Gothic Classics: 60+ Books in One Volume

Charles Dickens · Oscar Wilde · Robert Louis Stevenson · Edgar Allan Poe · William Hope Hodgson · Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu · Anna Katharine Green · George MacDonald · Bram Stoker · Charlotte Brontë · Emily Brontë · William Godwin · Henry James · Victor Hugo · Théophile Gautier · Arthur Conan Doyle · Jane Austen · John Meade Falkner · George Eliot · Robert Hugh Benson · Horace Walpole · Frederick Marryat · Thomas Love Peacock · Washington Irving · Nathaniel Hawthorne · Gaston Leroux · Grant Allen · Arthur Machen · Wilkie Collins · Thomas Peckett Prest · James Malcolm Rymer · Charles Brockden Brown · James Hogg · Charlotte Perkins Gilman · Richard Marsh · Charles Robert Maturin · John William Polidori · H. G. Wells · W. W. Jacobs · H. P. Lovecraft · William Thomas Beckford · Nikolai Gogol · Mary Shelley · Ann Radcliffe · Matthew Gregory Lewis · Fitz-James O'Brien · Eliza Parsons

Nov 2023 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Gothic Classics: 60+ Books in One Volume is an unprecedented anthology that encapsulates the rich tapestry of the Gothic novel, spanning from its inception in the mid-eighteenth century to its proliferation into the early twentieth century. This collection showcases an eclectic array of literary styles, from the Romantic supernatural to the Victorian sensational, weaving a multifaceted narrative of dread, mystery, and the macabre. The compilation features seminal works that have each, in their unique manner, contributed to the evolution of the genre, including tales of haunted castles, eerie apparitions, and psychological turmoil, thereby highlighting the diversity and significance of the Gothic tradition in literature. The featured authors, ranging from pioneers like Horace Walpole and Ann Radcliffe to innovators such as H.P. Lovecraft and Mary Shelley, represent the breadth and depth of Gothic literatures' impact across generations. Their backgrounds, encompassing varied geographical, cultural, and social spheres, illuminate the anthology's rich mosaic of perspectives. Collectively, these authors contributed to, and were influenced by, major historical and literary movements, including Romanticism, Victorianism, and the early seeds of modernism. Their works, disparate yet harmonious in theme, invite readers into a dialogue about society's darkest fears and unspoken desires, reinforcing the genre's enduring appeal and its capacity to probe the human psyche. Gothic Classics: 60+ Books in One Volume is not merely a compilation but a gateway to exploring the manifold contours of human fear, passion, and the supernatural. This anthology is recommended for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the labyrinthine world of Gothic literature, offering a unique opportunity to navigate through its shadows and revelations. Engaging with this collection promises not just a literary journey through the eerie, the grotesque, and the sublime but also an educational venture into understanding the evolution and diversity of Gothic storytelling. It is a must-read for students, scholars, and enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the dialogue between these iconic authors' works and the timeless themes they explore.

About the author

Charles Dickens (1812–1870), a literary colossus of the Victorian era, remains a monumental figure in English literature. Born in Portsmouth, England, into a family plagued by debt, Dickens's early life was marred by his father's confinement in a debtors' prison, an experience that deeply influenced his writing and social views. Though largely self-educated, his natural talent and voracious reading habit propelled him into the literary world with works that combined comedy, pathos, and acute observation of character and society. Dickens's prolific career was marked by his adept storytelling, vivid characterizations, and profound social commentary. His masterpieces include 'Oliver Twist,' 'David Copperfield,' 'Great Expectations,' and 'A Tale of Two Cities.' While 'Gothic Classics: 60+ Books in One Volume' suggests a collection, it does not adequately encapsulate Dickens's intricate and expansive narratives known for their serial publication. His writing style, often peppered with Gothic elements, created an enduring resonance with themes of grappling with the macabre and a critique of societal ills. As a reformist, Dickens used his narratives to challenge the injustices of his time, and his empathy for the downtrodden manifested in richly drawn characters and intricate plots. His works have been adapted into countless plays, films, and television shows, underscoring his lasting influence on both literature and popular culture.