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Tales Accursed: A Folk Horror Anthology
Tales Accursed is the second collection of classic supernatural stories selected by the artist Richard Wells. Each of the sixteen tales is accompanied by one of Richard’s striking lino-print illustrations.
This anthology contains work from both the established masters of folk horror, and some more surprising from Shirley Jackson and M. R. James to E. F. Benson and William Croft Dickinson. Tales Accursed will raise the hairs on your neck and keep you alert to the slightest rustle in the through the chill splendour of moonlit nights come apparitions through the orchard; sea-witches perch on the sharp fangs of rocks as they weave their spells; fir-woods lie unnaturally still with no birdsong, no breeze, nor any undergrowth; and hooded creatures crouch on grey secluded beaches. This book combines ancient horrors from the wilderness with sinister shadows of the landscape to remind us of the settings of our ancestors.
Tales Accursed is a gloriously creepy collection of chilling folk horror tales that is both thrilling and unnerving.
This anthology contains work from both the established masters of folk horror, and some more surprising from Shirley Jackson and M. R. James to E. F. Benson and William Croft Dickinson. Tales Accursed will raise the hairs on your neck and keep you alert to the slightest rustle in the through the chill splendour of moonlit nights come apparitions through the orchard; sea-witches perch on the sharp fangs of rocks as they weave their spells; fir-woods lie unnaturally still with no birdsong, no breeze, nor any undergrowth; and hooded creatures crouch on grey secluded beaches. This book combines ancient horrors from the wilderness with sinister shadows of the landscape to remind us of the settings of our ancestors.
Tales Accursed is a gloriously creepy collection of chilling folk horror tales that is both thrilling and unnerving.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 7, 2024
3.5 Rounded Up
Tales Accursed: A Folk Horror Anthology is a collection of 16 tales told in chronological order, from Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's "The White Cat of Drumgunniol," published in 1870, to Shirley Jackson's "The Man in the Woods," published in 2014, 49 years after the author's death. Each tale is accompanied by wonderful lino-print illustrations by editor Richard Wells.
This anthology is a good overview of the course of folk horror tales over the past 150 years or so, and the layout from earliest to latest really allows the reader to see how these stories have progressed over the decades. But I would caution that this is probably a collection only for the true fan of this particular sub genre, as the dryness and often uniformly repetitive plot points and themes of some of the stories, especially the earlier tales, may make Tales Accursed a bore for some readers. Those that really love their traditional folk horror tales, however, will find it worthwhile.
I personally prefer more contemporary folk horror, mainly for the variety you can find when applying ancient concepts and beliefs to contemporary life, and some of these stories were already familiar to me. While none of the tales in this collection were quite five stars for me, a few elevated themselves above the rest, including "Ancient Lights," by Algernon Blackwood, "Morag-of-the-Cave," by Margery Lawrence, and, of course, "The Man in the Woods," by Shirley Jackson.
My thanks to NetGalley and Unbound for a digital advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. Tales Accursed: A Folk Horror Anthology will be released on October 3, 2024. I would note that a lot of these stories are set in October, so folk horror fans may enjoy this as a spooky season read.
Tales Accursed: A Folk Horror Anthology is a collection of 16 tales told in chronological order, from Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's "The White Cat of Drumgunniol," published in 1870, to Shirley Jackson's "The Man in the Woods," published in 2014, 49 years after the author's death. Each tale is accompanied by wonderful lino-print illustrations by editor Richard Wells.
This anthology is a good overview of the course of folk horror tales over the past 150 years or so, and the layout from earliest to latest really allows the reader to see how these stories have progressed over the decades. But I would caution that this is probably a collection only for the true fan of this particular sub genre, as the dryness and often uniformly repetitive plot points and themes of some of the stories, especially the earlier tales, may make Tales Accursed a bore for some readers. Those that really love their traditional folk horror tales, however, will find it worthwhile.
I personally prefer more contemporary folk horror, mainly for the variety you can find when applying ancient concepts and beliefs to contemporary life, and some of these stories were already familiar to me. While none of the tales in this collection were quite five stars for me, a few elevated themselves above the rest, including "Ancient Lights," by Algernon Blackwood, "Morag-of-the-Cave," by Margery Lawrence, and, of course, "The Man in the Woods," by Shirley Jackson.
My thanks to NetGalley and Unbound for a digital advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. Tales Accursed: A Folk Horror Anthology will be released on October 3, 2024. I would note that a lot of these stories are set in October, so folk horror fans may enjoy this as a spooky season read.
August 8, 2024
Folk tales told and passed down for generations. Adored and spooky. This was a phenomenal collection from a variety of authors dealing in many different sub genres and plots. A must read around the campfire or the fireplace.
August 20, 2024
Tales Accursed: A Folk Horror Anthology is a collection of horror stories that are quite old (and some of which have become popular in our society’s retellings/themes in movies and modern books). There are beautiful illustrations contained in this book that make it totally worth looking into!
Of course, like with any book or piece of media that contains old literature, there are going to be “out-dated” ideas and beliefs, but that is to be expected when choosing to read something with such old folklore. Keep that in mind if that is something that might bother you or you’re not interested in.
Overall, this is a nice collection of folky, spooky horror stories! I liked some, didn’t like others, as is to be expected.
3 stars simply because I do not see myself purchasing this, but I think it would be a great gift for someone who is really into horror short stories.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!
Of course, like with any book or piece of media that contains old literature, there are going to be “out-dated” ideas and beliefs, but that is to be expected when choosing to read something with such old folklore. Keep that in mind if that is something that might bother you or you’re not interested in.
