Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu se erigió como un preeminente autor irlandés de la era victoriana, celebrado por su dominio de los cuentos góticos y las novelas de misterio. Fue una figura central en el desarrollo del género de historias de fantasmas, dando forma significativamente a su trayectoria. La habilidad de Le Fanu para crear suspense y evocar atmósferas escalofriantes solidifica su posición entre los escritores más importantes de la ficción sobrenatural del siglo XIX. Sus obras continúan cautivando a los lectores con su profundidad psicológica y sus inquietantes exploraciones.
Carmilla, el clásico vampírico de Joseph SheridanLe Fanu, se anticipó en un cuarto de siglo al Drácula de Bram Stoker, pero su valor va mucho más allá que el de ser el antecedente femenino del famoso conde de Transilvania. La escabrosa y atrevida relación entre sus protagonistas, Laura y Carmilla, aún hoy resulta sorprendente. La temática de la femme fatale alcanza aquí su máximo exponente, y los ecos de esta magnífica novela gótica la convierten en uno de los principales referentes del terror que se escribe en la actualidad. Todo un clásico cuya lectura hará las delicias de los amantes del género.
Exploring themes of guilt and divine retribution, the narrative delves into the protagonist's struggle with their belief in a powerful, fearsome deity. As the story unfolds, it examines the consequences of one's actions and the moral dilemmas faced when confronting personal and spiritual truths. The tension between faith and fear drives the plot, highlighting the complexity of the human experience in relation to the divine.
Volume 5-Including One Novel, 'The Rose and the Key, ' One Novelette, 'Spalatro,
584 páginas
21 horas de lectura
This installment continues the captivating exploration of supernatural themes and eerie narratives characteristic of its acclaimed author, renowned as the "grandfather of the ghost story." Readers can expect a blend of chilling tales and rich atmospheric writing that delves into the unknown, showcasing the author's mastery in crafting suspenseful and haunting stories that have influenced the genre for generations. The collection promises to engage fans of classic ghost stories and those intrigued by the darker aspects of human experience.
Volume 4-Including One Novel, 'The Wyvern Mystery, ' One Novelette, 'Mr. Justice
584 páginas
21 horas de lectura
This volume continues the compelling exploration of supernatural themes and haunting narratives characteristic of its author, known as the 'grandfather of the ghost story.' Readers can expect a rich tapestry of chilling tales that delve into the eerie and the uncanny, showcasing the author's mastery in crafting suspenseful atmospheres and unforgettable characters. This installment contributes to the overarching collection that has captivated audiences with its blend of horror and literary finesse.
Volume 1-Including Two Novels, 'The Haunted Baronet' and 'The Evil Guest, ' One N
576 páginas
21 horas de lectura
This collection marks the beginning of an eight-volume series by a renowned author known as the grandfather of the ghost story. It showcases a captivating blend of supernatural elements and chilling narratives that have influenced the horror genre. Readers can expect to encounter eerie atmospheres, haunting characters, and timeless themes that explore the unknown and the afterlife, setting the stage for the subsequent volumes in the series.
Volume 2-Including One Novel, 'Uncle Silas, ' One Novelette, 'Green Tea' and Five
572 páginas
21 horas de lectura
This second volume continues the captivating journey through a renowned eight-book collection by a master of ghost stories. Focusing on chilling narratives and atmospheric settings, it delves deeper into the supernatural, exploring themes of fear, the unknown, and the afterlife. Readers can expect a blend of classic storytelling and eerie encounters that highlight the author's skill in crafting haunting tales that resonate with both historical and modern audiences.
Volume 8-Including One Novel, 'a Lost Name, ' One Novelette, 'The Last Heir of CA
584 páginas
21 horas de lectura
This concluding volume of an extensive eight-book collection showcases the works of a master storyteller renowned for pioneering the ghost story genre. Featuring a blend of chilling narratives and intricate character development, it encapsulates the essence of supernatural tales that have captivated readers for generations. The collection highlights the author's unique style and thematic depth, making it a significant addition to the literature of the macabre.
