Stark House has reprinted two of Sax Rohmer’s best spooky novels in a wonderful omnibus package. Brood of the Witch Queen (1914) and The Quest of the Sacred Slippr (1913) feature Black Magic, suspense, and thrilling chases. I first read these books back in the 1960s when Pyramid Books reprinted much of Sax Rohmer’s work especially the now politically incorrect Fu Manchu books. Back then, I thought it was ironic that Pyramid Books was publishing Brood of the Witch Queen which features a thrilling confrontation in Egypt in a creepy pyramid! The Quest of the Sacred Slipper is a non-stop thrill-ride as a British archaeologist is pursued by sinister forces. William Patrick Maynard’s “Introduction” puts Sax Rohmer’s “Egypt” books in perspective. If you’re looking for old-fashioned chills and excitement, these two adventures will more than satisfy your need for action! GRADE: B+ (for both)
Glad to hear these hold up – have always been very tempted by the blood and thunder prospect but not yet taken the plunge.
Sergio, I like the early Fu Manchu novels best (the later ones are weak). Sax Rohmer captured the moody and threatening atmosphere of magic and menace in his non-series books like BROOD OF THE WITCH-QUEEN and THE QUEST OF THE SACRED SLIPPER. Stark House is doing readers a favor by returning these novels to print.
Gotta love Stark House!
Bill, I’m a big fan of STARK HOUSE! They’re reprinting GOOD STUFF!
They are, though I love those Pyramid covers. I used to pick up the old, obscure Rohmer titles in England all the time. Most of them were so heavily read that the books were practically falling apart.
Jeff, Sax Rohmer was a best-selling writer back in the day. Like you, I love the Teason covers on the Pyramid paperbacks. Teason did a great job with Agatha Christie paperback covers, too.
I”ve had some of these, not sure if I read them. From your description, I’d like those 2. I’ll have to check to see if any made it thru “the great book purge”
Maggie, you should keep BROOD OF THE WITCH QUEEN and THE QUEST OF THE SACRED SLIPPER just for the great cover artwork!
Quote: “the now politically incorrect Fu Manchu books”. They’re books, fee crissakes, not venomous vipers. Give the politically incorrect thing a rest, will ya?
I prefer his Fu Manchu books to the others, at least the ones I’ve read.
Rick, some people take offense at Sax Rohmer’s “Yellow Peril” message of Fu Manchu trying to take over the world.
It’s possible some people can’t separate fiction from everyday life…
Rick, too many people are living in their “bubbles” and only listen to news and “facts” that are consistent with their world-view. That’s one reason why our country has so many problems.
I also remember those FuManChu stories – but wasn’t really fascinated by them.
A bit OT:
Afaik it was probably the German emperor who coined this or at least made it popular: “Die gelbe Gefahr”:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Peril
And even more OT:
When I was on business in Bejing 26 years ago we were surprised by the number of people that taxi drivers were able to put into their tiny Japanese taxis – which were all painted yellow, From the way they were driving I started to call them “The yellow peril” …
Wolf, back in the 1960s when Pyramid Books first reprinted the Fu Manchu series, they were very popular. Today, our perspective on China has changed quite a bit.
Or not. I shouldn’t comment before I’ve had my coffee, but the PC thing gets my goat.
Rick, like you I need a cup of coffee (or six!) before I feel Normal in the morning!
I’d give BROOD OF THE WITCH QUEEN an A+. It’s hands down my favorite of all of Rohmer’s supernatural novels. All of his occult villains in every book written afterward are direct descendants of Antony Ferrara who came first having been created in 1918.
I’m with Rick on the constant use of PC being retroactively applied to old books and movies. The term itself is hogwash and always has been, IMO.
John, you’re right about Antony Ferrara. He’s the template for all the occult and Black Magic villains after 1918! I’m with you (and Rick) on political correctness, but let’s face it: people are banning Mark Twain’s books in schools because of his “language.”
Six cheers for Stark House! Only Rohmer of read–and that long long ago–had Fu Manchu as a character. I might should dip into him again one day soon.
Matt, I’m fond of the early Fu Manchu’s where the action took place at a breathless pace!
…I’ve…
I’m aa Sax Rohmer fan, Glad these er still fun.
Scott, Sax Rohmer can create a scene of dread better than most horror writers!