alba_marie's review against another edition
5.0
As with most short story collections, some stories are better than others, but I really enjoyed most of this collection. The war ghost and comical phantom sections were my least favourite sections but thoroughly enjoyed the other sections (esp. Gothic tales, and Haunting Tales).
Please note that these are not 'ghost stories' in the way that casual 21st century readers expect. No cheap-thrills-blood-guts-and-gore horror film on paper. These are intellectual tales that delve into the supernatural, and interpret 'horror tale' and 'ghost story' liberally. I think this is why I enjoyed it so much, as I prefer to read tales that force us to look at the world (or ourselves) differently, instead of a book of cheap tricks and tales (which is what some of the other readers apparently expected...hmm.).
I also like how each story started off with a little blurb about the author, his/her life, inspirations, interests, other works, etc. Most of the authors were famous in their heyday but have now been lost somewhat in the past. It was great to get a chance to read works by these now-little-known (though often prolific) writers. In fact, I think I prefer works by the more obscure writers rather than the famous ones. Looking back, the book as made me discover some new others (notably a new favourite, MR James).
All in all, a great - though lengthy!! - compilation of 20th century ghost/supernatural stories!!!
Please note that these are not 'ghost stories' in the way that casual 21st century readers expect. No cheap-thrills-blood-guts-and-gore horror film on paper. These are intellectual tales that delve into the supernatural, and interpret 'horror tale' and 'ghost story' liberally. I think this is why I enjoyed it so much, as I prefer to read tales that force us to look at the world (or ourselves) differently, instead of a book of cheap tricks and tales (which is what some of the other readers apparently expected...hmm.).
I also like how each story started off with a little blurb about the author, his/her life, inspirations, interests, other works, etc. Most of the authors were famous in their heyday but have now been lost somewhat in the past. It was great to get a chance to read works by these now-little-known (though often prolific) writers. In fact, I think I prefer works by the more obscure writers rather than the famous ones. Looking back, the book as made me discover some new others (notably a new favourite, MR James).
All in all, a great - though lengthy!! - compilation of 20th century ghost/supernatural stories!!!
iphigenie72's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't get exactly what I wanted when I started this book. I wanted something to scare me and this was more intellectual. I liked it though. The only thing is that it's pretty uneven, some stories are really good and some left me thinking : 'uh'. The book stories are divided in section. One section is called 'Christmas Spirits: Festive Seasons Chillers'... I was expecting stories set at Christmas, but they were PUBLISHED at Christmas which I think was a let down, I don't get that. My favorite section was the last one 'Haunting Times: Tales of Unease' about every story in this section was interesting and very good. I especially liked 'The Ghost' by A.E. Van Vogt, 'Video Nasty' by Philip Pullman and 'Haunted' by Joyce Carol Oates. I think the editor did an overall good job picking the stories; he did make me discover a lot of authors that I had never heard of (and a lot I did know) and I think discovering new authors is one of the main purpose of a short story anthology (with entertaining... obviously).
bronwen's review
3.0
All in all, not a very inspired anthology. Many stories are tedious and many have little to do with the supernatural. Of course, I loved the M.R.James and the Edith Wharton ones, but I was expecting some new, more compelling titles.
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