This Gothic novella tells the story of a young woman's susceptibility to the attentions of a female vampire named Carmilla. Carmilla predates Bram Stoker's Dracula by 25 years, and has been adapted many times for cinema. Although Carmilla is a lesser known and far shorter Gothic vampire story than the generally-considered master work of that genre, Dracula, the latter is heavily influenced by Le Fanu's short story.
This volume continues the exploration of supernatural tales from a master of the genre, renowned for his chilling narratives. It delves into themes of the unknown and the eerie, featuring a mix of haunting characters and unsettling scenarios. Each story builds upon the rich tradition of ghostly folklore, captivating readers with suspense and intrigue. This collection promises to deepen the reader's appreciation for the art of ghost storytelling, showcasing the author's unique voice and imaginative prowess.
A nobleman strikes an agreement he will soon regret. A drunk man receives a startling vision of life after death. A struggling painter's apprentice falls in love with his master's niece, only to see her given in marriage to an older, wealthier man. Mysterious and Horrific Stories is a collection of Gothic tales by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.
[ Penguin Readers Level 3 ] The dead man of Varley Grange / Anonymous -- The ghost detective / Mark Lemon -- The dream / Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu -- The man with two shadows / Tom Hood -- The ghost in the Bank of England / Anonymous -- The Italian's story / Catherine Crowe
Volume 7-Including Two Novels, 'All in the Dark' and 'The Room in the Dragon Vola
580 páginas
21 horas de lectura
This volume continues the captivating exploration of supernatural themes and chilling narratives that define the collection. Known for his masterful storytelling, the author delves into eerie encounters and haunting characters, enriching the reader's experience with suspense and intrigue. As the series approaches its conclusion, it promises to deepen the mysteries and complexities established in earlier installments, making it a must-read for fans of ghost stories and classic horror literature.
Here are 16 classic ghost stories: "Carmilla" (perhaps the classic vampire thriller), "Green Tea", "The Familiar", "The Haunted Baronet", "Madam Crowl's Ghost", "The Dead Sexton", "An Authentic Narrative of a Haunted House" plus nine others. Half these stories never published before in U.S.
Featuring 15 classic tales from iconic gothic authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley, this collection immerses readers in the genre's eerie landscapes filled with supernatural forces and unsettling emotions. Set against backdrops of crumbling castles and haunted manors, these stories explore themes of mystery, lost secrets, and shocking violence. The luxury hardback edition showcases striking sprayed edge designs, enhancing the allure of these timeless narratives that pushed the boundaries of fiction in the 18th century.
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu is regarded as one of the earliest works of vampire fiction whose enduring influence is recognized in every modern vampire tale.
Featuring 15 classic ghost stories from renowned authors, this anthology immerses readers in the eerie charm of the paranormal. It showcases tales from the Golden Age of ghost storytelling, including haunted mansions, dark crypts, and vengeful curses. Acclaimed writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Sheridan Le Fanu, and M. R. James bring these supernatural delights to life, making this beautifully presented edition a perfect gift for fans of the genre.
Aiming to firmly position Sheridan Le Fanu alongside other canonical horror
writers published by the British Library, this anthology focuses on some of
his lesser-known stories, exploring eight thoroughly Gothic tales of murderous
families, dark castles and ghosts whose business with the living remains
unfinished.
A young heiress finds herself caught in the sinister plots of her mysterious
Uncle Silas. A new edition of Le Fanu's best known work and an exemplary piece
of sensation fiction, with an introduction and notes by Claire Connolly.
Set in the atmospheric backdrop of flickering candlelight, this collection features chilling stories from renowned Victorian writers such as Sheridan Le Fanu, Catherine Crowe, and Mary Elizabeth Braddon. Each tale captures the eerie essence of the era, showcasing the authors' mastery in crafting suspenseful narratives that delve into the supernatural and the uncanny. These haunting stories reflect the Victorian fascination with the mysterious and the macabre, inviting readers into a world of ghostly encounters and psychological intrigue.