Overall, this is a nice collection of folky, spooky horror stories! I liked some, didn’t like others, as is to be expected.
3 stars simply because I do not see myself purchasing this, but I think it would be a great gift for someone who is really into horror short stories.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!
August 13, 2024
A spooky anthology to read in Augtober, count me in! I really love anthologies generally because you get a sense of what types of stories the editor enjoys. Also, I find an Anthology to be lovely to gift and with a cover like this I can totally see myself gifting this book to some friends.
Most of these creepy and well curated stories are fairly old (a century or so) and provide some insights into folk horror. Some of the stories tend to be a little slow and because of how old a few of the tales are, the characters and themes are not up to modern times. With that said, the collection itself is pretty perfectly curated and the stories make sense together. Okay, now to my favorite thing, the lino-print illustrations in this book are STUNNING! I plan to buy a copy just for them and then do a reread of this book in October when it is released. On the rating - the stories are a 3 star for me but the combination of them with the illustrations makes the Anthology itself a 4 star!
Thank you for Netgalley for the ARC
Most of these creepy and well curated stories are fairly old (a century or so) and provide some insights into folk horror. Some of the stories tend to be a little slow and because of how old a few of the tales are, the characters and themes are not up to modern times. With that said, the collection itself is pretty perfectly curated and the stories make sense together. Okay, now to my favorite thing, the lino-print illustrations in this book are STUNNING! I plan to buy a copy just for them and then do a reread of this book in October when it is released. On the rating - the stories are a 3 star for me but the combination of them with the illustrations makes the Anthology itself a 4 star!
Thank you for Netgalley for the ARC
October 2, 2024
Folk horror is not a subgenre I’ve ever really taken the time to explore, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this new anthology selected and illustrated by the artist Richard Wells. What I found was a collection of sixteen stories, most of them from the 19th and early 20th centuries, all blending folklore with elements of the supernatural and lonely rural settings. Each story is accompanied by a beautiful lino print illustration by Wells which I’m sure will look even more impressive in the physical edition of the book than in the ebook version I read.
The stories are arranged chronologically, beginning with Sheridan Le Fanu’s The White Cat of Drumgunniol from 1870 and ending with Shirley Jackson’s The Man in the Woods, published posthumously in 2014. I had read both of these authors before (although not these particular stories) and there were two other authors I’d also read previously – John Buchan and E.F. Benson – but the others were all new to me. In fact, there were several I’d never even heard of until now, so it was good to be made aware of them and to be able to try their work for the first time.
As with most anthologies, the stories vary in quality. However, I found that there wasn’t much variety in terms of plot or setting. Many of them, particularly the older ones, are based on Celtic folklore and have similar structures, with our narrator travelling in an unfamiliar part of the countryside and meeting someone who tells them a story about strange sightings or occurrences, which the narrator then experiences for themselves. Although this did make the collection as a whole feel slightly formulaic and repetitive, there were still some stories that were different and stood out. One of these is Woe Water by H.R. Wakefield, which unfolds in the form of diary entries written by a man with a troubled past who moves into a remote lakeside cabin and begins to struggle with his conscience. I also enjoyed Elinor Mordaunt’s The Country-Side, told from the perspective of a parson’s wife whose relationship with her unfaithful husband takes a sinister turn when she meets an old woman in the village who is said to be a witch.
Ancient Lights by Algernon Blackwood is another highlight – it has a wonderfully eerie atmosphere as the narrator describes his journey through enchanted ancient woodland. The Shirley Jackson story, The Man in the Woods, in which a man accompanied by a stray cat stumbles upon an old house inhabited by three strange people, is also very good. It’s packed with references to mythology and witchcraft and there are lots of layers to unravel, but the open ending left me frustrated and wanting to know more!
Despite the ‘folk horror’ label in the title, I found the stories in this collection creepy or unsettling rather than frightening. I deliberately haven’t said much about any of the individual stories because some of them are very short and it would be easy to spoil them, but overall I did enjoy the book and am interested in reading more by some of these authors.
The stories are arranged chronologically, beginning with Sheridan Le Fanu’s The White Cat of Drumgunniol from 1870 and ending with Shirley Jackson’s The Man in the Woods, published posthumously in 2014. I had read both of these authors before (although not these particular stories) and there were two other authors I’d also read previously – John Buchan and E.F. Benson – but the others were all new to me. In fact, there were several I’d never even heard of until now, so it was good to be made aware of them and to be able to try their work for the first time.
As with most anthologies, the stories vary in quality. However, I found that there wasn’t much variety in terms of plot or setting. Many of them, particularly the older ones, are based on Celtic folklore and have similar structures, with our narrator travelling in an unfamiliar part of the countryside and meeting someone who tells them a story about strange sightings or occurrences, which the narrator then experiences for themselves. Although this did make the collection as a whole feel slightly formulaic and repetitive, there were still some stories that were different and stood out. One of these is Woe Water by H.R. Wakefield, which unfolds in the form of diary entries written by a man with a troubled past who moves into a remote lakeside cabin and begins to struggle with his conscience. I also enjoyed Elinor Mordaunt’s The Country-Side, told from the perspective of a parson’s wife whose relationship with her unfaithful husband takes a sinister turn when she meets an old woman in the village who is said to be a witch.
