Ghost Stories of an Antiquary – M. R. James

Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu is a gothic novella predating Dracula, exploring themes of lesbian vampirism and forbidden desire. This chilling tale, with its eerie atmosphere and complex characters, remains a captivating read for horror enthusiasts.

Bram Stoker (1847-1912): Abraham “Bram” Stoker was born in Ireland on November 8, 1847. The 3rd born in a family of seven children. When he was sixteen he started at Trinity College Dublin, where he developed a great passion for the theatre after witnessing a performance by the actor Henry Irving. Although Stoker wrote a number of short stories which appeared in magazines his reputation as an author stands almost wholly on his novel, Dracula which was first published in 1897. Bram Stoker died in April 1912 in London.

Blood Meridian is a brutal and poetic epic that follows a teenage runaway, known only as “the Kid,” as he joins a scalp-hunting expedition in the American Southwest during the mid-19th century. Through desolate landscapes and unspeakable violence, the novel explores the nature of evil, war, and the human condition, with the enigmatic and terrifying Judge Holden at its center.

The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis is a Gothic novel exploring themes of religious hypocrisy, temptation, and the supernatural. It weaves a dark tale of corruption and forbidden desires.

Curious, if true by Elizabeth Gaskell offers a glimpse into 19th-century horror writing by a woman. The PDF showcases Gaskell’s storytelling and her ability to create suspenseful and chilling narratives.