Set in a historical context, this novel blends mystery and historical fiction, showcasing Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's innovative storytelling. Its intricate side plots and extensive frame narrative highlight Le Fanu's influence on literary greats like Bram Stoker and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Additionally, it serves as a significant inspiration for James Joyce's Finnegans Wake, marking its importance in the evolution of narrative techniques in literature.
The great M.R. James, who collected and introduces the stories in this book,
considered that Le Fanu 'stands absolutely in the first rank as a writer of
ghost stories.'
A collection of tales of the supernatural, in which the patients of Dr Heselius are plagued by malignant apparitions and vampires, or are drugged into a state of living death.
Laura and her father live quietly in a castle in the middle of a thick forest, but their lives change when beautiful, strange Carmilla becomes their guest. People start dying, and Laura also becomes ill. Laura’s father is worried. Will his daughter die too? Or can the deaths be stopped?
Introduction by Ray Bradbury. 22 bewitching stories of Irish magic and mystery. An exceptional anthology of folklore and fright. Features an all-star cast: James Joyce, H.P. Lovecraft, W.B. Yeats, Daniel Defoe, Ray Bradbury, Oscar Wilde, et al. Covers the dark and supernatural from the 12th century to the present day. CONTENTS "The Legend of Fin M'Coul" by William Carleton "The Fairies' Revenge" by Sinead de Valera "The Coonian Ghost" by Shane Leslie "The Friendly Demon" by Daniel Defoe "Hell Fire" by James Joyce "The House In The Laurels" by William Hope Hodgson "The Man-Wolf" by Giraldus Cambrensis "Witches, Fairies and Leprechauns" by Lady Wilde "Wicked Captain Walshawe" by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu "A Wild Night In Galway" by Ray Bradbury "Teig O'Kane and the Corpse" by Anonymous "The Canterville Ghost" by Oscar Wilde "The Banshee's Warning" by Charlotte Riddell "Julia Cahill's Curse" by George Moore "The Haunted Spinney" by Elliott O'Donnell "The Moon-Bog" by H.P. Lovecraft "The Parricide's Tale" by Charles Robert Maturin "The Crucifixion of the Outcast" by William Butler Yeats "The Dead Smile" by Francis Marion Crawford "The Soul Cages" by T. Crofton Croker "The Man From Kilsheelan" by A.E. Coppard "Witch Wood" by Lord Dunsany
Gothic Classics presents Ann Radcliffe's archetypal gothic novel The Mysteries of Udopho, adapted by Antonella Caputo and Carlo Vergara. Plus: Jane Austen's gothic parody Northanger Abbey" by Trina Robbins and Anne Timmons; and Poe's "The Oval Portrait" by Malaysian illustrator Leong Wan Kok. Also "At the Gate," a ghost story with dogs by Myla Jo Closser, illustrated by Shary Flenniken;, and J. Sheridan Le Fanu's great vampire tale "Carmilla," by Rod Lott and Lisa K. Weber. With a dramatic cover painting from "Carmilla" by Lisa K. Weber.
In a haunting rural English setting, the arrival of a mysterious stranger at the Haldane family estate triggers a series of unsettling events. The narrative weaves elements of suspense and supernatural intrigue, characteristic of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's Gothic style. As the story unfolds, the family's secrets and the stranger's true intentions come to light, creating a chilling atmosphere that captivates readers with its exploration of fear and the unknown.
Three short stories, and three ghosts jump out of the pages of these adaptations of classic English ghost mysteries. Includes activities at the end of the story.
The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of tumultuous family history marked by rivalry and intrigue. As the wedding of Mark Wylder and Dorcas Brandon approaches, Mark's mysterious disappearance sends shockwaves through the family. With his letters arriving from Europe, the tension escalates as Captain Stanley Lake, a menacing presence, appears to stake his claim on Dorcas, complicating the already fraught dynamics at Brandon Hall. Secrets and dark motives intertwine, leading to a gripping tale of love and betrayal.
