Valancourt Books discussion

Neglected Gothic novelist Henry Summersett had a gift for choosing alluring titles for his books, and THE WORST OF STAINS (1804) is no exception. After critics condemned his MARTYN OF FENROSE; or, THE WIZARD AND THE SWORD, as blasphemous, Summersett tried a different approach, ostensibly writing a moral tale on the importance of marital fidelity. Ironically, though, the novel eventually devolves into something more shocking and horrific than anything found in his Gothic tales. Never before reprinted and surviving in only one known copy worldwide, Summersett's novel is republished here in hardcover with a new introduction & notes by Steve Orman. Also, don't miss our recent paperback reissues of Summersett's LEOPOLD WARNDORF and Edward Montague's THE CASTLE OF BERRY POMEROY.



Book description

An updating of Shakespeare's Othello, Summersett's tale of love, jealousy, vengeance, and murder was first published in 1804 in an edition now so rare that only one copy is known to survive. This first-ever republication of the novel features a new introduction and notes by Steve Orman of Canterbury Christ Church University and a reproduction of the title page of the original edition.

Read more about The Worst of Stains and find links to purchase here:

http://www.valancourtbooks.com/the-wo...

Also, check out the editor Steve Orman's website dedicated to unearthing Henry Summersett's life and works:

http://henrysummersett.wordpress.com