Dark Christmas

Charles Dickens · Robert Louis Stevenson · Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu · George MacDonald · Arthur Cheney Train · Arthur Conan Doyle · Algernon Blackwood · Thomas Hardy · John Kendrick Bangs · Robert Barr · Nathaniel Hawthorne · Grant Allen · Wilkie Collins · O. Henry · Saki · Fergus Hume · Edgar Wallace · William Douglas O'Connor · Florence Marryat · Catherine Crowe · James Bowker · R. Austin Freeman · J. M. Barrie · E. F. Benson · G. K. Chesterton · Jerome K. Jerome · M. R. James · Fred M. White · Sabine Baring-Gould · Mary Elizabeth Braddon · Frank R. Stockton · Louisa M. Alcott · Leonard Kip · Emmuska Orczy · Lucie E. Jackson · Katherine Rickford

Nov 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Dark Christmas' is an anthology that elegantly weaves together the chilling, the macabre, and the mysterious through a labyrinth of tales told in varied literary styles. This collection unearths the darker side of the festive season, showcasing a range of stories that explore sinister themes under the cloak of yuletide cheer. From the ghostly to the gothic, the stories within offer a distinct contrast to the traditional warm and cozy Christmas narrative. This anthology stands out for its ability to bring together works that, though diverse in style and plot, are unified in their exploration of the eeriness and suspense that can pervade the holiday season. Among the standout pieces are tales of haunted Christmas evenings, sinister winter landscapes, and unexpected spectral visits, showcasing the editors' knack for selecting stories that both unsettle and intrigue. The contributing authors and editors, including names like Charles Dickens, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Arthur Conan Doyle, among others, bring an impressive pedigree of literary genius to this collection. Their collective works reflect a range of historical, cultural, and literary movements, from the Victorian fascination with gothic tales to the fin-de-siècle's preoccupation with the supernatural and the eerie. This ensemble of authors, with their distinct voices and backgrounds, enriches the anthology's thematic concerns, allowing the reader to traverse the somber depths of the human psyche during what is traditionally the most wonderful time of the year. 'Dark Christmas' beckons the reader into its shadowy realm, offering a unique opportunity to explore the myriad ways in which the festive season can be interpreted and experienced. It is an essential read for those who yearn to delve beyond the surface of holiday merriment, inviting a contemplation of the complexities and contradictions that dwell at the heart of the Christmas season. This anthology promises to be a treasure trove for scholars, enthusiasts of the gothic and the macabre, and anyone intrigued by the confluence of tradition and shadow that characterizes these tales, fostering a rich dialogue between the works of some of the most influential authors in literary history.

About the author

Charles Dickens (1812–1870) stands as a literary colossus of the Victorian era, renowned for his piercing critique of social inequalities and keen psychological insights into the human condition. Though not typically known for a work titled 'Dark Christmas', Dickens' prolific career spanned novels, novellas, and numerous short stories that have etched an indelible mark on English literature. Central to his legacy is the 1843 novella, 'A Christmas Carol', a seminal tale that redefined the Christmas genre and infused it with profound social commentary. His works often explored the gritty realities of life for the impoverished, with iconic novels such as 'Oliver Twist' (1839), 'David Copperfield' (1850), and 'Great Expectations' (1861) reflecting the author's own tumultuous experiences and observations of 19th-century England. Dickens' narrative mastery and distinctive character development have garnered critical acclaim, ensuring his status as one of the most studied and cherished authors in the English literary canon. Notwithstanding, 'Dark Christmas' does not correspond to any known title by Dickens, and further inquiry into its existence or veracity within his oeuvre is warranted.