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In this series we listen to short stories that are NOT by perhaps the most well-known author of this type. But the many other rich talents in the volume may have treated the subject matter a little differently, or were perhaps just overlooked in the stampede to applaud the winner, but these authors are of equal merit. Each of their works is laden with talent, has purpose, and is rich and textured in this gloried niche of literature.

Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author's brain, their soul and heart. A few pages can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere.In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens'across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author? The theme itself will form the boundaries for our stories which range from well-known classics, newly told, to stories that modern times have overlooked but perfectly exemplify the theme. Throughout the volume our authors whether of instant recognition or new to you are all leviathans of literature.Some you may disagree with but they will get you thinking; about our choices and about those you would have made. If this volume takes you on a path to discover more of these miniature masterpieces then we have all gained something.In this volume your flesh may creep and crawl a little bit as our classic authors delve into the world of vampires. Some stories you may be familiar with but for most these will be new and unsettling experiences.

The Vampyre, written by J. W. Polidori, is a gothic tale following the adventures of Aubrey, a young English gentleman, and his intriguing travel companion, Lord Ruthven. As they journey through Europe, Aubrey begins to suspect that the charismatic nobleman harbours dark secrets. The story, filled with mystery and a chilling atmosphere, is one of the earliest works to shape the modern literary archetype of the vampire, setting the tone for future tales of horror and suspense.

John William Polidori was born on 7th September 1795 in London to Gaetano Polidori, an Italian political émigré scholar, and Anna Maria Pierce, an English governess. He was the eldest of 8 children.From 1804 Polidori was a pupil at the recently formed Ampleforth College. In 1810 he proceeded to the University of Edinburgh, where he wrote a thesis on sleepwalking and received his degree as a doctor of medicine on 1st August 1815. He was 19.In 1816, Dr. Polidori was given the job of Byron's personal physician and accompanied him on a trip through Europe. The publisher John Murray offered Polidori £500 to keep a diary of their travels. At the Villa Diodati, Byron's rented villa at Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the pair met with Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Mary's stepsister, Claire Clairmont.One night in June, after the company had read aloud from a French collection of German horror tales, Byron suggested they each write a ghost story. There were to be two outstanding works from that evening; ‘Frankenstein'by Mary Shelley and Polidori's ‘The Vampyre'which would be the first published modern vampire story in English.Dismissed by Byron, Polidori traveled in Italy and then returned to England. His story, ‘The Vampyre', was published in the April 1819 issue of New Monthly Magazine without his permission. Much to the annoyance of both Polidori and Byron it was the latter who was credited as author. Polidori also had published ‘Ximenes, The Wreath & Other Poems'in 1819 and his long theological and sacred poem ‘The Fall of the Angels'in 1821 as well as two plays, essays and his diary. Despite his youth Polidori was increasingly worn down by gambling debts and depression. John William Polidori died on 24th August 1821 at the age of only 25 in London. Although his death was recorded as death by natural causes, strong evidence asserts that it was suicide by means of cyanide.

Indisputably the most famous Vampire story is Dracula. But how did we get to that point? In this volume we present a roll-call of classic authors including Robert Louis Stevenson, M R James, E F Benson, John William Polidori, Uriah Derrick D'Arcy and many others who short story by short story establish the building blocks of this horrific yet thrilling genre. Here all manner of characters and narratives weave together to bring a unique yet intricate account of the beginnings of this most troubling of literary genres.

The compendium'The Hair-Raising Tales for Halloween'is an exquisite anthology that traverses the eerie and supernatural realms of literature. With a masterful selection ranging from the spine-chilling horror of classic Gothic to the uncanny elements of early 20th-century weird fiction, this collection showcases an impressive spectrum of literary styles. The volume's thematic depth lies in its exploration of fear, the supernatural, and the unknown, effectively layered through atmospheric narratives and suspenseful storytelling. Among its many notable entries are tales that skillfully combine psychological intricacies with nightmarish landscapes, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience for readers seeking a thrill. The collection is an assembly of some of the finest literary figures of horror and gothic fiction, such as the visionary Charles Dickens and the master of verisimilitude, Edgar Allan Poe. Contributing authors hail from the golden age of Gothic literature and the nascent period of modern horror, capturing transformative literary movements that shaped the genre. Their varied backgrounds—encompassing Romanticism, the Gothic revival, and burgeoning pulp fiction—intersect to create a tapestry of voices that enriches the anthology's nuanced exploration of terror and the supernatural.'The Hair-Raising Tales for Halloween'serves as an indispensable resource for enthusiasts of eerie fiction, providing a unique opportunity to navigate an array of perspectives and narrative styles within a single volume. This collection not only entertains with its breadth of haunting narratives but also enlightens readers about the evolution of horror as a genre, making it a perfect educational tool and a catalyst for dialogue among literary connoisseurs. Embrace the opportunity to explore and be captivated by this comprehensive curation of the darkly imaginative.