Ancient Lights by Algernon Blackwood is another highlight – it has a wonderfully eerie atmosphere as the narrator describes his journey through enchanted ancient woodland. The Shirley Jackson story, The Man in the Woods, in which a man accompanied by a stray cat stumbles upon an old house inhabited by three strange people, is also very good. It’s packed with references to mythology and witchcraft and there are lots of layers to unravel, but the open ending left me frustrated and wanting to know more!
Despite the ‘folk horror’ label in the title, I found the stories in this collection creepy or unsettling rather than frightening. I deliberately haven’t said much about any of the individual stories because some of them are very short and it would be easy to spoil them, but overall I did enjoy the book and am interested in reading more by some of these authors.
October 12, 2024
A fun and creepy collection of folk horror stories. The lithographs are stunning and added to the experience of reading this anthology!
Thank you NetGalley and Unbound Publishing for this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Unbound Publishing for this ARC!
August 15, 2024
Tales Accursed: A Folk Horror Anthology
Richard Wells
Publication Date: 10/3/24
3.75 / 5
Ok, so ...
I absolutely love reading classic horror tales from way back... And folk horror is one of my favorite sub-genres. So this was a perfect pairing for me, even though I was already familiar with several of the stories within. There were a couple of truly awesome surprises. And Richard Wells's illustrations bookmarking each story was such an added bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect ...
Honestly I found enjoyment in every story, (Well, all except one. I'll let you know more about that one on publication day...) with most stories being rated a 4 of 5. (one 5, a couple 3's and one 1)
If you're into supernatural classics, don't pass this one by.
I'ma be buying it for my coffee table.
This was a book that made me want to return to some of the 'oldies but goodies', cuz I grew up reading short horror tales from the late 1800 to early 1900's. (In the late 80's, early 90's, it was the only horror my very conservative school library allowed.)
Thanks to Netgalley and Unbound for this ARC eBook in exchange for my honest review.
Richard Wells
Publication Date: 10/3/24
3.75 / 5
Ok, so ...
I absolutely love reading classic horror tales from way back... And folk horror is one of my favorite sub-genres. So this was a perfect pairing for me, even though I was already familiar with several of the stories within. There were a couple of truly awesome surprises. And Richard Wells's illustrations bookmarking each story was such an added bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect ...
Honestly I found enjoyment in every story, (Well, all except one. I'll let you know more about that one on publication day...) with most stories being rated a 4 of 5. (one 5, a couple 3's and one 1)
If you're into supernatural classics, don't pass this one by.
I'ma be buying it for my coffee table.
This was a book that made me want to return to some of the 'oldies but goodies', cuz I grew up reading short horror tales from the late 1800 to early 1900's. (In the late 80's, early 90's, it was the only horror my very conservative school library allowed.)
Thanks to Netgalley and Unbound for this ARC eBook in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2024
I rated the stories as follows:
The White Cat of Drumgunniol 3 stars
The Dark Nameless One 1 star
No-Man's Land 4 stars
The Hill of Trouble 1 star
Ancient Lights 4 stars
The Country-Side 4 stars
The Hand of Glory 3 stars
The Temple 3 stars
Morag-of-the-Cave 5 stars
Wailing Well 2 stars
Celui-la 3 stars
Lisheen 2 stars
Woe Water 3 stars
Quieta Non Movere 3 stars
The Shouting 2 stars
The Man in the Woods 2 stars
Overall, I loved the linocut illustrations. The tales in this anthology definitely are similar enough to go together in a bind up like this, but perhaps too similar for my tastes. There were at least (maybe more) stories where a sacrificial temple with monolithic stones was present. Many of the themes of the stories overlapped...someone hears of a tale and doesn't believe. Then they go to investigate and it spells trouble in the form of the supernatural, and oftentimes, they are only saved by religious beliefs or by someone of the cloth. Many of the stories are quite old (more than 100 years), it would have been nice to see some that were a bit more modern, or that offered a bit more variety to them. Morag-of-the-Cave was my favorite story of the bunch and I think that one will stick with me for a long while. The rest, not so much. Many were just recounts of superstitions and tales that had been passed down without much explanation or resolution and felt more like the beginnings of a story or an idea for a story rather than a fully fleshed out tale.
The White Cat of Drumgunniol 3 stars
The Dark Nameless One 1 star
No-Man's Land 4 stars
The Hill of Trouble 1 star
Ancient Lights 4 stars
The Country-Side 4 stars
The Hand of Glory 3 stars
The Temple 3 stars
Morag-of-the-Cave 5 stars
Wailing Well 2 stars
Celui-la 3 stars
Lisheen 2 stars
Woe Water 3 stars
Quieta Non Movere 3 stars
The Shouting 2 stars
The Man in the Woods 2 stars
Overall, I loved the linocut illustrations. The tales in this anthology definitely are similar enough to go together in a bind up like this, but perhaps too similar for my tastes. There were at least (maybe more) stories where a sacrificial temple with monolithic stones was present. Many of the themes of the stories overlapped...someone hears of a tale and doesn't believe. Then they go to investigate and it spells trouble in the form of the supernatural, and oftentimes, they are only saved by religious beliefs or by someone of the cloth. Many of the stories are quite old (more than 100 years), it would have been nice to see some that were a bit more modern, or that offered a bit more variety to them. Morag-of-the-Cave was my favorite story of the bunch and I think that one will stick with me for a long while. The rest, not so much. Many were just recounts of superstitions and tales that had been passed down without much explanation or resolution and felt more like the beginnings of a story or an idea for a story rather than a fully fleshed out tale.