This anthology showcases Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's mastery of Gothic literature through a collection of chilling tales that explore the supernatural. With a focus on atmospheric suspense, the stories feature malevolent spirits and eerie mysteries that delve into the darkest fears of humanity. Le Fanu's intricate storytelling and evocative prose transport readers to haunted settings and tragic encounters, making this work a significant contribution to the genre, rich with macabre intrigue and timeless terror.
Forrest J Ackerman, a prominent figure in horror and sci-fi literature, created a unique gathering space in his Ackermansion, located in the Hollywood Hills. Every Saturday night, he hosted friends and guests, sharing food and enjoying readings of beloved stories from the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres. This vibrant tradition fostered a sense of community among enthusiasts, highlighting Ackerman's passion for storytelling and his influence in the literary world.
Volume 6-Including One Novel, 'Checkmate, ' and Six Short Stories of the Ghostly
572 páginas
21 horas de lectura
This volume continues the legacy of a master storyteller known for pioneering the ghost story genre. It features a captivating blend of supernatural elements and rich character development, drawing readers into eerie and atmospheric tales. Each story explores themes of fear, the unknown, and the human psyche, making it a compelling addition to the collection. Fans of classic horror will appreciate the intricate narratives and haunting settings that define this esteemed author's work.
Focusing on accessibility, this book is a reproduction of a historical work presented in large print, catering specifically to individuals with impaired vision. Published by Megali, a company dedicated to enhancing readability, it aims to provide a more inclusive reading experience while preserving the original content.
The book is a reproduction of a historical work, presented in large print to enhance accessibility for readers with impaired vision. Published by Megali, a house dedicated to making historical texts more readable, this edition focuses on preserving the original content while ensuring that it is easier to engage with for those who may struggle with standard print sizes.
Set in Ireland, this novel intricately weaves themes of love, betrayal, and the repercussions of actions through complex character relationships. Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, a master of gothic and supernatural fiction, crafts a tale filled with mysterious figures who significantly impact the drama. Originally serialized in 1871, it stands as a noteworthy yet lesser-known addition to both the gothic fiction genre and Victorian-era literature, showcasing Le Fanu's signature blend of psychological depth and intrigue.
The publishing house Megali focuses on reproducing historical works in large print, specifically designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with impaired vision. This initiative aims to make classic literature more readable and enjoyable for a broader audience, ensuring that important historical texts remain available to all.
The narrative centers on female empowerment and the challenges women face in a male-dominated society. Through a series of engaging stories, it highlights the journeys of diverse women who break barriers and redefine their roles. Each character embodies resilience and strength, showcasing their unique struggles and triumphs. Themes of sisterhood, ambition, and the quest for equality resonate throughout, making it a compelling read that inspires and uplifts.
An influential figure in Gothic and horror fiction, Le Fanu is celebrated for his masterful ghost stories that shaped the Victorian genre. His notable works include the locked-room mystery "Uncle Silas," the groundbreaking lesbian vampire tale "Carmilla," and the historical narrative "The House by the Churchyard." Renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship, he often revisited and refined themes from his previous writings, solidifying his status as a key writer in the evolution of horror literature.
With Twenty-One Illustrations by Brinsley Sheridan Le Fanu
222 páginas
8 horas de lectura
A captain grapples with haunting demons from his past, both figuratively and literally, as he embarks on a perilous journey. Facing supernatural challenges, he must confront his fears and seek redemption while navigating a world filled with danger and intrigue. The story blends adventure with elements of the supernatural, exploring themes of courage, guilt, and the quest for inner peace.
