Showing results by author "Arthur Machen" in All Categories

Dubbed the greatest horror story in English by Stephen King, The Great God Pan is an eerie and otherworldly mystery about a diabolical operation and its terrifying repercussions. After rescuing a young woman from the streets of London, Dr. Raymond uses her as a test subject for brain surgery aimed at "lifting the veil" of reality, to see the supernatural and the "great god Pan". The operation is a disaster and leaves the subject lobotomized. Years later, London becomes afflicted with a strange series of male suicides connected to a beautiful but sinister woman.

An influential writer of supernatural fiction, Arthur Machen was born in Wales, in 1863. Many modern writers, such as Stephen King, have cited him as an inspiration. Perhaps most notably, though, was H.P. Lovecraft, who cites Machen as what led him down the road to eventually creating the Cthulhu Mythos. Presented here are two short stories and two novellas: "The Inmost Light", "A Fragment of Life", "The Shining Pyramid", and "The Terror."

Lucian Taylor, the hero, is damned either through contact with an erotically pagan "other" world or through something degenerate in his own nature, which he thinks of as a "faun". He becomes a writer, and when he moves to London he becomes trapped by the increasing reality of the dark imaginings of this creature within him, which become increasingly real. One of the first explorations in fiction of the figure of the doomed artist, who is biographically so much a part of the decadent 1890s.

In The Great God Pan, Arthur Machen invites you to step into a shadowy world where the boundaries between science and the supernatural blur—and where unlocking forbidden knowledge may come at a terrifying cost. Celebrated as one of the most chilling tales ever written, this novella is a symphony of unease, weaving themes of ancient paganism, hidden horrors, and the fragility of human understanding. Prepare to be haunted by whispers of an enigmatic experiment, a shadowy woman, and the presence of an unseen, primal force that lingers just beyond perception.

A collection assembled by HorrorBabble, comprising some of Machen's most highly regarded works.

An excellent collection of creepy ghost stories from some of the most notable names of early horror fiction, including: “The Willows” by Algernon Blackwood, “The Shadows On The Wall” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, “The Messenger” by Robert W.Chambers, “Lazarus” by Leonid Andreyev, “The Beast With Five Fingers” by W.F. Harvey, “The Mass Of Shadows” by Anatole France, “What Was It” by Fitz-James O’brien, “The Middle Toe Of The Right Foot” by Ambrose Bierce, “The Shell Of Sense” by Olivia Howard Dunbar, and more!

The short stories written during and about World War I are often overshadowed by the excellent verse of the War Poets. Yet the short story is perhaps their equal in other ways. Within these succinct little time capsules of words are captured ideas, attitudes, feelings and life that are expressed in a few minutes just as movingly, imaginatively and tellingly as in any other form. Some of these stories will be familiar, but some may not. From Virginia Woolf to Katharine Mansfield and John Buchan to C. E. Montague, various writing styles try to make sense of this world at war.

The Green Book is a precious artefact procured from the possessions of a dead woman, and carefully kept in secret by the aged and studious Ambrose. Cotgrave is loaned the Green Book to further his understanding of the occult secrets that Ambrose is so reluctant to talk about. FNH Audio presents an unabridged reading of this supernatural classic that's often cited as an inspiration for H.P. Lovecraft.

When Ms Lally walked out into the cold night devoid of hope, hungry and penniless, she expected to find a quiet place to lie down and die. What she found was a benefactor, an academic with a mysterious passion and secret knowledge of a hidden world beyond the realms of known science. The Novel of the Black Seal is cited as one of the primary influences on H. P. Lovecraft and his tales.

Arthur Machen (1863-1947) was a Welsh author known for his works of horror and the fantastic. He is recognized as an influence on modern writers of supernatural fiction. Holy Terrors (published in 1946, a year before his death) is a collection of 14 short stories of which nine are very short and are included in this recording. They are: “The Rose Garden”, “Psychology”, “The Soldier's Rest”, “The Cosy Room”, “The Ceremony”, “Holy Things”, “The Turanians”, “The Happy Children”, and “Munitions of War”.