October 20, 2024
For some reason this didn't grip me from the start. The first story was interesting to me, coming from a different country, due to a different perspective on a similar folk belief; the second story left me cold ..and then I found myself postponing starting the 3rd story. But then it was October, so I guess I was more in the mood for spooky stories. But certain is that starting from No-Man's Land, I've enjoyed each and every story. It was also a nice surprise to see that I've enjoyed the most the stories written by female authors(I am not being biased!! lol). My favourite has been Elinor Mordaunt's The Countryside; but Shirley Jackson;s story came very close too!
All in all an enjoyable collection, perfect for this time of the near but also for the genre aficionados.
*Book from the publisher with many thanks for the opportunity!
All in all an enjoyable collection, perfect for this time of the near but also for the genre aficionados.
*Book from the publisher with many thanks for the opportunity!
August 12, 2024
This is a collection of "folk horror" short stories, though I would note that this is used somewhat loosely with some of the stories. Generally, it's a good collection, but none of the stories really stood out to me. I felt there were far too many based on Celtic folk. The older stories in the collection have not aged well and can be quite a slog. The more recent stories fare better and are pretty fun to read. The woodcuts complement the stories well. It's a good book to have out during spooky season.
October 8, 2024
One of our most cherished “literary” traditions is the campfire story. Young people sit around an outdoor fire late at night and swap horror stories, often about killers or monsters on the loose. As someone who sat and listened to these stories in my youth, I can attest they can be very spooky when told in the right way. As the story is told, we keep looking into the darkness to see if something is out there. But in the light of the following day, when we realize we’ve just been sitting in an empty field, the stories often seem silly. “Tales Accursed,” an anthology compiled by illustrator Richard Wells, is a collection of 16 similar stories with a more supernatural edge. But while a few of them were creepily entertaining, most of them were difficult to follow and resembled the disappointing morning-after landscape from my youth.
The 16 stories in “Tales Accursed” date from 1870, and most were written before 1930 (and are in the public domain). Even the handful of more recent stories often recount events that occurred decades or centuries earlier. Some authors, like Algernon Blackwood, Sheridan Le Fanu, John Buchan, and Shirley Jackson, are very well known to horror buffs or literary fans in general. Others are more obscure, some deservedly so. Almost all the stories are set in the British Isles. The plots are simplistic, with few frills and nuances. The stories take place in secluded, gloomy places or on remote mountaintops. They involve ghosts, witches, demons, strange creatures, and pagan religious rituals, almost all occurring at night. The so-called “normal” people who encounter these entities usually come to bad ends or disappear without a trace.
The stories in “Tales Accursed” have a monotonous sameness to them, just like the campfire stories from my youth. Whether written in the first or third person, most of the tales are simply narratives of myths the author or narrator has heard at one time or another, often from someone else relating what they heard at one time. Second- or third-hand hearsay about things taking place far away isn’t the scariest material, especially if the author abruptly shifts narrators or points of view throughout the story. Further, the speakers often relate their tales in thick dialects, with Gaelic, Latin, or other foreign words or phrases frequently thrown in. As a result, I had difficulty understanding what they were saying, even if I reread the passages several times. I’m still unsure what happened in some of these stories. Needless to say, stories you have to strain to understand aren’t usually the spookiest.
These tales’ age works against them as well. Only five stories were written after 1930, and two were set decades or centuries earlier. Most stories first appeared in various British monthly magazines of the era (the same publications in which early Agatha Christie short stories appeared). These tales tend to be lengthy, with much empty language (authors often got paid by the word). They wouldn’t escape the typical editor’s red pen today. The verbosity and overly ornate language disguise the fact that most folk tales are basic stories in which few events actually occur.
Some stories are good, especially those that place the central character inside the story rather than just hearing it recounted. The narrator of John Buchan’s “No-man's-Land” takes a hiking trip to the Scottish Highlands. He ignores the stories of strange creatures lurking in the woods until he gets lost. The narrator recounts the danger he faces going through foggy moors with treacherous footing and the even greater danger he encounters when he meets the creatures. Similarly, in “The Temple” by E.F. Benson, the narrator and a friend go on a holiday to Cornwall to enjoy golf and study the plentiful ancient ruins to be found. What they find is that the house they rent sits in the middle of what once was a pagan temple that practiced human sacrifice. Genre fans will appreciate what happens next far more than the narrator and his friend did.
Two of the more recent stories are among the best in the anthology. H.R. Wakefield’s “Woe Water” first appeared in “Weird Tales” in 1950, when horror writing had developed somewhat. It’s the diary of a man who claims his wife accidentally drowned, despite considerable evidence to the contrary at a coroner’s inquest. He buys a house that has a lake on the property, where several locals committed suicide over the years by drowning themselves. The narrator’s grip on reality and sanity quickly unwinds as the story progresses.
“Lisheen” by Frederick Cowles isn’t actually scary, but it will leave modern-day readers with a highly queasy feeling. The story was written in the 1940s but didn’t appear in print until 1993, over 45 years after the author’s death (for reasons I can guess based on the contents). Its central character is a 17th-century minister whose story is revealed in bits and pieces in Church records re-discovered in the 20th century. The minister witnesses the birth of a local girl whose mother dies in his presence. Also on hand for the event is the baby’s father, a demon visible only to the minister. Despite this vision, the minister adopts the girl, whom he names Lisheen. She’s bright and attractive but, at age six, starts removing her clothes at night and going to the ancient ruins on top of a nearby mountain. The minister follows and watches the ensuing rituals, year after year, until Lisheen turns 17 and he decides to marry her. This story would have been highly distasteful in the 1600s, the 1940s, or 1993. Today, it’s even more so, but it holds a creepy fascination for some and extreme disgust for others. Anyone reading “Tales Accursed” is forewarned.
