This is a collection of short stories within the romance and fantasy genre. Some of them are of an adult nature and therefore nor suitable for children. The first tells of a village with a huge problem and how it is solved, the next is about two warriors who finds a mystery when they are sent to investigate a seemingly simple case. The last five stories are adult in nature. The first is a story of an attempt to play matchmaker for a very lonesome ogre, and it includes a certain blue medicin and a dirty trick. The next tells of how a warrior saves a noble lady and how she rewards his effort in a rather intimate way. An abused girl forced to work as a prostitute prays for someone to save her, and her prayer is answered in a very unexpected way. A spell is cast upon the chief of an elven tribe and she has to face her fear and allow herself the pleasures and the love she has feared a long time. A woman living near a river goes for a bath but discovers that her pond has a very unexpected guest.

Ugetsu Monogatari, or Tales of Moonlight and Rain numbers among the best-loved Japanese classics. These nine illustrated tales of the supernatural from eighteenth-century Osaka combine popular appeal with a high literary standard. The author expressed his complex views on human life and society in simple yet poetic language. Akinari questioned the prevailing moral values and standards of his age whilst entertaining his readers with mystery and other-worldly occurrences. This is a reissue of Leon Zolbrod’s definitive English translation of the work, first published in 1974.

Something Wicked: 560+ Horror Classics, Macabre Tales & Supernatural Mysteries stands as a monumental anthology that maps the evolution of horror and supernatural fiction from its nascent stages to its more refined contemporary forms. Capturing an eclectic mix of styles and narrative voices, this collection underscores the genre's capacity to probe into the darkest corners of human experience and imagination. The anthology showcases a diversity in storytelling, ranging from Gothic tales of the supernatural, psychological thrillers, to cosmic horrors, presenting readers with seminal works that have shaped the genre. The inclusion of renowned pieces by iconic figures allows for a comprehensive overview of the genres thematic preoccupations and stylistic variations, making it an indispensable resource for both aficionados and newcomers to horror literature. The illustrious roster of authors featured within this anthology, including literary giants such as Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, and Mary Shelley, among others, brings together a rich tapestry of cultural and historical contexts. These authors, hailing from diverse backgrounds, have contributed significantly to literary movements such as Romanticism, Victorian Gothic, and the early modernist waves, thereby enriching the anthology with a breadth of perspectives on existential themes of fear, morality, and the supernatural. Their collective work emphasizes the anthologys alignment with significant literary and cultural movements, offering a deeper understanding of the genres evolution and its reflection of societal anxieties and fascinations. Something Wicked invites readers on an unparalleled journey through the annals of horror literature, offering a unique opportunity to indulge in over five hundred tales of terror, mystery, and the macabre. This anthology is not merely a collection of stories; it is a scholarly-curated exploration of horrors multifaceted expressions across time and cultures. Readers are encouraged to delve into this vast compendium, which serves both as an educational tool and as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in evoking the most profound human emotions. The anthology stands as a testament to horrors capacity to connect readers with the universal fears that resonate through the ages, making it an essential addition to any literary collection.

The Power of Darkness: 560+ Supernatural Thrillers, Macabre Tales & Eerie Mysteries is a formidable anthology that charts the shadows and intricacies of the human psyche across epochs, geographies, and literary styles. This collection traverses the eerie corridors of Gothic horrors, delves into the enigmatic depths of psychological thrillers, and ventures into the heart of cosmic mysteries, showcasing the rich tapestry of humanity's confrontation with the unknown and the supernatural. The diversity of the narratives, from the haunting isolation of a ghost story to the complex intricacies of a mystery unwinding in a seemingly mundane setting, highlights the anthology's remarkable scope. Standout pieces within the collection push the boundaries of the genre, offering fresh perspectives on fear, the uncanny, and the struggle between light and darkness, without being tethered to a single authorial voice. The contributing authors and editors, ranging from literary giants like Edgar Allan Poe and Charlotte Brontë to lesser-known figures who have carved deep impressions in the realms of the supernatural and the surreal, bring a multiplicity of cultural backgrounds, philosophical insights, and narrative techniques. Their collective works, enriched by historical contexts and cultural influences, illustrate the evolution of supernatural and mystery literature through time, uncovering how societal fears and aspirations have been projected onto the canvas of the unknown. This anthology not only serves as a confluence of varied literary movements but also as a dialogue between generations of storytellers, weaving together a complex web of thematic explorations that transcend temporal and geographical boundaries. The Power of Darkness is an essential compendium for readers eager to explore the labyrinthine depths of supernatural fiction. Offering not merely tales of intrigue and horror but a nuanced window into the human condition through the lens of the eerie and the macabre, this anthology invites readers on a journey through the specters of the collective human imagination. It is recommended for its educational value, the breadth of insights into the evolution of literary horror and mystery, and the rich dialogue it fosters between the myriad authors interpretations of darkness and light. Delve into this collection to experience the full spectrum of night's power to both terrify and enlighten.