Explore the chilling corners of human imagination in'The World of Macabre - Ultimate Collection,'a stunning anthology that traverses the haunting spectra of gothic, horror, and supernatural storytelling. This compendium boasts an impressive range of literary styles and contexts, offering a diverse array of narratives from the deeply psychological to the overtly eerie. The significance of this collection lies in its breadth—merging tales from different eras and cultural backgrounds, where readers can encounter unforgettable narratives of mystery and suspense. Standout pieces encapsulate the essence of dread and intrigue, crafting an unforgettable reading experience. Stewarded by a stellar cadre of 19th and early 20th century literary luminaries, this anthology features works from the likes of Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, and Mary Shelley, alongside other profound voices such as Lafcadio Hearn and Rabindranath Tagore. The contributing authors, often veterans of the gothic or supernatural genre, bring forth elements of cultural and literary movements that define their era. Each piece provides unique insights into the macabre, as these influences interlace to enrich a stellar conversation on what constitutes fear and fascination across continents and decades. Unlock a treasure trove of nightmarish visions and spectral emotions with'The World of Macabre - Ultimate Collection.'This anthology promises an immersive journey through a tapestry of perspectives and literary styles, bridging the sometimes unseen but ever-felt experiences of fear and fascination. Whether sought for educational purposes or sheer enjoyment, this volume is essential for anyone keen to explore the shadows of literary imagination, offering a morsel of the unknown that lingers well beyond the page.

The festive tapestry that is'The Magic of Halloween'is spun from an impressive assortment of tales that capture the enchantment and eerie allure of All Hallows'Eve. This anthology features an expansive range of literary styles, from chilling gothic narratives to whimsical tales of wonder, each contributing to a tapestry that explores the diverse themes of mystery, fear, and fascination associated with Halloween. In this captivating collection, readers will uncover standout pieces that vividly illustrate the thrill and mystique of the holiday, showcasing the writers'abilities to enthrall and surprise without anchoring the experience to a single narrative or authorial voice. The anthology brings together a kaleidoscope of authors from various periods and literary movements, those who have collectively molded the fantastical elements of Western literature. From the gothic imaginings of Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker to the satirical twists of Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde, these authors provide a multidimensional view of Halloween's cultural and historical tapestry. Each story adds unique cultural and historical depth, serving as a testament to the enduring fascination and creativity inspired by Halloween's magical allure.'Readers are invited to embark on this literary journey into the whimsical and shadowy realms of Halloween,'expanding their understanding of this enchanting holiday through the multifaceted perspectives presented. The anthology is not just a collection of stories but a conversation between its contributors, each voice echoing the chilling embrace of autumn nights. This book offers both an educational and immersive experience, ensuring it is a cherished addition to any literary collection for those seeking to understand the magic and metamorphosis that Halloween inspires across time and culture.'}

The Vampyre is a short work of prose fiction written in 1819 by John William Polidori taken from the story Lord Byron told as part of a contest among Polidori, Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and Percy Shelley. The same contest produced the novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. The Vampyre is often viewed as the progenitor of the romantic vampire genre of fantasy fiction. The work is described by Christopher Frayling as'the first story successfully to fuse the disparate elements of vampirism into a coherent literary genre.'