Although the stories in “Tales Accursed” are highly uneven in quality, Richard Wells, an accomplished illustrator, provides woodcut-style drawings that precede each story and hint at the tale’s contents. These drawings complement the anthology’s best stories and make the others more tolerable. I highly recommend them to graphic horror novel fans and other dark art lovers.
However, I can’t recommend “Tales Accursed.” About one-third of the stories are entertaining, while many others are boring at best and nearly incomprehensible at worst. Further, they suffer from a sameness that makes binge readers feel they are repeatedly rereading the same stories. Recounting ancient folk horror successfully in a modern-day setting requires a deft touch that most of these authors cannot demonstrate. Accursed are they who waste their time making their way through “Tales Accursed.”
NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.
The 16 stories in “Tales Accursed” date from 1870, and most were written before 1930 (and are in the public domain). Even the handful of more recent stories often recount events that occurred decades or centuries earlier. Some authors, like Algernon Blackwood, Sheridan Le Fanu, John Buchan, and Shirley Jackson, are very well known to horror buffs or literary fans in general. Others are more obscure, some deservedly so. Almost all the stories are set in the British Isles. The plots are simplistic, with few frills and nuances. The stories take place in secluded, gloomy places or on remote mountaintops. They involve ghosts, witches, demons, strange creatures, and pagan religious rituals, almost all occurring at night. The so-called “normal” people who encounter these entities usually come to bad ends or disappear without a trace.
The stories in “Tales Accursed” have a monotonous sameness to them, just like the campfire stories from my youth. Whether written in the first or third person, most of the tales are simply narratives of myths the author or narrator has heard at one time or another, often from someone else relating what they heard at one time. Second- or third-hand hearsay about things taking place far away isn’t the scariest material, especially if the author abruptly shifts narrators or points of view throughout the story. Further, the speakers often relate their tales in thick dialects, with Gaelic, Latin, or other foreign words or phrases frequently thrown in. As a result, I had difficulty understanding what they were saying, even if I reread the passages several times. I’m still unsure what happened in some of these stories. Needless to say, stories you have to strain to understand aren’t usually the spookiest.
These tales’ age works against them as well. Only five stories were written after 1930, and two were set decades or centuries earlier. Most stories first appeared in various British monthly magazines of the era (the same publications in which early Agatha Christie short stories appeared). These tales tend to be lengthy, with much empty language (authors often got paid by the word). They wouldn’t escape the typical editor’s red pen today. The verbosity and overly ornate language disguise the fact that most folk tales are basic stories in which few events actually occur.
Some stories are good, especially those that place the central character inside the story rather than just hearing it recounted. The narrator of John Buchan’s “No-man's-Land” takes a hiking trip to the Scottish Highlands. He ignores the stories of strange creatures lurking in the woods until he gets lost. The narrator recounts the danger he faces going through foggy moors with treacherous footing and the even greater danger he encounters when he meets the creatures. Similarly, in “The Temple” by E.F. Benson, the narrator and a friend go on a holiday to Cornwall to enjoy golf and study the plentiful ancient ruins to be found. What they find is that the house they rent sits in the middle of what once was a pagan temple that practiced human sacrifice. Genre fans will appreciate what happens next far more than the narrator and his friend did.
Two of the more recent stories are among the best in the anthology. H.R. Wakefield’s “Woe Water” first appeared in “Weird Tales” in 1950, when horror writing had developed somewhat. It’s the diary of a man who claims his wife accidentally drowned, despite considerable evidence to the contrary at a coroner’s inquest. He buys a house that has a lake on the property, where several locals committed suicide over the years by drowning themselves. The narrator’s grip on reality and sanity quickly unwinds as the story progresses.
“Lisheen” by Frederick Cowles isn’t actually scary, but it will leave modern-day readers with a highly queasy feeling. The story was written in the 1940s but didn’t appear in print until 1993, over 45 years after the author’s death (for reasons I can guess based on the contents). Its central character is a 17th-century minister whose story is revealed in bits and pieces in Church records re-discovered in the 20th century. The minister witnesses the birth of a local girl whose mother dies in his presence. Also on hand for the event is the baby’s father, a demon visible only to the minister. Despite this vision, the minister adopts the girl, whom he names Lisheen. She’s bright and attractive but, at age six, starts removing her clothes at night and going to the ancient ruins on top of a nearby mountain. The minister follows and watches the ensuing rituals, year after year, until Lisheen turns 17 and he decides to marry her. This story would have been highly distasteful in the 1600s, the 1940s, or 1993. Today, it’s even more so, but it holds a creepy fascination for some and extreme disgust for others. Anyone reading “Tales Accursed” is forewarned.
Although the stories in “Tales Accursed” are highly uneven in quality, Richard Wells, an accomplished illustrator, provides woodcut-style drawings that precede each story and hint at the tale’s contents. These drawings complement the anthology’s best stories and make the others more tolerable. I highly recommend them to graphic horror novel fans and other dark art lovers.
However, I can’t recommend “Tales Accursed.” About one-third of the stories are entertaining, while many others are boring at best and nearly incomprehensible at worst. Further, they suffer from a sameness that makes binge readers feel they are repeatedly rereading the same stories. Recounting ancient folk horror successfully in a modern-day setting requires a deft touch that most of these authors cannot demonstrate. Accursed are they who waste their time making their way through “Tales Accursed.”
NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.
October 8, 2024
One of our most cherished “literary” traditions is the campfire story. Young people sit around an outdoor fire late at night and swap horror stories, often about killers or monsters on the loose. As someone who sat and listened to these stories in my youth, I can attest they can be very spooky when told in the right way. As the story is told, we keep looking into the darkness to see if something is out there. But in the light of the following day, when we realize we’ve just been sitting in an empty field, the stories often seem silly. “Tales Accursed,” an anthology compiled by illustrator Richard Wells, is a collection of 16 similar stories with a more supernatural edge. But while a few of them were creepily entertaining, most of them were difficult to follow and resembled the disappointing morning-after landscape from my youth.
The 16 stories in “Tales Accursed” date from 1870, and most were written before 1930 (and are in the public domain). Even the handful of more recent stories often recount events that occurred decades or centuries earlier. Some authors, like Algernon Blackwood, Sheridan Le Fanu, John Buchan, and Shirley Jackson, are very well known to horror buffs or literary fans in general. Others are more obscure, some deservedly so. Almost all the stories are set in the British Isles. The plots are simplistic, with few frills and nuances. The stories take place in secluded, gloomy places or on remote mountaintops. They involve ghosts, witches, demons, strange creatures, and pagan religious rituals, almost all occurring at night. The so-called “normal” people who encounter these entities usually come to bad ends or disappear without a trace.
The stories in “Tales Accursed” have a monotonous sameness to them, just like the campfire stories from my youth. Whether written in the first or third person, most of the tales are simply narratives of myths the author or narrator has heard at one time or another, often from someone else relating what they heard at one time. Second- or third-hand hearsay about things taking place far away isn’t the scariest material, especially if the author abruptly shifts narrators or points of view throughout the story. Further, the speakers often relate their tales in thick dialects, with Gaelic, Latin, or other foreign words or phrases frequently thrown in. As a result, I had difficulty understanding what they were saying, even if I reread the passages several times. I’m still unsure what happened in some of these stories. Needless to say, stories you have to strain to understand aren’t usually the spookiest.
These tales’ age works against them as well. Only five stories were written after 1930, and two were set decades or centuries earlier. Most stories first appeared in various British monthly magazines of the era (the same publications in which early Agatha Christie short stories appeared). These tales tend to be lengthy, with much empty language (authors often got paid by the word). They wouldn’t escape the typical editor’s red pen today. The verbosity and overly ornate language disguise the fact that most folk tales are basic stories in which few events actually occur.
Some stories are good, especially those that place the central character inside the story rather than just hearing it recounted. The narrator of John Buchan’s “No-man's-Land” takes a hiking trip to the Scottish Highlands. He ignores the stories of strange creatures lurking in the woods until he gets lost. The narrator recounts the danger he faces going through foggy moors with treacherous footing and the even greater danger he encounters when he meets the creatures. Similarly, in “The Temple” by E.F. Benson, the narrator and a friend go on a holiday to Cornwall to enjoy golf and study the plentiful ancient ruins to be found. What they find is that the house they rent sits in the middle of what once was a pagan temple that practiced human sacrifice. Genre fans will appreciate what happens next far more than the narrator and his friend did.
Two of the more recent stories are among the best in the anthology. H.R. Wakefield’s “Woe Water” first appeared in “Weird Tales” in 1950, when horror writing had developed somewhat. It’s the diary of a man who claims his wife accidentally drowned, despite considerable evidence to the contrary at a coroner’s inquest. He buys a house that has a lake on the property, where several locals committed suicide over the years by drowning themselves. The narrator’s grip on reality and sanity quickly unwinds as the story progresses.
“Lisheen” by Frederick Cowles isn’t actually scary, but it will leave modern-day readers with a highly queasy feeling. The story was written in the 1940s but didn’t appear in print until 1993, over 45 years after the author’s death (for reasons I can guess based on the contents). Its central character is a 17th-century minister whose story is revealed in bits and pieces in Church records re-discovered in the 20th century. The minister witnesses the birth of a local girl whose mother dies in his presence. Also on hand for the event is the baby’s father, a demon visible only to the minister. Despite this vision, the minister adopts the girl, whom he names Lisheen. She’s bright and attractive but, at age six, starts removing her clothes at night and going to the ancient ruins on top of a nearby mountain. The minister follows and watches the ensuing rituals, year after year, until Lisheen turns 17 and he decides to marry her. This story would have been highly distasteful in the 1600s, the 1940s, or 1993. Today, it’s even more so, but it holds a creepy fascination for some and extreme disgust for others. Anyone reading “Tales Accursed” is forewarned.
Although the stories in “Tales Accursed” are highly uneven in quality, Richard Wells, an accomplished illustrator, provides woodcut-style drawings that precede each story and hint at the tale’s contents. These drawings complement the anthology’s best stories and make the others more tolerable. I highly recommend them to graphic horror novel fans and other dark art lovers.
However, I can’t recommend “Tales Accursed.” About one-third of the stories are entertaining, while many others are boring at best and nearly incomprehensible at worst. Further, they suffer from a sameness that makes binge readers feel they are repeatedly rereading the same stories. Recounting ancient folk horror successfully in a modern-day setting requires a deft touch that most of these authors cannot demonstrate. Accursed are they who waste their time making their way through “Tales Accursed.”
NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.
