Algernon Blackwood is best known for his supernatural fiction and his ghost stories. Richard Gavin, in his Introduction to The Human Chord (1910) and The Centaur (1911), notes that “strong Cabalistic and Egyptian interests are woven through the fabric of The Human Chord.” The Human Chord features a scholarly clergyman who aspires to reach the higher realms of spirituality through finding the sound that will unlock access to those previously unattainable dimensions. The Centaur explores a similar theme by contrasting the world-view of men who dream and men who are skeptical. In all the works of Algernon Blackwood that I’ve read, there’s a quest to unravel the mysteries of Life. If you’re in the mood for some classic supernatural fiction, this Stark House double volume delivers.
Other Algernon Blackwood books published by STARK HOUSE are:
The Empty House & Other Stories/The Listener & Other Stories
Ten Minute Stories/Day and Night Stories
Jimbo/The Education of Uncle Paul
Pans Garden/Incredible Adventures
The Lost Valley/The Wolves of God
Juilus LeVallon/The Bright Messenger
The Face of Eearth
Been ages since I read any of his stories and I’m a sucker for the Stark House double bills – thanks George!
Sergio, I like Blackwood’s short stories. The novels can get a little long and windy.
I’ve read some of his short stories but didn’t realize how many of his books Stark House had published.
Jeff, STARK HOUSE has done a great job returning Algernon Blackwood to print!
Just received a copy of this one as well…always a good artistic decision, reprinting Blackwood, and I hope it does well for Greg Shepard and Stark House. Shall have to review it soonish.
Todd, I’ll be looking forward to you Blackwood review!
I find Blackwood to be a fascinating author although, like Arthur Machen, his mysticism can slow down much of his longer work. I’m glad Stark House is reprinting much of his work.
Jerry, you’re right about Blackwood and Arthur Machen working the same side of the mystical street. I prefer both authors in small doses.
If I get an urge to read something about a “quest to unravel the mysteries of Life”, I lie down until it goes away.
Rick, at the time THE HUMAN CHORD and THE CENTAUR were written, the Industrial Revolution was going full-bore. But that generated another movement centered around spiritualism and the supernatural. Blackwood’s works concern themselves with these issues.
I knew that, George, but it’s just not my cuppa.
Now, I’m not into spiritualism at all – probably is a consequence of studying math and logic …
For a moment you had me confused when I saw “Algernon” …
Then I realised what I was thinking of – one of the most moving SF stories ever told …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowers_for_Algernon
Wolf, I love FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON and I liked the movie based on the book, too.
I’m with Rick on this!
I agree, I really enjoyed the book and movie Flowers for Algernon. I read very very little sf or fantasy
I will have to look for this. I like Blackwood a lot and had no idea Stark House was doing this many of his titles
Scott, STARK HOUSE has reprinted most of Algernon Blackwood’s works. I prefer Blackwood’s shorter works to his novels. But everything I’ve read of Blackwood has entertained me.