When Aubrey, a young Englishman, meets a mysterious man from London high society, Lord Ruthven, they become unlikely friends. Shortly after, Aubrey decides to accompany the noble on a trip to Rome. However, when a moral disagreement arises between the two, Aubrey decides to leave Ruthven in Rome, and goes off on his own. Arriving in Greece, Aubrey meets Ianthe, and the two share an immediate connection. After sharing stories and an evening together, Aubrey and Ianthe part ways for the night. However, after a devastating turn of events, Aubrey and Ruthven reunite, and Aubrey, ready to leave Greece behind, is happy to travel with the older man once again. But as they continue their travels, Aubrey slowly begins to notice Ruthven's odd behavior. After even more consideration, Aubrey realizes a shocking pattern—nearly everyone that Ruthven comes in close contact to meets an untimely end. Afraid of his newly acquired knowledge, Aubrey attempts to distance himself from the suspicious man, though he is forced to reconsider his efforts when Ruthven expresses intent to marry Aubrey's sister. First published under Lord Byron's name, The Vampyre rose to immediate commercial success. However, though he was inspired by a discarded piece of Lord Bryon's work, both authors have since admitted that John William Polidori was the true writer of The Vampyre. Considered to be the first work of vampire fiction, The Vampyre had an immense role in shaping vampires as literary figures, influencing the canonical rules of vampires that many still follow today. First published in 1819, Polidori's The Vampyre remains to be a thrilling and spooky read centuries later, and has since inspired both film and theater adaptations. With mystery and eerie suspense, Polidori's work is an extraordinary example of 19th century gothic horror. This edition of The Vampyre by John William Polidori features a striking new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, The Vampyre caters to a contemporary audience while preserving the original innovation of John William Polidori's work. Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book. With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.

On a stormy summer in 1816, a group of pioneering writers gathered in a mansion on Lake Geneva and wrote some of English literature's most influential horror and ghost stories. This is a collection of their work. Featuring stories of mutilated monsters being brought to life and sinister vampires roaming among the circles of society's elite, this collection of dark tales from the infamous Lost Summer of 1816 has had a profound influence on the world of horror writing. Written over 200 years ago when Lord Byron rented the Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva, these stories by n William Polidori, poet Percy Shelley, and Shelley's 19-year-old mistress, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, are the result of a writing competition between friends. The most notable tale, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, would go on to become one of the most famous horror stories of all time. This collection includes: - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - The Vampyre by John Polidori - Fragment of a Ghost Story by Percy Shelley - A Fragment of a Novel by Lord Byron This volume of classic horror tales would make for a worthy addition to the shelves of fans of the horrifying and macabre, and also includes specially-commissioned biographies of each of the authors.

The vampire is now a fixture in popular fiction. Such fiction began with 18th-century poetry and continued with 19th-century short stories. Over time, some attributes now regarded as integral became incorporated into the vampire's profile: fangs and vulnerability to sunlight appeared over the course of the 19th century. Implied though not often explicitly documented in folklore, immortality is one attribute which features heavily in vampire film and literature. Much is made of the price of eternal life, namely the incessant need for blood of former equals. The critic August Nemo selected seven short stories that were essential to the formation of the vampire's folklore: - The Vampyre by John William Polidori - Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu - Mrs. Amworth by E. F. Benson - Dracula's Guest by Bram Stoker - Ligeia by Edgar Allan Poe - Clarimonde by Théophile Gautier - The Lair of the White Worm by Bram Stoker For more books with interesting themes, be sure to check the other books in this collection!

The'Vampire Tales'is the biggest, hungriest, undeadliest collection of vampire stories ever assembled. Dark, stormy, and delicious, once it sinks its teeth into you there's no escape. Vampires! Whether imagined by Bram Stoker or Anne Rice, they are part of the human lexicon and as old as blood itself. They are your neighbors, your friends, and they are always lurking. Now we have compiled the darkest, the scariest, and by far the most evil collection of vampire stories ever, with over 80 stories, including the works of M. R. James and H. G. Wells, alongside E. F. Benson and Algernon Blackwood, not to mention Walter De La Mare and Robert E. Howard. The'Vampire Tales'will drive a stake through the heart of any other collection out there. Other contributors include Arthur Conan Doyle, Richard Marsh, Ambrose Bierce, H. P. Lovecraft, John William Polidori, Clark Ashton Smith, Nikolai Gogol, and D. H. Lawrence.

Scorpio-born are passionate and assertive people. Determined and decisive, they will research until they find out the truth. Scorpio is a great leader and also features prominently in resourcefulness. On the dark side, becomes suspicious and jealous. In this book you will find seven short stories specially selected to illustrate the different aspects of the Scorpio personality. For a more complete experience, be sure to also read the anthologies of your rising sign and moon! This book contains: - Diana and Actaeon. - The Vendetta by Guy de Maupassant. - Moon-Face by Jack London. - The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe. - The Cactus by O. Henry. - The Magic Shop by H.G. Wells. - The Vampyre; A Tale by John William Polidori.

