Claimed: Sci-Fi Classic

Francis Stevens · Gertrude Barrows Bennett

2023-12 · DigiCat

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One of Bennett's most famous novel, Claimed, narrates the tale of a supernatural artifact which summons an ancient and powerful god to early 20th century New Jersey. Augustus T. Swift called the novel, "One of the strangest and most compelling science fantasy novels you will ever read"). Excerpt: "From where we stood the illusion of ruins was nearly perfect, and indeed — who knows? — we may to-day have looked upon the last surviving trace of some ancient city, flung up from the abyss that engulfed it ages before the brief history we have of the race of man began. I would have liked to investigate the "ruins" more closely, but thought best not to attempt it. From many fissures hot, ill-smelling, and probably poisonous vapor is still pouring up, and though the rock is sufficiently cool so that it is possible to walk on it, I deemed it safer to confine exploration to a comparatively small space near our landing-place."

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Francis Stevens is the pseudonym for Gertrude Barrows Bennett (1884–1948), an American pioneer in the field of speculative fiction. Her work is recognized for its seminal role in shaping the genres of science fiction and fantasy during the early 20th century. Stevens's narrative style combines elements of gothic horror with imaginative fantasy, distinguishing her as a precursor to later writers who would expand the realms of speculative fiction. Her novel 'Claimed' (1920) is a prime example of her narrative prowess and is often cited as an influence on later titans of the genre, such as H.P. Lovecraft. The novel weaves a compelling narrative involving shipwrecks, ancient artifacts, and supernatural forces, showcasing Stevens's adept ability to blur the lines between reality and the mystical. Unfortunately, despite her contributions, Stevens's work was largely overlooked until scholars began reassessing her influence on the genre in the late 20th century. Today, she is celebrated as one of the early female trailblazers in speculative fiction, and 'Claimed' remains an important testament to her inventive mind and storytelling capabilities. Her legacy endures through the ongoing scholarly examination of her works and their place within the broader context of early speculative fiction literature.