The 16 stories in “Tales Accursed” date from 1870, and most were written before 1930 (and are in the public domain). Even the handful of more recent stories often recount events that occurred decades or centuries earlier. Some authors, like Algernon Blackwood, Sheridan Le Fanu, John Buchan, and Shirley Jackson, are very well known to horror buffs or literary fans in general. Others are more obscure, some deservedly so. Almost all the stories are set in the British Isles. The plots are simplistic, with few frills and nuances. The stories take place in secluded, gloomy places or on remote mountaintops. They involve ghosts, witches, demons, strange creatures, and pagan religious rituals, almost all occurring at night. The so-called “normal” people who encounter these entities usually come to bad ends or disappear without a trace.
The stories in “Tales Accursed” have a monotonous sameness to them, just like the campfire stories from my youth. Whether written in the first or third person, most of the tales are simply narratives of myths the author or narrator has heard at one time or another, often from someone else relating what they heard at one time. Second- or third-hand hearsay about things taking place far away isn’t the scariest material, especially if the author abruptly shifts narrators or points of view throughout the story. Further, the speakers often relate their tales in thick dialects, with Gaelic, Latin, or other foreign words or phrases frequently thrown in. As a result, I had difficulty understanding what they were saying, even if I reread the passages several times. I’m still unsure what happened in some of these stories. Needless to say, stories you have to strain to understand aren’t usually the spookiest.
These tales’ age works against them as well. Only five stories were written after 1930, and two were set decades or centuries earlier. Most stories first appeared in various British monthly magazines of the era (the same publications in which early Agatha Christie short stories appeared). These tales tend to be lengthy, with much empty language (authors often got paid by the word). They wouldn’t escape the typical editor’s red pen today. The verbosity and overly ornate language disguise the fact that most folk tales are basic stories in which few events actually occur.
Some stories are good, especially those that place the central character inside the story rather than just hearing it recounted. The narrator of John Buchan’s “No-man's-Land” takes a hiking trip to the Scottish Highlands. He ignores the stories of strange creatures lurking in the woods until he gets lost. The narrator recounts the danger he faces going through foggy moors with treacherous footing and the even greater danger he encounters when he meets the creatures. Similarly, in “The Temple” by E.F. Benson, the narrator and a friend go on a holiday to Cornwall to enjoy golf and study the plentiful ancient ruins to be found. What they find is that the house they rent sits in the middle of what once was a pagan temple that practiced human sacrifice. Genre fans will appreciate what happens next far more than the narrator and his friend did.
Two of the more recent stories are among the best in the anthology. H.R. Wakefield’s “Woe Water” first appeared in “Weird Tales” in 1950, when horror writing had developed somewhat. It’s the diary of a man who claims his wife accidentally drowned, despite considerable evidence to the contrary at a coroner’s inquest. He buys a house that has a lake on the property, where several locals committed suicide over the years by drowning themselves. The narrator’s grip on reality and sanity quickly unwinds as the story progresses.
“Lisheen” by Frederick Cowles isn’t actually scary, but it will leave modern-day readers with a highly queasy feeling. The story was written in the 1940s but didn’t appear in print until 1993, over 45 years after the author’s death (for reasons I can guess based on the contents). Its central character is a 17th-century minister whose story is revealed in bits and pieces in Church records re-discovered in the 20th century. The minister witnesses the birth of a local girl whose mother dies in his presence. Also on hand for the event is the baby’s father, a demon visible only to the minister. Despite this vision, the minister adopts the girl, whom he names Lisheen. She’s bright and attractive but, at age six, starts removing her clothes at night and going to the ancient ruins on top of a nearby mountain. The minister follows and watches the ensuing rituals, year after year, until Lisheen turns 17 and he decides to marry her. This story would have been highly distasteful in the 1600s, the 1940s, or 1993. Today, it’s even more so, but it holds a creepy fascination for some and extreme disgust for others. Anyone reading “Tales Accursed” is forewarned.
Although the stories in “Tales Accursed” are highly uneven in quality, Richard Wells, an accomplished illustrator, provides woodcut-style drawings that precede each story and hint at the tale’s contents. These drawings complement the anthology’s best stories and make the others more tolerable. I highly recommend them to graphic horror novel fans and other dark art lovers.
However, I can’t recommend “Tales Accursed.” About one-third of the stories are entertaining, while many others are boring at best and nearly incomprehensible at worst. Further, they suffer from a sameness that makes binge readers feel they are repeatedly rereading the same stories. Recounting ancient folk horror successfully in a modern-day setting requires a deft touch that most of these authors cannot demonstrate. Accursed are they who waste their time making their way through “Tales Accursed.”
NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.
October 15, 2024
Tales Accursed by Richard Wells is a beautifully curated collection of supernatural tales, combining the eerie elegance of folk horror with the haunting power of Wells’ own striking lino-print illustrations. This anthology brings together sixteen stories from masters of the genre like Shirley Jackson and M.R. James, alongside some lesser-known but equally spine-chilling voices such as William Croft Dickinson. The result is a book that is both visually captivating and deeply unsettling—a perfect read for lovers of dark, atmospheric horror.
Wells’ selection spans a variety of settings and supernatural elements, from eerie forests and still fir-woods to moonlit orchards and sinister beaches. These landscapes serve as a reminder that horror often springs from the natural world, with the familiar turning menacing as the supernatural weaves itself into ancient places. Whether it’s sea-witches casting spells on jagged rocks or hooded figures lurking on desolate beaches, each story taps into primal fears rooted in the unknown wilderness and our ancestors’ lingering superstitions.