John William Polidori's classic gothic horror tale, The Vampyre, recounts one of the first vampire stories in English literature. Lord Ruthven is a mysterious newcomer among England's social elite. A young gentleman named Aubrey is fascinated by the suave stranger and is intrigued by his often curious behaviour. While travelling in Europe amid rumours of vampire killings, the pair are attacked, leaving Ruthven on his death bed. As he draws his last breaths, he pleads with Aubrey to keep his death a secret for just over a year. When Ruthven reappears in London alive and well, Aubrey realises that his friend might be hiding dark and horrifying truths behind his seductive fabrication. The Vampyre was written during the ‘Lost Summer of 1816', when John William Polidori was among the group of friends who accompanied Lord Byron to the Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva. This short, stormy stay in the mansion led to a horror story writing competition in which famous tales such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein were first produced. Decadent, sinister, and macabre The Vampyre started the enduring fascination with bloodsucking monsters that produced stories such as Bram Stoker's Dracula. This chilling tale is not to be missed by lovers of fantasy and horror fiction.

First published in 1911, this vintage book contains extracts from the diary of John William Polidori, and chiefly those parts relating to his relationships with Byron, Shelley, and others of the Romantic movement. John William Polidori (7 September 1795 – 24 August 1821) was an English writer and physician famous for his associations with the Romantic movement and for being, as many maintain, the creator of the vampire genre of fantasy fiction. His most notable work was the short story'The Vampyre'(1819). This volume will appeal to those with an interest in the life of Polidori and especially those who he associated with, namely Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Other notable works by this author include: “Cajetan” (1816), “Boadicea” (1816), and “On the Punishment of Death” (1816). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction of the author.

Excerpt from The Diary of Dr. John William Polidori, 1816: Relating to Byron, Shelley, Etc (Classic Reprint)One of these writings is the text to a volume, published in 1821, entitled Sketches Illustrative of tile Manners and Costumes of France, Switzerland, ana7 Italy, by R. Bridgens. The name of Polidori is not indeed recorded in this book, but I know as a certainty that he was the writer. One of the designs in the volume shows the costume of women at Lerici just about the time when Shelley was staying there, in the closing months of his life, and a noticeable costume it was. Polidori himself — though I am not aware that he ever received any instruction in drawing worth speaking of — had some considerable native gift in sketching faces and figures with lifelike expression; I possess a few examples to prove as much. The Diary shows that he took some serious and intelligent interest in works of art, as well as in literature; and he was clearly a rapid and somewhat caustic judge of character perhaps a correct one. He was a fine, rather romantic looking young man, as evidenced by his portrait in the National Portrait Gallery, accepted from me by that Institution in 1895.

The Anthology of Macabre offers a compelling exploration of the uncanny and the eerie, traversing a rich landscape of Gothic, supernatural, and speculative narratives. This collection skillfully brings together the haunting visions of literary luminaries, each contributing to the overarching theme of the macabre. From the ominous corridors of Gothic castles to the psychological depths of human dread, these stories traverse a diverse range of styles, invoking both the chilling and the profound. Standout pieces delve into timeless fears and societal reflections, ensuring an intellectually and emotionally captivating reading experience. The contributing authors, recognized figures like Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and Bram Stoker, to name a few, are central to the Gothic and horror traditions. Their collective contributions highlight a tapestry of cultural and historical contexts, threading together distinct voices from the Romantic period to the Golden Age of Gothic literature. This anthology aligns with the evolution of macabre literature, capturing nuanced perspectives that reveal the dark undercurrents of human psychology and the supernatural. It is an essential compendium for anyone seeking to understand the influences and shifts within this genre across different epochs and geographies. Readers are invited to explore The Anthology of Macabre not only as a journey through terrifying narratives but as an intellectual engagement with historical and cultural dialogues. This collection offers an invaluable opportunity to immerse oneself in the multifaceted dimensions of fear, reflective of varied authorial intents and stylistic flourishes. Perfect for both academic study and personal enrichment, this anthology of eerie tales challenges and enriches with its diverse array of voices and literary prowess.

