Subject
Fantasy fiction, English Books
Best books
Horace Walpole
Hieroglyphic Tales
"Hieroglyphic Tales" by Horace Walpole is a collection of whimsical and satirical short stories written in the late 18th century, specifically in the 1780s. The work blends elements of fantasy and humor with philosophical musings, exploring various absurdities and cultural critiques through its fantastical narratives. It likely engages with themes of human behavior, societal norms, and the nature of storytelling, inviting readers to reflect on the world through a lens of satire. The tales within "Hieroglyphic Tales" present a diverse array of characters and settings, often invoking parody. For instance, in one story, a princess, meant to marry a giant emperor, hilariously engages in philosophical debates about names and history, while another tale chronicles the absurdity of royal succession issues in a kingdom torn by factions over the birthright of one princess who may never have existed. Other stories feature enchanted beings, comical misadventures, and clever twists that challenge societal expectations and norms. Overall, Walpole’s work serves as both entertainment and a vehicle for social commentary, using humor and fantasy to engage the reader's imagination.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Door in the Wall, and Other Stories
"The Door in the Wall, and Other Stories" by H. G. Wells is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The opening story, "The Door in the Wall," introduces Lionel Wallace, a man who recounts a fantastical memory from his childhood about a door that leads to an enchanted garden. This memory serves as the focal point of his life, symbolizing the deep longings and regrets that haunt him as he struggles with the weight of adult responsibilities. At the start of the story, a narrator listens to Wallace as he reflects on a peculiar garden he discovered as a child, filled with beauty and companionship. Wallace describes his initial encounter with the door and the vibrant world it led him to, contrasting it with the mundane realities of his life. Despite his success in adulthood, he grapples with a profound sense of loss and regret for having abandoned that fantastical realm in pursuit of a conventional life. The narrative delves into themes of memory, longing, and the sacrifices made in the name of duty, leaving readers to ponder the impact of choices and the nature of true happiness.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
["Thirty Strange Stories","30 Strange Stories"]
"Thirty Strange Stories" by H. G. Wells is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The anthology showcases Wells's talent for weaving imaginative tales that explore various aspects of human experience through a fantastical lens. The stories feature a range of characters, such as the shy orchid enthusiast Winter-Wedderburn from "The Strange Orchid," who finds himself in a bizarre and potentially perilous situation. The opening of "Thirty Strange Stories" introduces us to Winter-Wedderburn, a lonely man who is passionate about orchids and enjoys attending plant sales in hopes of finding something rare and remarkable. After purchasing an unidentified orchid that had been collected under tragic circumstances, he becomes increasingly captivated by its peculiar growth, which seems to hold a promise of wonder. However, as he tends to his new acquisition, unsettling hints suggest that this orchid may not be as benign as it appears, culminating in a chilling event that forces his housekeeper to rescue him from the strange plant's grasp. This opening sets the stage for themes of curiosity, danger, and the unknown throughout the collection.
Lord Dunsany
The Gods of Pegana
"The Gods of Pegāna" by Lord Dunsany is a fantasy book published in 1905. This debut work presents a mythological universe centered on an invented pantheon of deities dwelling in Pegāna. Through interconnected short stories, Dunsany introduces Māna-Yood-Susha̅i̅, the supreme creator who sleeps while his drummer Skarl maintains eternal rhythm, and various "small gods" who govern life, death, time, and destiny. The book attempts to account for fundamental elements like the ocean and moon through original mythology, illustrated by Sidney Sime's artwork.
Lord Dunsany
The Book of Wonder
"The Book of Wonder" by Lord Dunsany is a fantasy short story collection published in 1912. This unique work features fourteen tales written to accompany illustrations by Sidney Sime, who drew the pictures first. The stories transport readers to Dunsany's elementary yet terrible fantasy world, filled with jewel thieves, idolators, dragons, and mysterious creatures called gnoles. These tales influenced legendary writers like Tolkien and Lovecraft, showcasing Dunsany's imaginative storytelling that bridges the fantastical with psychological complexity and connections to the real world.
Lord Dunsany
Time and the Gods
"Time and the Gods" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories published in 1906. The book presents tales linked by Dunsany's invented pantheon of deities dwelling in the mystical realm of Pegāna. This second work by the Irish fantasy writer explores cosmic themes through imaginative mythology, featuring gods, mortals, and their intertwined fates. The collection influenced major fantasy authors including Tolkien and Lovecraft, and was originally illustrated by Sidney Sime with ten haunting black and white drawings that still reside at Dunsany Castle.
