The White People

<p><I>The White People</I> (1904) is a short story by Arthur Machen. Originally published in <I>Horlick's Magazine</I> the story was later printed in <I>The House of Souls</I> (1906) a short story collection. Condemned as decadent and obscene upon publication Machen's writing earned praise from Oscar Wilde and H. P. Lovecraft. Throughout the years Machen's work has been referenced and adapted by such figures as Stephen King Guillermo del Toro and Josh Malerman for its masterfully unsettling blend of science myth and magic. As the sun sets over the lush countryside Cotgrave and his friend Ambrose discuss the thin boundary that separates sorcery and the sacred. Unable to agree about the nature of good and evil on what defines a sinner as opposed to a saint Ambrose offers his comrade a book to borrow. Surprisingly well-kept for its age the green book accompanies Cotgrave on his journey home where he opens it to discover a strange mysterious tale. Its pages contain the diary of a young girl who encouraged by her nurse immerses herself in the world of magic. As she grows adept in the ways of witchcraft the girl begins referring to strange beings and unknown places all while doing her best to conceal her secret life from friends and family. When he reaches the diary's end Cotgrave will wish he had never looked past its binding. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript this edition of Arthur Machen's <I>The White People</I> is a classic of British horror fiction reimagined for modern readers.</p>