This collection showcases the masterful early Victorian gothic and horror tales by Le Fanu, whose work significantly influenced later writers. Notably, his vampire story "Carmilla" served as a precursor to Bram Stoker's "Dracula," highlighting Le Fanu's pivotal role in the genre. The anthology also reflects the stylistic elements that inspired M.R. James, making it an essential read for enthusiasts of classic horror literature.
This book is a large print reproduction of a historical work, aimed at enhancing accessibility for readers with impaired vision. Published by Megali, a house known for its commitment to bringing historical texts to a wider audience, it maintains the integrity of the original while ensuring readability.
This collection features seven notable ghost stories selected for their significance and chilling narratives. Curated by critic Augst Nemo, the anthology includes works by renowned authors such as Sheridan Le Fanu, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Rudyard Kipling, each exploring themes of haunted spaces and tormented souls. Additionally, readers will find a bonus essay, "Supernatural Horror in Literature," by the influential H. P. Lovecraft, providing further insight into the genre's impact and evolution.
Set in an isolated Austrian castle, the narrative unfolds as Laura, living a lonely life with her father, encounters the captivating Carmilla after a mysterious carriage crash. Their intense friendship is marked by eerie events and deepening eroticism, leading Laura into a nightmarish spiral of weakness and obsession. This beautifully designed edition of the original vampire tale, predating Dracula, explores themes of obsessive love and gothic horror, making it a compelling read for both young adults and fans of classic vampire literature.
Set against a backdrop of Victorian obsessions, the story explores the sinister relationship between Silas, an opium-addicted uncle, and his niece Maud. As Silas manifests as a ghostly figure, he harbors ulterior motives concerning Maud's inheritance. Themes of spiritualism, greed, and corruption intertwine, creating a chilling atmosphere that highlights the darker aspects of human desire and ambition. This classic novel stands out as a significant work of spiritual terror from one of the genre's true masters.
Set in a chilling world of dark seduction, this classic gothic novella combines elements of supernatural terror with early vampire fiction. It explores themes of haunting romance and feminism, offering a unique perspective on love and desire amidst eerie and unsettling circumstances.
Born into a literary family in Dublin, Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu developed a passion for writing early on, publishing his first story by 1838. His works often reflect themes of gothic horror, nostalgia for Ireland's dispossessed Catholic aristocracy, and psychological fear. After marrying Susanna Bennett, whose mental health struggles deeply affected him, he channeled his grief into his writing. Le Fanu became a prominent figure in 19th-century supernatural literature, known for novels like Wylder's Hand and In a Glass Darkly, before his death in 1873.
Set in a Gothic backdrop, the story features the enigmatic and lethal vampire Carmilla, whose presence evokes themes of forbidden love and terror. This influential novel by J. Sheridan LeFanu not only captivates with its chilling narrative but also paved the way for future classics in the genre, including works by Bram Stoker and Robert Louis Stevenson. The tale intertwines elements of passion and dread, creating a haunting atmosphere that resonates throughout the narrative.
This book is a reproduction of a historical work, specifically designed to cater to readers with impaired vision through large print formatting. The publishing house Megali focuses on making these important texts more accessible, ensuring that significant works from the past can be enjoyed by a wider audience.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu was a prominent Irish author celebrated for his gothic and supernatural fiction in the 19th century. He is best known for influential works like "Carmilla" and "Uncle Silas," which showcase his mastery of eerie atmospheres and complex characters. His writings often explore themes of the supernatural, identity, and the uncanny, making significant contributions to the genre. If you're interested in his known works or other related topics, feel free to inquire further.