Arthur Machen (1863-1947) was a Welsh author known for his works of horror and the fantastic. He is acknowledged as an influence on modern writers of supernatural fiction. His story "The Red Hand" (1895) tells of a grisly murder committed with the most unusual of weapons, an ancient stone axe.

For the first time ever, the complete works from both the 1923 and 1925 editions of The Shining Pyramid are united in one remarkable collection. This anthology features an array of stories and essays that demonstrate Arthur Machens exceptional talent as a storyteller and a keen observer of modern society. The title story stands out as a hallmark of folk horror, crafted during the same era that produced his renowned masterpieces like The Great God Pan and The White Children. Additionally, readers will embark on shorter, eerie adventures through tales such as Out of the Earth, The Happy Children...

In a crumbling old mansion, three friends share a laughter that dances on the edge of madness. Their mirth is not of joy, but a sinister delight, as they plot and scheme in the shadows. Among them is a young woman, more piquant than beautiful, with captivating hazel eyes and a neatly wrapped parcel in her hands. It‚s destined for the doctors museum, but it drips ominously. Are you curious about what lies within? There are many tales to tell, but can you discern the truth? My dear listeners, are you prepared for what you might uncover? (Summary by Tony Oliva and put in the public domain.)

Step into the eerie world of Arthur Machens The White People, a haunting tale that delves into the mysterious realms of ancient magic through the eyes of a young girl. Written in the late 1890s, this influential horror story emerged from Machens unfinished novel and shares a literary lineage with notable works like Robert Louis Stevenson‚s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Bram Stoker‚s Dracula, and Oscar Wilde‚s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Celebrated by fans of supernatural fiction, The White People stands as a classic example of gothic storytelling, resonating with themes ...

In Hill of Dreams, the captivating tale of Lucian Taylor unfolds as he navigates his idyllic childhood in the enchanting rural landscape of Wales, inspired by the town of Caerleon. Central to the story is the Hill of Dreams, an ancient Roman fort where Lucian experiences hauntingly beautiful visions, including glimpses of life during Roman Britain. As he matures, Lucians journey takes him to London, where he grapples with the harsh realities of poverty while fervently pursuing his passion for writing. Often hailed as Arthur Machens masterpiece, this novel, written between 1895 and 1897, blends...

The Great God Pan is a haunting novella by Arthur Machen that first appeared in the magazine Whirlwind in 1890, later revised and expanded for its book release in 1894 alongside the story The Inmost Light. Upon its initial publication, the novella faced fierce criticism from the press for its decadent style and provocative themes, labeling it as degenerate and horrific. However, it has since earned its place as a classic in the horror genre. Machen‚s work taps into the symbolism of Pan, exploring the primal forces of nature and the allure of paganism. The title is inspired by Elizabeth ...

Set against the backdrop of wartime rural England, a series of baffling murders stirs up a whirlwind of conspiracy theories, panic, and apprehension. As they hunt for the perpetrator, the desperate search for answers and a cessation to the terror unfolds. This gripping tale is summarized by A. Gramour.

Inspired by a trip to a graveyard in Wales, the novella was originally not well received. The Great God Pan is now considered an excellent example of Gothic fiction, and has influenced such writers as Bram Stoker, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and Ray Bradbury.

Arthur Machen (1863-1947) was a master of folk horror. A Fragment of Life, his short novel from 1906, overlays his unique mystical theology with his psychogeographic visions of the grey streets of London, and blends them with…a love story. A young husband and wife, Edward and Mary Darnell, notice weird, dark forces crowding around their lives, and these odd happenings begin to wreak a strange alchemy in them.

"The Great God Pan" is a novella written by Arthur Machen. A version of the story was published in the magazine Whirlwind in 1890, and Machen revised and extended it for its book publication (together with another story, "The Inmost Light") in 1894. On publication it was widely denounced by the press as degenerate and horrific because of its decadent style and sexual content, although it has since garnered a reputation as a classic of horror. Machen’s story was only one of many at the time to focus on Pan as a useful symbol for the power of nature and paganism.