DEEP, DARK & UNSETTLING: 100+ Gothic Classics in One Edition

by Charles Dickens, Friedrich Schiller, Oscar Wilde

DEEP, DARK & 100+ Gothic Classics in One Edition presents a rich tapestry of Gothic literature, encompassing a wide range of themes from the macabre to the mysterious, and styles from the romantic to the grotesque. This anthology skillfully compiles works from the significant period of the late 18th century through the 19th century, encapsulating the evolution of the Gothic genre. The collection stands out for its inclusion of seminal pieces that have shaped and defined Gothic literature, offering readers an unparalleled journey through dark castles, eerie landscapes, and complex psychological depths, without focusing on the contributions of one single author but celebrating the collective genius of the era. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from diverse cultural and literary backgrounds, reflect the rich tapestry of the Gothic tradition. Figures such as Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and Bram Stoker, among others, bring to the collection their unique voices, informed by the social, historical, and literary movements of their time. Through this anthology, the reader gains insight into the collective consciousness that fueled the Gothic movement, understanding its reflection of societal anxieties and the exploration of the human condition in its darkest forms. This anthology is not merely a collection of stories; it is an invitation to witness the convergence of remarkable literary talents across different periods and regions. DEEP, DARK & UNSETTLING offers readers an exceptional opportunity to explore the depths of Gothic literature, presenting works that span a variety of themes and narrative styles. For educators, enthusiasts, and students of literature, this collection serves as a comprehensive exploration of the Gothic genre's evolution, its impact on popular culture, and its enduring legacy. Engaging with this collection promises not only educational value but also a captivating experience, as it fosters a dialogue between the haunting works of the past and the contemporary reader's imagination.

23050 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2023

About the author

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.

(from Wikipedia)