La verde e tormentata terra d’Irlanda è patria di alcuni dei più importanti scrittori della letteratura. Jonathan Swift, con la sua ironia sferzante, descrive nei Viaggi di Gulliver le assurdità dell’Europa settecentesca attraverso le immaginarie popolazioni di Lilliput e Brobdingnag. Sterne, con il suo Viaggio sentimentale, rompe le regole della narrativa tradizionale, concentrandosi sulle sensazioni interiori piuttosto che su paesaggi e personaggi. Con Le Fanu, entriamo nel filone ottocentesco che esplora gli aspetti più oscuri dell’esperienza umana, dando vita a capolavori del terrore come Carmilla e Dracula. Oscar Wilde, poeta geniale e sfortunato, narra la storia di Dorian Gray, un mostro dalla giovinezza sospetta. Al contrario, Yeats ci offre un mondo incantato, popolato da elfi e fantasmi, presentando una panoramica del folclore irlandese. Infine, James Joyce, con il suo capolavoro Ulisse, ha avuto un ruolo cruciale nella nascita della letteratura moderna. Attraverso il realismo minuzioso delle quindici storie di Gente di Dublino, Joyce ha elevato il racconto breve a un nuovo livello artistico, rendendolo il genere letterario più moderno.
Die Erzählungen wurden den Bänden In a glass darkly und Best ghost stories of J.S. Le Fanu entnommen. Erschien 1968 zus. mit einer weiteren Erzählung u. d. T. Carmilla und vier andere unheimliche Geschichten im Diogenes-Verlag. Enthält: Der ehrenwerte Herr Richter Harbottle ; Junker Tobys Testament ; Der Verfolger ; Grüner Tee.
Carmilla je gotická novela Josepha Sheridana Le Fanu. Poprvé byla publikována v roce 1872 a vypráví příběh mladé ženy, jež podlehla vlivu upírky jménem Carmilla.
S příběhem, který zde předkládám čtenářům, mě seznámil doktor Hesselius. Tento vynikající učenec k němu dokonce připojil poměrně podrobný výklad, kde se odvolává na svou vědeckou práci, věnovanou onomu pozoruhodnému jevu, který je podkladem pro toto vyprávění.
Ve vědecké práci, která tvoří pouze jeden z četných svazků sebraných spisů tohoto vynikajícího vědce, rozebírá autor záhadný jev jako vždy erudovaně, vtipně, stručně a neobyčejně otevřeně.
Já ovšem seznamuji s tímto případem pouze "laickou veřejnost", a proto nepovažuji za vhodné připojit cokoliv dalšího ke slovům oné vzdělané dámy, která jej líčí. Z téhož důvodu neuveřejním ani obsah doktorovy vědecké práce, ani nějaký jiný výňatek z jeho výkladu o jevu, o němž je hluboce přesvědčen, že je "bezesporu jednou z nejhlubších záhad naší podvojné existence a jejích vývojových stadií".
Vědecká práce doktora Hesselia ve mně vznítila touhu navázat na doktorovu dlouholetou korespondenci s onou vzdělanou a důkladnou informátorkou. Bohužel jsem zjistil, že dotyčná již mezitím zemřela. Jinak by mohla jistě řadou dalších poznatků doplnit příběh, který tak neobyčejně pečlivě - jak mi alespoň připadá - líčí na následujících stránkách.
Le cento più belle storie di spettri - Edizioni integrali
1024 páginas
36 horas de lectura
Quella che presentiamo è la più vasta antologia di racconti sui fantasmi oggi disponibile. Questa raccolta, infatti, copre un arco temporale che va dal Fantasma che stava in tutte le stanze di Daniel Defoe (1712) ai giorni nostri. Tratti dalla migliore narrativa del Soprannaturale di tutto il mondo, i cento racconti proposti in questo volume testimoniano di una tendenza a considerare il Fantastico non tanto come un mondo differente e alternativo al reale, ma piuttosto come una sorta di estensione diuest'ultimo in territori normalmente inesplorati. I tetri castelli sassoni, le algide caligini delle Highlands e le desolate brughiere americane ed europee fanno da sfondo alle storie sull'Aldilà, sulle anime vaganti e sui tormenti dei d nnati e degli empi, create dai maggiori scrittori a livello mondiale.
