A review by biblio_kel
Ancient Sorceries Deluxe Edition, by Algernon Blackwood
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Algernon Blackwood is a favourite author of mine and so I was quite pleased to have the opportunity to review this book.
'Ancient Sorceries' contains four of Algernon Blackwood's better known tales - Ancient Sorceries, The Listner, The Sea Fit, and The Willows.
It should be noted for fans of the author that it does not contain all of the stories included in Blackwood's 'Ancient sorceries and other weird stories (1927)' as I had assumed it would.
Blackwood, an inspiration of H. P. Lovecraft, excels in the art of atmospheric horror and leans heavily into humanity's fear of the unexplained.
Written in the early years of the twentieth century, these stories have a distinctively Victorian style, especially in regards to the tone and language. Unfortunately, it does mean that they also contain some of the unfavourable and, occasionally, bigoted views and beliefs of that era.
As far as an introduction to Blackwood's stories, I worry that the story order may deter some readers if they are unaccustomed to Victorian literature.
I personally always recommend newcomers to start with The Willows as I feel it provides an easier introduction to the Victorian writing style and to Blackwood's preference for slowly building tension through multiple subtle occurrences.
The book is bound by a gorgeously illustrated cover that I just have to have on my bookcase.
'Ancient Sorceries' contains four of Algernon Blackwood's better known tales - Ancient Sorceries, The Listner, The Sea Fit, and The Willows.
It should be noted for fans of the author that it does not contain all of the stories included in Blackwood's 'Ancient sorceries and other weird stories (1927)' as I had assumed it would.
Blackwood, an inspiration of H. P. Lovecraft, excels in the art of atmospheric horror and leans heavily into humanity's fear of the unexplained.
Written in the early years of the twentieth century, these stories have a distinctively Victorian style, especially in regards to the tone and language. Unfortunately, it does mean that they also contain some of the unfavourable and, occasionally, bigoted views and beliefs of that era.
As far as an introduction to Blackwood's stories, I worry that the story order may deter some readers if they are unaccustomed to Victorian literature.
I personally always recommend newcomers to start with The Willows as I feel it provides an easier introduction to the Victorian writing style and to Blackwood's preference for slowly building tension through multiple subtle occurrences.
The book is bound by a gorgeously illustrated cover that I just have to have on my bookcase.