The Vampyre is a short story written by John William Polidori and is a progenitor of the romantic vampire genre of fantasy fiction. The work is described by Christopher Frayling as'the first story successfully to fuse the disparate elements of vampirism into a coherent literary genre.'Polidori's work had an immense impact on contemporary sensibilities and ran through numerous editions and translations

John William Polidori's classic gothic horror tale, The Vampyre, recounts one of the first vampire stories in English literature. Lord Ruthven is a mysterious newcomer among England's social elite. A young gentleman named Aubrey is fascinated by the suave stranger and is intrigued by his often curious behaviour. While travelling in Europe amid rumours of vampire killings, the pair are attacked, leaving Ruthven on his deathbed. As he draws his last breaths, he pleads with Aubrey to keep his death a secret for just over a year. When Ruthven reappears in London alive and well, Aubrey realises that his friend might be hiding dark and horrifying truths behind his seductive fabrication. The Vampyre was written during the ‘Lost Summer of 1816', when John William Polidori was among the group of friends who accompanied Lord Byron to the Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva. This short, stormy stay in the mansion led to a horror story writing competition in which famous tales such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein were first produced. Decadent, sinister, and macabre, The Vampyre started the enduring fascination with bloodsucking monsters that produced stories such as Bram Stoker's Dracula. This chilling tale is not to be missed by lovers of fantasy and horror fiction.

This classic vampire story has inspired generations of authors, from Bram Stoker to Charlaine Harris. A young English gentleman of means, Aubrey is immediately intrigued by Lord Ruthven, the mysterious newcomer among society's elite. His unknown origin and curious behavior tantalizes Aubrey's imagination. But the young man soon discovers a sinister character hidden behind his new friend's glamorous facade. When the two are set upon by bandits while traveling together in Europe, Ruthven is fatally injured. Before drawing his last breath, he makes the odd request that Aubrey keep his death and crimes secret for a year and a day. But when Ruthven resurfaces in London—making overtures toward Aubrey's sister—Aubrey realizes this immortal fiend is a vampyre. John William Polidori's The Vampyre is both a classic tale of gothic horror and the progenitor of the modern romantic vampire myth that has been fodder for artists ranging from Anne Rice to Alan Ball to Francis Ford Coppola. Originally published in 1819, many decades before Bram Stoker's Dracula, and misattributed to Polidori's friend Lord Byron, The Vampyre has kept readers up at night for nearly two hundred years. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.

June 18. Began my ghost story after tea. Twelve o'clock, really began to talk ghostly. [Lord Byron] repeated some verses of Coleridge's Christabel, of the witch's breast; when silence ensued, and Shelley, suddenly shrieking and putting his hands to his head, ran out of the room with a candle. (from the Diary of Dr John William Polidori, 1816) So Polidori (1795-1821) records one of the most famous storytelling evenings in English literature, the stormy night at the Villa Diodati that was the source of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and his own tale The Vampyre, as well as his Gothic novel Ernestus Berchtold. Polidori's still-compelling works, included here in full, created figures of seductive evil that continue to exert a powerful hold over literature and popular culture. In addition, this collection makes available some of Polidori's fascinating lesser-known works such as his medical thesis on nightmares, his essay on the death penalty, his poetry and diary. Many of these have not been republished since the nineteenth century. Franklin Charles Bishop's introduction illuminates the context in which The Vampyre was written, This book, first published in 1993, collects Spark's essays on the Brontës, her selection of their letters and of Emily's poetry. Evident throughout are Spark's critical intelligence, dry wit, and refusal to sentimentalise - qualities that gave her own novels their particular appeal. At the same time, The Essence of the Brontës is Muriel Spark's tribute to the sisters whose talents placed them on a stage from where they could hypnotize their own generation and, even more, posterity.

Varla Ventura, fan favorite on Huffington Post's Weird News, frequent guest on Coast to Coast, and bestselling author of The Book of the Bizarre and Beyond Bizarre, introduces a new Weiser Books Collection of forgotten crypto-classics. Magical Creatures is a hair-raising herd of affordable digital editions, curated with Varla's affectionate and unerring eye for the fantastic.The story of the conception of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein is a tale well known to horror devotees. Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Mary Wollstonecraft (Shelley) were reading ghost stories aloud to one another one stormy night at Byron's lake house in Geneva, Switzerland. Byron prompted his partygoers to write a ghostly tale of their own. Out of this came the beginnings of one of the most famous horror novels of all time, Frankenstein, a Modern Prometheus. As it happened, John William Polidori was also there that fated night. Personal physician to Lord Byron and a writer as a past time, Polidori crafted The Vampyre, A Tale from a sketch of a story that Byron composed that same evening. Often wrongly advertised as a story by Byron himself, The Vampyre has remained a relatively obscure tale of terror. The first vampire story published in English, Polidori's work predates the seminal Bram Stoker's Dracula by more than seventy years.