Darkness Looms on Christmas

Charles Dickens · Robert Louis Stevenson · Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu · George MacDonald · Arthur Conan Doyle · Algernon Blackwood · Thomas Hardy · John Kendrick Bangs · Nathaniel Hawthorne · Grant Allen · Saki · Fergus Hume · William Douglas O'Connor · Florence Marryat · Catherine Crowe · James Bowker · J. M. Barrie · E. F. Benson · Jerome K. Jerome · M. R. James · Sabine Baring-Gould · Mary Elizabeth Braddon · Frank R. Stockton · Louisa M. Alcott · Leonard Kip · Lucie E. Jackson · Katherine Rickford · Bithia Mary Croker · Catherine L. Pirkis

Nov 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Darkness Looms on Christmas is an eclectic anthology that juxtaposes the warmth and joy of the holiday season against the stark, often chilling narratives of gothic and supernatural fiction. This collection spans a variety of literary styles, from the ghostly and macabre to tales of psychological horror and the uncanny. Its diversity is its strength, presenting readers with a multifaceted exploration of fear, hope, and the complexities of the human condition. Standout pieces illuminate the sheer range of storytelling prowess among the authors, making the anthology a significant compendium for both aficionados and scholars of the genre. The contributing authors, including luminaries like Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle, bring with them backgrounds as varied as their stories. The anthology traces lines through multiple historical, cultural, and literary movements, blending the Victorian fascination with the supernatural with more modernist explorations of the psyche. Through this collective endeavor, Darkness Looms on Christmas offers a unique vantage point on the themes of isolation, redemption, and the spectral. It showcases how these seasoned voices from different eras use the backdrop of Christmas to both challenge and reaffirm notions of the paranormal and the everyday. Darkness Looms on Christmas is an essential read for those seeking to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of haunting holiday tales. It not only celebrates the diversity of gothic and supernatural literature but also invites readers to reflect on the deeper meanings that can be found in the shadows of our festal celebrations. This anthology is a treasure trove of eerie delights and somber reflections, making it a perfect companion for long winter evenings. It promises educational value, captivating insights, and an engaging dialogue between the myriad perspectives of its distinguished contributors.

About the author

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) remains an iconic figure in English literature, renowned for his profound storytelling and vivid portrayal of the societal challenges of 19th-century England. His legacy encompasses a wealth of novels that continue to be revered for their narrative mastery, depth of character, and biting social commentary. Although 'Darkness Looms on Christmas' is not amongst his known works, the title suggests a thematic and stylistic connection to his classic novella 'A Christmas Carol' (1843), which casts a critical eye on the era's inequality and the redemptive potential of human kindness during the festive season. Dickens's literary style is characterized by rich detail, complex characters, and the intertwining of humor with serious social critique. His novels often center on themes of poverty, social stratification, and the struggle for personal redemption, conditions he portrayed with an unmatched realism that reflected his own experiences and observations of the London of his time. His acclaimed bibliography includes 'Oliver Twist' (1837), 'David Copperfield' (1850), 'Bleak House' (1853), and 'Great Expectations' (1861), offering a vast canvas of Victorian society. Dickens's keen observation wedded to his narrative flair positions him as a stalwart of English classic fiction, an author whose works transcend the era of their creation to deliver universal messages about humanity.