Ecco tre storie dell'iniziatore del filone degli Indagatori dell'Incubo: protagonista un medico-esoterista, il dr. Hesselius, che indaga su casi assolutamente fuori dell'ordinario, dimostrando un eccezionale spirito analitico anche di fronte alle implicazioni di tipo soprannaturale. La figura di Hesselius diede origine a un vero e proprio topos nell'ambito della Narrativa Fantastica e servì da modello, in Inghilterra, per il "Carnacki" di Hodgson, l'"antiquario" di James e, soprattutto, per il "John Silence" di Blackwood. Parallelamente, in America diede origine o figure popolarissime come "Jules de Grandin" di Quinn o "John Thurston" di Wellman.Contiene: "Il giudice" - "Il patto col Diavolo" - "La persecuzione"
Volně zpracováno podle stejnojmenného románu Josepha Sheridana Le Fanu. Podkladem dobrodružného románu s prvky nadpřirozena, děsu, detektivního pátrání a humoru je stejnojmenný román anglického spisovatele minulého století. Nález prostřelené lebky, pátrání po vrahovi, jeho dopadení a usvědčení ahonosná šlechtická svatba to jsou hlavní body napínavého děje, který se odehrává před dvěma sty lety v Irsku a zejména v Dublinu a který zavádí mezi důstojníky, vesnické lékaře, faráře, obchodníky a šlechtické hodnostáře.
Vzrušující román s kriminální zápletkou zavádí do sídla zchudlého zdegenerovaného šlechtického rodu v Anglii minulého století. Sedmnáctiletá dívka, žijící po smrti otce na panství u svého strýce, objasňuje historii dvou vražd, které poznamenaly krví její rodinu.
Klenot sedmi hvězd od Brama Stokera a Carmilla od Josepha Sheridana Le Fanu v jednom vydání.
V tajemném Údolí kouzelníka, obávaném i odvážnými beduíny, spí v hrobce královna Tera, mocná panovnice z thébské dynastie. Její nadčasová krása a síla nadále ohrožují kněžstvo, které se snaží vymazat její jméno. Tera sní o znovuzrození v daleké zemi na severu. O tisíciletí později objevuje místo jejího odpočinku Nicholas van Huyn, následovaný egyptology Eugenem Corbeckem a Abelem Trelawnym.
Dále se příběh zaměřuje na vampýrský horor Josepha Sheridana Le Fanu, jehož hlavní postava, Carmilla, ovlivnila moderní hororovou literaturu. Laura, devatenáctiletá dívka žijící se svým otcem na zámku ve Štýrsku, prožívá dětství plné lásky a přepychu. Touží po romantickém vztahu, což je v devatenáctém století pro neprovdanou dívku obtížné, a tak hledá útěchu v náručí přítelkyň. Když její blízká přítelkyně Berta náhle umírá, na scénu přichází tajemná a okouzlující Carmilla, která se zdá být ideální náhradou za ztracenou přítelkyni.
Překlad a převyprávění zajistil Josef Pepson Snětivý.
Wer ist dieser sonderbar leichenstarre 'Mijnheer Vanderhausen' aus Rotterdam, der da in Leyden die heimliche Braut und erste große Liebe des jungen Malers Godfred Schalken (164 3-1706) zur Frau begehrt und – bekommt? Und wohin entschwand die Sänfte, in der die seltsam altmodisch gekleideten Männer die weinende Rose Velderkaust davontrugen? Hat Schalken, Jahre später, im Grabgewölbe der St. Laurentiuskirche den Geist der Verschollenen erblickt? Es bleiben nur schaudernde Mutmaßungen …
Carmilla ist eine Novelle von Sheridan Le Fanu aus dem Jahr 1872, die von der Begegnung einer jungen Frau mit einem weiblichen Vampir erzählt. Die Geschichte erschien zuerst in der Zeitschrift The Dark Blue und später in dem Sammelband In a Glass Darkly. Draculas Gast gilt als das ursprüngliche erste Kapitel von „Dracula“ und wurde 1914 veröffentlicht.