Ladies in Black

The first Leonaur collection of outstanding tales by female supernatural fiction authors

For those who know comparatively little about the fiction of the supernatural and weird it may be that, if they were asked to name its most significant writers, names that came mind might be mostly male. For example, the literary craft of M. R James is undeniable. Henry James remains notable for, 'The Turn of the Screw', whilst Charles Dickens will be forever renowned as the creator of the immortal Mr. Scrooge from his, ' A Christmas Carol'. For those who know more of the subject, their view would almost certainly be different. The 'Golden Age' of the second half of the 19th century and the early 20 century brought forth a host of writers of this ever popular genre among readers of principally short stories and its finest exponents of were invariably women. In fact, there were so many accomplished lady authors of spine-tingling yarns that one might claim their excellence has led to them being considered collectively, rather than as individuals. Several of these ladies were, of course, outstanding authors in their own rights and Leonaur editions are available dedicated to them. Nevertheless, it is possible that Mrs. Riddle, Edith Wharton, Mrs. Henry Wood, Vernon Lee and Mrs Oliphant, among many others, remain largely unknown to contemporary readers. This series goes some way to remedy that shortcoming, but also showcases other writers who remain even less well-known-possibly because the canon of their supernatural fiction was not so significant. Enjoy here then, 'The Devil's Motor', 'The Affair at Grover Station', Luella Miller and others, but leave the lights on!

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.