hanno più notizie dal 1914, quando cioè finì inghiottito dalla rivoluzione messicana. Per descrivere la sua narrativa si usano abitualmente parole come: macabro, grottesco, terrificante, sanguinolento, diabolico. Tra i pionieri del genere "fantascienza", ha lasciato una indimenticabile testimonianza della Guerra di Secessione americana nei racconti "neri "ad essa dedicati.

"Y las tinieblas, y la corrupción, y la Muerte Roja lo dominaron todo"Amenazados por la Muerte Roja, una terrible plaga con síntomas espantosos que se ha extendido sobre la tierra, el príncipe Próspero y otros mil nobles se han refugiado en su fortificada abadía. Con la intención de esperar al fin de la plaga, se recluyen rodeados de lujo y de seguridad, y con una total indiferencia hacia la muerte y el sufrimiento de la población en general.Tras seis meses de aislamiento, Próspero organizó un baile de máscaras que se transformó en su peor pesadilla. Ante la aparición de una figura en un traje oscuro, salpicado de sangre y que asemeja una mortaja, Próspero y sus huéspedes experimentan la máxima venganza encarnada por una figura con la máscara con la cara rígida de un cadáver y los rasgos propios de la muerte roja.En este cuento, Edgar Allan Poe, reconocido autor del relato corto y de los cuentos góticos, mantiene el suspenso y el misterio, y manifiesta la alegoría acerca de lo inevitable de la muerte, generando un gran efecto de tensión en el lector.Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849), considerado uno de los más grandes escritores estadounidenses, fue un poeta, cuentista y crítico literario. Mediante el uso de recursos innovadores y experimentales, sus historias otorgan una experiencia intensa y singular. Utiliza el terror y la violencia para ahondar en las paradojas y misterios del amor, el dolor y la culpa, y aunque acude a las fuerzas sobrenaturales, las verdaderas tinieblas que explora son las de la mente humana y su propensión a la autodestrucción, representando en buena medida el preludio de la literatura moderna de terror. A pesar de su éxito literario, vivió en la pobreza durante toda su carrera y su vida personal fue muchas veces tan lúgubre como su obra literaria. Tenia problemas con el alcohol y lo atormentaba profundamente la pérdida de su madre y su esposa, quienes murieron de tuberculosis.

La joven Marie Rogêt una mañana sale de casa diciéndole a su madre que va a casa de su tía y que no volverá hasta el anochecer, y que la irá a recoger su novio. Éste, cuando va a la residencia de la tía de Marie, se entera de que su novia no estuvo allí y que no volvió a casa. Aun así nadie se alarmó porque tres años antes también se había escapado, y volvió.Ésta vez, al cuarto día, se encontró su cadáver flotando en el río.Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849), considerado uno de los más grandes escritores estadounidenses, fue un poeta, cuentista y crítico literario. Mediante el uso de recursos innovadores y experimentales, sus historias otorgan una experiencia intensa y singular.