Conradin from “Sredni Vashtar”
As of this posting, Halloween is 19 days away. So I thought I’d use this post, and the next two, to talk a bit about some of my favorite tales of terror.
There are quite a number of them, and I certainly won’t be able to cover them all. In fact, I’m only going to talk about a few. I’m going to focus on those that have made the greatest impression. Which means, I’ll mostly be talking about stories I read years ago. Oldies, but goodies.
There are five stories that stand out in my memory from up to the time I was 10 or 11 years old. Stories that have stayed with me all these years, and, I suppose, have exerted a subtle influence on my reading and writing preferences.
The Adventure Of The Engineer’s Thumb
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a prolific writer across several genres, including horror. Although today, he’s mostly remembered for Sherlock Holmes—whom he grew to loathe.
Within the Sherlock Holmes canon, there are two outstanding tales of Gothic suspense: the well-known The Hound Of The Baskervilles, and the lesser known “The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb”. I read the tale of the “Engineer’s Thumb” long before the “Hound”, and to this day the gruesome story holds a macabre fascination for me.
With the glut of gruesome and grotesque fair on TV and in books, the “Engineer’s Thumb” is quite tame by today’s standards. Nevertheless, Doyle’s skillful use of atmosphere captivated my young mind and I’ve been fascinated with the story ever since. I think it a superb gothic tale. Read it here, and see if you don’t agree.
The Cask of Amontillado
Edgar Allan Poe still reigns as king of terror, 189 years after publication of his first horror story.
For me, “The Cask of Amontillado” stands out as a masterpiece of terror. The story is not long, yet it captivates you from the very first line. I’ve read a lot of Poe, and this story still stands as one of my all-time favorites.
You can read it here. And I encourage you to do so.
The Colour Out of Space
HP Lovecraft is ranked as the crown prince of terror. Second only to Poe. Personally, I have mixed feelings about HPL. When he’s good, he’s among the very best. But when he’s off the mark, he can be downright horrid. He was, IMO, a very uneven writer.
The first story I ever read by Lovecraft was “The Colour Out of Space”, anthologized by Groff Conklin in The Omnibus of Science Fiction. Which is an excellent anthology of early SF, by the way. Out of print, but used copies are available.
IMO, “The Colour Out of Space” is HPL’s best story. It is a tale of slowburn horror that leaves you with goosebumps and a lingering feeling of dread and uneasiness. The story is not melodramatic as many of Lovecraft’s stories are. “Colour” is superbly crafted from beginning to end. It has stayed with me for 60 or more years, and loses nothing upon re-reading. Read it here. It is one of the all time great tales of terror.
Silent Snow, Secret Snow
“Silent Snow, Secret Snow” is Conrad Aiken’s best-known short story. Once you’ve read it, you’ll know why. It is a powerful story with multiple interpretations and meanings.
I was in elementary school when I first read the story. It made an immediate impression, and 60+ years later I still feel the subtle horror of the tale. It is truly one of the all-time great masterpieces of terror. Read it here for free.
Sredni Vashtar
Saki was the pen name of HH Munro. He was a brilliant writer who was killed in the War to End All Wars. A tragic waste of a life that was so much greater than the conflict that took it.
I was in elementary school when I was introduced to Saki’s tales of terror. The one that has stayed with me the 6 decades since reading them, is “Sredni Vashtar”. A profound story in what I call the “evil child” genre.
The story is short, less than 3,000 words, I believe. But don’t let the shortness fool you. Saki gives you everything you need to walk away with a lingering feeling of dis-ease. The ending packs a punch you won’t ever forget. And if you were ever a child and suffered at the hands of the adult world, I think you’ll love the story. It may even become your favorite. As it may well be mine. You can read it here.
There you have them: 5 stories from my childhood that remain vivid in my memory and imagination. Hopefully, you’ll find them as terrifying as I still do.
Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!
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