George Meredith
The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete
"The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete" by George Meredith is a fantasy novel published in 1856. Written in the style of the Arabian Nights, this humorous oriental romance follows Persian barber Shibli Bagarag and enchantress Noorna on their quest to shave the tyrant Shagpat, whose magical hair enslaves an entire city. Their journey features magic swords, talking hawks, genies, and enchanted palaces. This imaginative allegory includes stories within stories and poetic interludes, creating a rich fantasy praised by George Eliot as a work of genius.
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
Smith and the Pharaohs, and other Tales
"Smith and the Pharaohs, and other Tales" by H. Rider Haggard is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The first tale, "Smith and the Pharaohs," introduces the character James Ebenezer Smith, a shy and reserved young man who becomes captivated by ancient Egyptian artifacts and the mystery surrounding them, leading him on an adventure in pursuit of knowledge and perhaps love. The opening of the book provides a glimpse into Smith’s life, detailing his struggles and gradual success as a would-be Egyptologist. Following his attraction to a sculpted head of a long-deceased Egyptian queen, Smith's curiosity propels him into the British Museum, where he embarks on a journey to discover more about the enigmatic figure and her story. As the narrative unfolds, he pursues his passion for Egyptology, eventually finding himself excavating in Egypt, discovering a long-lost tomb, and encountering the supernatural elements of Egyptian mythology and history. Smith's tale intertwines themes of ambition, the past's allure, and the interplay between life and death.
E. (Edith) Nesbit
The Enchanted Castle
"The Enchanted Castle" by E. Nesbit is a children's fantasy novel published in 1907. Three siblings exploring during school holidays discover a mysterious country estate with marble statues, a maze, and a sleeping princess. When a magic ring they find begins granting wishes in unexpected and disturbing ways, the children must learn to control its powers. Blending imaginative play with subtle magic, the story follows their adventures as enchanted objects come to life with unpredictable consequences.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
The Purcell Papers — Volume 3
"The Purcell Papers — Volume 3" by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century, renowned for weaving elements of the supernatural and psychological suspense. This volume is part of a multi-volume series associated with the fictional legacy of Father Francis Purcell, who narrates tales rich in Irish folklore, personal intrigue, and moral complexities. The characters are often drawn from rural Ireland, involving their struggles, superstitions, and sometimes supernatural encounters — a reflection of the times and the culture within which Le Fanu wrote. The opening of this volume introduces the story of Jim Sulivan, a character beleaguered by his volatile marriage to the beautiful but tempestuous Nell Gorman. Following a series of comical yet violent quarrels brought on by Nell's fierce temper, Jim finds himself roaming the snowy landscape late at night, leading to misunderstandings and misadventures, including the mistaken identification of a corpse. As Jim's story unfolds, the narrative juxtaposes humor and tragedy through Neill's rapid transition from widowhood to remarriage, ultimately weaving together themes of love, jealousy, and the humorous complexity of rural Irish life. The blend of both the mundane and the macabre sets the tone for the rest of the collection, inviting readers into a world where supernatural elements subtly influence everyday human dramas.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
The Purcell Papers — Volume 1
"The Purcell Papers — Volume 1" by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a collection of stories written during the mid-19th century. The work presents a series of narratives that explore themes of the supernatural, mystery, and the complexities of human emotion, drawing on Irish folklore and traditions. The initial tales are likely to feature intriguing characters such as parish priest Francis Purcell, who serves as a collector of local legends and is central to the telling of these stories. The opening of this collection introduces readers to the life and legacy of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu through a detailed memoir that chronicles his early years, influences, and rise as a notable figure in Gothic fiction. Following this, the first story, "The Ghost and the Bone-setter," begins with Purcell discovering an engaging tale filled with rich Irish superstitions. This narrative hints at a blend of humor and horror, emphasizing the Irish cultural context through character dialogue and storytelling style. Academic interest in the collection may revolve around its depictions of the supernatural and the intricate interplay of folklore within the narratives, allowing readers to appreciate the social and historical implications embedded in Le Fanu's work.
Lord Dunsany
Fifty-One Tales
"Fifty-One Tales" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century, specifically in the period around the 1910s. This book explores a variety of fantastical themes and mythological motifs, delving into the realms of imagination and the human condition. Dunsany's work is characterized by its lyrical prose and rich imagery, reflecting a deep engagement with myth and the poetic tradition. The stories within "Fifty-One Tales" are diverse, each presenting unique narratives that often intertwine the mundane with the extraordinary. For instance, tales like "The Assignation" paint a vivid portrait of the relationship between fame and artistry, while "Charon" reflects on mortality through a conversation between Charon and the last shade of a man. Other stories, such as "The Death of Pan," evoke the themes of loss and the passage of time, emphasizing Dunsany's fascination with the fleeting nature of beauty and existence. Throughout the collection, the author employs a dreamlike quality, allowing readers to traverse imaginative landscapes populated by whimsical characters, symbolic events, and profound reflections on life, death, and creativity.
Recently surfaced classics