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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'}

Ako ste ljubitelj horora, strave i užasa, jeze, groze, terora, ako volite priče o duhovima, vampirima, ukletim kućama i prokletim dušama, ako vas zanima tematika nadnaravnog u književnosti – ovo je knjiga za vas! Zbirka Mȍra sadrži prijevode 18 priča isto toliko autora s engleskog govornog područja iz 19. stoljeća. Izabrala ih je i prevela je Andrea Šimunić. Zastupljeni autori i naslovi: - John William Polidori: Vampir- William Harrison Ainsworth: Ukleta nevjesta- Edward Bulwer-Lytton: Magičar- Mary Shelley: Smrtni besmrtnik- Edgar Allan Poe: Berenika- Nathaniel Hawthorne: Mladi gospon Brown- William M. Thackeray: Oklada s vragom- John Yonge Akerman: Medaljon- James Malcolm Rymer: Uskrsnuće vampira- Fitz James O'Brien: Što je to bilo?- Mary Elisabeth Braddon: Hladni zagrljaj- Amelia Edwards: Sablasna kočija- Charles Dickens: Suđenje za ubojstvo- Sheridan Le Fanu: Demon Dickon- Mark Twain: Neobičan san- Ambrose Bierce: Noćna događanja u Mrtvačevom klancu- Robert Louis Stevenson: Markheim- Arthur Conan Doyle: Slučaj lady Sannox Novo, dopunjeno elektroničko izdanje!Zbirka Mȍra je dostupna i u tiskanom izdanju.

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.'