Nightmare

Francis Stevens · Gertrude Barrows Bennett

Nov 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

In 'Nightmare,' Francis Stevens conjures an eerie and isolated island where the laws of evolution have diverged, crafting a haunting narrative that resonates with the pioneering speculative fiction of its time. Stevens weaves a tale of mystery and adventure, rich in imagination, evoking a world both eerily familiar and thrillingly alien. The story's literary style bears a likeness to the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, particularly in its exploration of a lost world, but stands on its own through Stevens' fabrication of a distinctly unique universe. With 'Nightmare' offering readers a glimpse into the untamed possibilities of a divergent evolutionary path, Stevens solidifies her place within the canon of early science fiction literature. Francis Stevens, the pen name of Gertrude Barrows Bennett, is often hailed as the 'mother of dark fantasy.' Her decision to publish under a pseudonym not only reflects the gender biases of her time but also reveals her understanding of genre conventions and commercial expectations. The publication of 'Nightmare' under the name Francis Stevens showcases Bennett's visionary talent and her ability to navigate the literary landscape of the early twentieth century with boldness and ingenuity, traits echoed in her creation of speculative realms that continue to inspire the genre. 'Recommended for aficionados of classic science fiction and fantasy, 'Nightmare' is a testament to Francis Stevens' influential role in shaping the genre. Readers will find themselves transported to a world untamed by human influence, where Stevens' skillful storytelling ignites the imagination and calls into question the limits of natural history. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate the roots of speculative fiction and enjoy embarking on journeys to the unknown, led by one of the unsung pioneers of the field.

About the author

Francis Stevens was the pseudonym of Gertrude Barrows Bennett (1883–1948), an early pioneer of the science fiction and fantasy genres. She has been heralded as 'the woman who invented dark fantasy' (Joshi, 2014). Stevens's literary career, though brief, was impactful. Her narratives often blend elements of fantasy, horror, and science fiction in imaginative and unsettling combinations that prefigured the work of later writers in similar genres. Her oeuvre included novels and short stories characterized by their adventurous plots, intricate worlds, and psychological depth. One of her notable works, 'Nightmare', showcases Stevens's talent for weaving suspenseful and eerie tales that captivate readers and delve into the darker realms of the human psyche. As an author, Stevens was revolutionary for her time, breaking into a field dominated by male authors and creating works that resonated with both her contemporaries and future generations. Despite her considerable influence on speculative fiction, she remains a somewhat obscure figure in literary history. Her work, however, has seen a resurgence of interest as scholars and enthusiasts of genre fiction seek to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women writers in shaping the landscape of fantasy and science fiction literature (Bleiler, 1990).