Subject
Ghost stories, American Books
Best books
Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman
The Wind in the Rose-Bush, and Other Stories of the Supernatural
"The Wind in the Rose-Bush, and Other Stories of the Supernatural" by Mary Wilkins is a collection of supernatural short stories likely written in the late 19th century. The themes center around eerie experiences, often highlighting the struggles and complexities of human emotions, set against a backdrop of uncanny events. The opening story introduces Rebecca Flint, a pale and reserved spinster who travels to Ford Village to reclaim her niece, Agnes, but soon encounters a sense of foreboding surrounding her sister-in-law, Mrs. Dent, and the unsettling atmosphere of the house. At the start of the collection, Rebecca arrives in a small village, managing an uncomfortable interaction with curious townsfolk during a ferry ride. As she comes closer to her destination and learns about her niece, the chilling interactions with Mrs. Dent hint at suspicious undertones and perhaps deeper mysteries at play. The peculiar reactions of the townsfolk, especially when Rebecca mentions her sister-in-law, suggest that there might be secrets lurking beneath the surface. The arrival of Rebecca sets in motion a series of unnerving events, foreshadowing the supernatural occurrences that will unfold in her quest to reunite with Agnes, while her own emotional state becomes intertwined with the haunting environment she steps into.
Ambrose Bierce
Present at a Hanging and Other Ghost Stories
"Present at a Hanging and Other Ghost Stories" by Ambrose Bierce is a collection of short stories that delves into the macabre and supernatural, written in the late 19th century. Known for its dark humor and philosophical insights, the book explores themes of death, the afterlife, and the eerie occurrences that often accompany tragedy. With Bierce's signature sardonic wit, this compilation captures the reader's imagination while manipulating the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. The collection features various narratives, such as "Present at a Hanging," which recounts a murder mystery involving a peddler and a tragic apparition. Other stories, like "Charles Ashmore's Trail," center around a mysterious disappearance, immersing readers in a sense of unsettling mystery and horror. Bierce's characters often find themselves inexplicably drawn into encounters with the other side, whether through ghostly apparitions or haunting memories, revealing the macabre nature of existence and the lingering effects of past deeds. Each tale combines Bierce's clever constructs with a sense of dread and introspection, making the collection an engaging read for those intrigued by the eerie and unknown.
John Kendrick Bangs
The Water Ghost and Others
"The Water Ghost and Others" by John Kendrick Bangs is a collection of humorous ghostly tales likely written during the late 19th century. The work features a variety of characters and scenarios, most notably centering around the misadventures of different spectral entities and the hapless humans who encounter them. The opening story introduces readers to the Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall, who troubles the residents of an estate with her relentless haunting on Christmas Eve. The opening of the collection details the plight of the owners of Harrowby Hall, particularly focusing on the Water Ghost who appears annually and causes chaos wherever she goes. Despite the owners’ numerous attempts to rid themselves of the ghostly presence, she continues to drench them in sea water and wreak havoc on their belongings. As the tale unfolds, we meet Henry Hartwick Oglethorpe, a courageous but beleaguered master of the estate, who learns that the ghost is tied to a tragic backstory and faces comical trials as he attempts to confront her. The blend of supernatural elements with rich humor sets a whimsical tone that invites readers to explore the rest of Bangs' entertaining ghostly adventures.
Elia Wilkinson Peattie
The Shape of Fear
"The Shape of Fear" by Elia Wilkinson Peattie is a collection of ghostly tales likely written in the late 19th century. The collection features a variety of intriguing stories, with a focus on the themes of fear, the supernatural, and the complexities of human emotions, encapsulated in vivid storytelling that draws the reader into a realm where the ethereal mingles with the living. The opening portion introduces Tim O'Connor, a man caught between his artistic aspirations and the haunting grip of fear, particularly a fear of darkness and ghosts. His character is vividly painted as a once-idealistic poet now disillusioned by life and constrained by a toxic relationship with a captivating yet dangerous woman. Amidst the backdrop of a lively saloon culture, Tim’s interactions with friends lead to contemplative discussions about his fears, culminating in a chilling encounter with a beautiful and mysterious apparition he refers to as "the Shape of Fear." This encounter leaves him profoundly affected and paves the way for themes of existential dread and reflection on lost opportunities, setting the tone for the supernatural explorations to follow in the collection.
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps
Men, Women, and Ghosts
"Men, Women, and Ghosts" by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. This work explores themes of love, domestic life, and the struggles of women in a rapidly changing society, often focusing on the complex emotional experiences of its characters. The opening story centers around the wedding of Harrie Bird and Dr. Myron Sharpe, setting the stage for the exploration of their relationship and the challenges they face as they navigate life together. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the idyllic yet complicated beginnings of Harrie's marriage to Dr. Sharpe. The narrator reflects on the wedding ceremony, capturing the joy and hope surrounding the young couple. However, as the narrative unfolds, it hints at the underlying tensions of marital life, especially as they become consumed by the demands of parenthood and societal expectations. The idyllic imagery of their early love contrasts sharply with the reality of their everyday struggles, setting up a tension that invites readers to ponder the complexities of love, ambition, and the roles of men and women in society.
John Kendrick Bangs
Ghosts I Have Met and Some Others
"Ghosts I Have Met and Some Others" by John Kendrick Bangs is a collection of humorous supernatural tales written during the late 19th century. The book presents the author's whimsical encounters with various ghosts, blending comedy and the paranormal in a lighthearted exploration of what it means to coexist with spirits. The central figure is the author himself, who narrates his experiences while maintaining a tone of skepticism and amusement regarding the spectral phenomena he encounters. At the start of the collection, the author reflects on his many encounters with ghosts, expressing a mindset that allows him to confront these apparitions with both terror and interest. He describes a particularly grotesque spectre that appeared in his chair one night, highlighting his physical fear contrasted with his mental composure, as he casually offers the spectre a cigar. The narrative humorously details their conversation, revealing the author's unique ability to engage with the supernatural while laughing off the typical fright associated with ghostly visitations. The opening sets the stage for a series of comedic escapades involving various other spectral characters that promise to entertain readers with both wit and whimsy.
Recently surfaced classics