The Classic Works of J. Sheridan Le Fanu - 18 Short Stories from One of the First and Greatest Writers of Ghost Stories (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

<p><strong>This definitive collection gathers eighteen brilliant short stories from Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) the Irish master of the supernatural and one of the most important figures in the history of Gothic literature. Le Fanu moved beyond the simple folklore of earlier ghost stories pioneering a style focused on psychological dread mounting terror and the chilling ambiguity between spectral haunting and creeping madness.</strong></p><p>The collection features his 18 of his essential works including:</p><ul><li><p><em><strong>Carmilla</strong></em>: The foundational and most influential lesbian vampire novella predating <em>Dracula</em> by decades.</p></li><li><p><em><strong>Schalken the Painter</strong>:</em> A visually haunting tale of a woman sold to an unholy suitor.</p></li><li><p><em><strong>The Familiar</strong></em>: A classic study in psychological persecution by a terrifying unrelenting presence.</p></li><li><p><em><strong>Sir Dominick's Bargain</strong></em>: A Faustian tale centered on a terrifying supernatural contract.</p></li></ul><p>Le Fanu's stories are masterpieces of atmosphere frequently set in crumbling Irish country houses shadowy Dublin streets and labyrinthine legal chambers all designed to explore the corrosive effects of guilt ancient curses and unseen forces.</p>