Quick Take

Tales include The Doll, Running Wolf, The Little Beggar, The Occupant of the Room, The Man Whom the Trees Loved, The Valley of the Beasts, The South Wind, The Man Who Was Milligan, The Trod, The Terror of the Twins, The Deferred Appointment, Accessory Before the Fact, The Glamour of the Snow, The House of the Past, The Decoy, The Tradition, The Touch of Pan, Entrance and Exit, The Pikestaffe Case, The Empty Sleeve, Violence, and The Lost Valley.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Tales Of The Uncanny And Supernatural

Introduction

"Tales Of The Uncanny And Supernatural" by Algernon Blackwood is a collection of short stories that delve into the realm of the unknown and the supernatural. Blackwood, an accomplished author known for his mastery of weird atmosphere, presents a diverse range of tales that explore themes of nature, the occult, and the human psyche. This article will provide a comprehensive review of the book, highlighting its strengths, common opinions from readers, and reasons for both recommendation and not recommendation.

About Algernon Blackwood

Algernon Blackwood, born in Shooter's Hill, was an English author known for his contributions to the genre of weird fiction. He began writing in his late thirties and quickly gained recognition for his ability to create atmospheric tales that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. Blackwood's stories often feature elements of nature, spiritualism, and the occult, reflecting his own fascination with these subjects. His most famous work, "The Willows," is considered one of the best weird tales of all time. In addition to his short stories, Blackwood wrote novels, plays, and children's books.

Analysis of Views

Atmospheric and Subtle: Many readers praise Blackwood's ability to create a sense of unease and atmosphere in his stories. His writing style is described as subtle and considerate, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged.
Variety of Themes: The collection spans a range of themes, including horror, the supernatural, and even romance with a touch of the uncanny. Readers appreciate the diversity of Blackwood's stories and find something to enjoy in each tale.
Psychological Depth: Blackwood's stories often explore the human psyche and the yearning for connection with others. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and introspection found in these tales, which add depth to the supernatural elements.
Weird Fiction Master: Algernon Blackwood is widely regarded as a master of weird fiction, and readers who have read "The Willows" find that this collection showcases his talent even more. The stories in this collection are considered some of his best works outside of "The Willows."
Typos in the Edition: A few readers mention that their edition contained typos and scanning-and-spellcheck errors, which made reading the book a trial at times. However, these readers still recommend the collection overall due to the quality of Blackwood's writing and the standout stories within it.

Reasons for Recommendation

Masterful Storytelling: Algernon Blackwood's ability to create atmospheric stories with subtlety and psychological depth is highly praised by readers. His mastery of weird fiction makes this collection a must-read for fans of the genre.
Variety of Themes: The collection offers a diverse range of themes, allowing readers to explore different aspects of Blackwood's writing style and interests. The variety ensures that there is something for everyone within these pages.
Emotional Depth: Many readers appreciate the emotional depth found in Blackwood's stories. His exploration of human relationships and connections adds depth to the supernatural elements, making these tales more than just horror or fantasy stories.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Typos in the Edition: A few readers mention that their edition contained typos and scanning-and-spellcheck errors, which detracted from their reading experience. While these issues do not affect the overall quality of the book, they are a factor to consider when deciding whether to purchase this edition.

Conclusion

"Tales Of The Uncanny And Supernatural" by Algernon Blackwood is a highly recommended collection of short stories that showcases the author's mastery of weird fiction. With its diverse range of themes and atmospheric storytelling, this book offers something for fans of horror, the supernatural, and those seeking psychological depth in their reading. While a few readers have experienced issues with typos in their edition, the overall quality of Blackwood's writing and the standout stories within this collection make it a worthy addition to any bookshelf.