Short Story Collections (Single Author), Literary Criticism - General & Miscellaneous, Horror, Thrillers, Other Science Fiction Categories, Literary Styles & Movements - Fiction, Miscellaneous Genres & Literary Forms - Literary Criticism, Other Mystery Ca

Empty House and Other Ghost Stories

Name: Empty House and Other Ghost Stories
Author: Algernon Blackwood
ISBN: 9781592241897

by Algernon Blackwood

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Overview

In this collection of cases, John Silence uses his spiritual insight to solve the afflictions of his patients, with all the skill and perception of the first-class psychic detective for which he has become celebrated. In this collection of paranormal phenomena, Algernon Blackwood guides the reader through the most terrifying of settings. Walk the corridors of the Empty House and feel the goose bumps rise. Explore the Haunted Island and the Wood of the Dead, but remember to look over your shoulder. Experience stories that remain undeniably chilling, and marvel at the master's ability to create atmosphere and tension.

Synopsis

Certain houses like certain persons manage somehow to proclaim at once their character for evil. In the case of the latter no particular feature need betray them; they may boast an open countenance and an ingenuous smile; and yet a little of their company leaves the unalterable conviction that there is something radically amiss with their being: that they are evil.

About the Author, Algernon Blackwood

Algernon Blackwood (1869-1951) was born into a well-to-do Kentish family. His parents, converts to a Calvinistic sect, led an austere life, ill-suited to their dreamy and sensitive son. During adolescence, he became fascinated by hypnotism and the supernatural and, on leaving university, studied Hindu philosophy and occultism. Later, he was to draw on these beliefs and experiences in his writing. Sent away to Canada at the age of twenty, his attempts at making a living were wholly unsuccessful and shortly after his return to England, he began to write. The Empty House and Other Ghost Stories, published in 1906, was followed by a series of psychic detective stories, featuring John Silence, 'physician extraordinary'. His reputation as one of the greatest exponents of supernatural fiction began to grow. Chiefly known for his ghost stories, Blackwood wrote in many different forms within the genre. His most personal works, however, are his 'mystical' novels, for example The Centaur, where he explores man's empathy with the forces of the universe. Blackwood also wrote children's fiction. A Prisoner in Fairyland was adapted into the play (later the musical), Starlight Express. Later in life, Blackwood turned to writing radio plays, and in 1947 he began a new career on BBC TV telling ghost stories. He received a knighthood in 1949.