Trick or Treat! Get a worm cup of tea, curl by the fire, and enjoy the cold chills of this meticulously edited horror collection, jam-packed with the darkest mysteries, supernatural thrillers and gothic romances: James Malcolm Rymer & Thomas Peckett Prest: Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street Edgar Allan Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart The Fall of the House of Usher The Cask of Amontillado The Masque of the Red Death The Murders in the Rue Morgue Mary Shelley: Frankenstein The Mortal Immortal The Evil Eye John William Polidori: The Vampyre Bram Stoker: Dracula Théophile Gautier: Clarimonde The Mummy's Foot Washington Irving: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Spectre Bridegroom Henry James: The Turn of the Screw The Ghostly Rental H. P. Lovecraft: The Dunwich Horror From Beyond M. R. James: Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book Lost Hearts Wilkie Collins: The Haunted Hotel The Dead Secret E. F. Benson: The Room in the Tower The Terror by Night Nathaniel Hawthorne: Rappaccini's Daughter Ambrose Bierce: The Death of Halpin Frayser One Summer Night Arthur Machen: The Great God Pan The Three Impostors William Hope Hodgson: The House on the Borderland The Night Land Carnacki, the Ghost-Finder M. P. Shiel: Shapes in the Fire Arthur Conan Doyle: The Leather Funnel The Beetle Hunter Ralph Adams Cram: Black Spirits and White Grant Allen: The Reverend John Creedy Dr. Greatrex's Engagement Richard Marsh: The Beetle Thomas Hardy: What the Shepherd Saw The Grave by the Handpost Charles Dickens: The Signal-Man The Hanged Man's Bride Guy de Maupassant: The Horla The Flayed Hand Pedro De Alarçon: The Nail Walter Hubbell: The Great Amherst Mystery Francis Marion Crawford: The Dead Smile The Screaming Skull Man Overboard! For The Blood is the Life The Upper Berth By The Water of Paradise The Doll's Ghost John Buchan: No-Man's-Land The Watcher by the Threshold The Monkey's Paw The Severed Hand The Ghost in the Cap'n Brown House The Apparition of Mrs. Veal (Daniel Defoe) When the World Was Young (Jack London)…

George MacDonald's 'The Complete Fantasy Collection' offers readers a comprehensive look into the world of fantasy literature. This collection includes 8 novels and over 30 short stories and fairy tales, all illustrated to enhance the reader's experience. MacDonald's writing style is characterized by rich imagery, philosophical themes, and a sense of wonder that transports readers to magical realms. Set in a literary context where fairy tales and fantasy were gaining popularity as a genre, MacDonald's works stand out for their timeless appeal and moral undertones. His ability to weave together complex narratives with enchanting storytelling makes this collection a must-read for lovers of fantasy literature. George MacDonald, a Scottish author and minister, drew inspiration from his religious beliefs and love for folklore to create his fantastical worlds. His unique perspective on the human condition and spiritual growth is evident throughout his stories, adding depth and meaning to his fantastical elements. MacDonald's works have influenced classic authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, solidifying his place in literary history as a master of fantasy. For readers who enjoy immersive and thought-provoking fantasy tales, George MacDonald's 'The Complete Fantasy Collection' is a treasure trove of captivating stories and poignant lessons. This collection not only showcases the breadth of MacDonald's imagination but also serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the realm of fantasy literature.

This meticulously edited collection is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents: Frankenstein The Orphan of the Rhine Nightmare Abbey The Tell-Tale Heart The Fall of the House of Usher The Cask of Amontillado The Masque of the Red Death The Castle of Otranto Vathek The Castle of Wolfenbach Caleb Williams The Mysteries of Udolpho The Italian The Monk Wieland Northanger Abbey The Black Cat The Murders in the Rue Morgue The Vampyre The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Melmoth the Wanderer The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner The Hunchback of Notre-Dame The Phantom Ship St, John's Eve Viy The Mysterious Portrait Jane Eyre Wuthering Heights Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street The House of the Seven Gables Rappaccini's Daughter The Birth Mark The Lifted Veil The Woman in White Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde The Mystery of Edwin Drood Carmilla Uncle Silas The Hound of the Baskervilles The Picture of Dorian Gray The Horla The Forsaken Inn The Great God Pan Lilith The Lost Stradivarius The Island of Doctor Moreau The Beetle The Turn of the Screw Dracula The Jewel of Seven Stars (Original 1903 Edition) The Monkey's Paw The Necromancers The Phantom of the Opera Clarimonde The Mummy's Foot The House on the Borderland The Boats of the Glen Carrig Wolverden Tower

The Greatest Bed-Time Stories anthology curates a magical compendium of tales that traverse the vivid spectrums of fantasy, adventure, and whimsy. Within its pages lie a rich tapestry of literary styles, ranging from fairy tales and fables to animal adventures and fantasy epics, embodying the very essence of what it means to journey into realms beyond our imagining. This collection stands as a testament to the timeless allure of bedtime storytelling, showcasing seminal works that have captivated readers of all ages, drawn from a pantheon of influential authors whose narratives have become cornerstones of children's literature. The assortment of stories, while diverse, coalesces around the central theme of wonder and the importance of dreams, laying bare the infinite possibilities afforded by the imagination. The contributing authors and editors, a venerable whos who of literary giants from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, and Beatrix Potter among others, bring a remarkable depth of creative talent and philosophical insight to the collection. Their works, each a reflection of the socio-cultural and historical milieus from which they emerged, collectively encapsulate a golden era of storytelling. These stories, beyond their surface entertainment value, delve into the intricacies of moral lessons, societal norms, and the human condition, offering a window into the historical and cultural landscapes of their time. This ensemble of voices, with their unique stylistic signatures and thematic explorations, creates a rich mosaic that is both educational and inspirational. The Greatest Bed-Time Stories is not merely a collection to be read; it is an journey to be experienced, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the wonderment of storytelling. It presents a unique opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of narrative innovation across generations, making it an indispensable addition to the libraries of young readers, educators, and anyone with an interest in the art of storytelling. Through these pages, readers are offered a gateway into understanding the universal power of stories to connect us across time and space, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft of storytelling and the enduring legacy of its practitioners.