What makes Tales Accursed truly stand out is the interplay between the stories and Wells’ artwork. Each tale is accompanied by a lino-print illustration that captures the essence of the haunting narratives within. The stark, intricate prints elevate the eerie mood of the stories, pulling the reader deeper into the world of each tale. The illustrations are not merely decorative; they seem to breathe life into the ancient horrors described in the prose, making the terror feel tangible and real.
The selection of stories is varied, featuring classic folk horror motifs such as apparitions, curses, and the malevolent forces of nature. Wells has balanced familiar favorites with less well-known gems, ensuring that even seasoned horror readers will find something fresh and unexpected. The stories range in tone and style, but all share a creeping, atmospheric dread that keeps readers on edge, wondering what sinister force lurks just beyond the next page.
Tales Accursed is more than just a collection of ghost stories—it’s an immersive experience in folk horror, with each story drawing the reader into its own isolated, haunting world. The anthology skillfully evokes the sense of unease that comes from being alone in the dark, surrounded by ancient landscapes that seem to watch and wait.
For fans of folk horror, supernatural tales, and art that captures the very soul of the macabre, Tales Accursed is an unmissable addition to the bookshelf. Richard Wells has crafted an anthology that is both a visual and literary feast, combining timeless storytelling with artwork that echoes the cold, eerie beauty of the stories it illustrates. This is the kind of book that will make you glance at shadows twice and listen for things rustling in the night.
Wells’ selection spans a variety of settings and supernatural elements, from eerie forests and still fir-woods to moonlit orchards and sinister beaches. These landscapes serve as a reminder that horror often springs from the natural world, with the familiar turning menacing as the supernatural weaves itself into ancient places. Whether it’s sea-witches casting spells on jagged rocks or hooded figures lurking on desolate beaches, each story taps into primal fears rooted in the unknown wilderness and our ancestors’ lingering superstitions.
What makes Tales Accursed truly stand out is the interplay between the stories and Wells’ artwork. Each tale is accompanied by a lino-print illustration that captures the essence of the haunting narratives within. The stark, intricate prints elevate the eerie mood of the stories, pulling the reader deeper into the world of each tale. The illustrations are not merely decorative; they seem to breathe life into the ancient horrors described in the prose, making the terror feel tangible and real.
The selection of stories is varied, featuring classic folk horror motifs such as apparitions, curses, and the malevolent forces of nature. Wells has balanced familiar favorites with less well-known gems, ensuring that even seasoned horror readers will find something fresh and unexpected. The stories range in tone and style, but all share a creeping, atmospheric dread that keeps readers on edge, wondering what sinister force lurks just beyond the next page.
Tales Accursed is more than just a collection of ghost stories—it’s an immersive experience in folk horror, with each story drawing the reader into its own isolated, haunting world. The anthology skillfully evokes the sense of unease that comes from being alone in the dark, surrounded by ancient landscapes that seem to watch and wait.
For fans of folk horror, supernatural tales, and art that captures the very soul of the macabre, Tales Accursed is an unmissable addition to the bookshelf. Richard Wells has crafted an anthology that is both a visual and literary feast, combining timeless storytelling with artwork that echoes the cold, eerie beauty of the stories it illustrates. This is the kind of book that will make you glance at shadows twice and listen for things rustling in the night.
August 25, 2024
It might be time to rethink those holiday plans to head out to the country! Wells has expertly curated a great collection of folk horror stories that span more than a century. The sixteen tales are presented chronologically, and spanning from the 1870s to, well, Shirley Jackson it is interesting to see so many of the concerns and styles of literary folk horror persist throughout time. These aren’t high-action, contemporary folk stories, and in fact some are near bucolic, as they are constantly exploring the tensions between modernity and the past, between the cosmopolitan and the rural. Religious authority, and how Christian faith is constantly acquiescing the more ancient pressures is another clear anxiety, and yet the modern man, filled with confidence and ego and a disrespect for tradition is constantly punished for that hubris. From goblin lairs to castle ruins, from ocean caves to hidden forests, and from one ancient stone circle to another and yet another ancient stone circle, always just up the hill a ways, these stories show that the new age of progress and skepticism doesn’t impress forces older and devoted to darker pursuits.
There was a variety within the stories, even as the circled many repeated themes and narrative styles. It would have been nice to broaden the range of story a little, especially as more occult concerns became prevalent in the mid to late twentieth century and beyond, and narrative structure and pacing and literary aesthetics have certainly expanded if not changed over the last few decades. I appreciate that most of the stories in this collection are already in the public domain and hence free to include, but I would have liked a few more contemporary stories just to highlight the unbroken continuity of tradition, as well as showing ways in which it has evolved and grown. The included stories are a lot of fun, I appreciated each story, to be honest, but know going in that more than half are from pre-1930, and stylistically or tonally there is not an enormous range here. If you approach this collection looking for contemporary folk horror or hoping to see experiments or variations on the expected then you will be sorely disappointed. However, if you approach with appropriate expectations, hoping for a strong collection of classic and strongly thematic folk horror, then you will have a good time.
It is also worth adding that each story is preceded by an original piece of art, a linocut print created by the editor. These are all really well done and definitely add a lot to the collection as a whole.
(Rounded up from 3.5 stars)
I want to thank the author, the publisher Unbound, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was a variety within the stories, even as the circled many repeated themes and narrative styles. It would have been nice to broaden the range of story a little, especially as more occult concerns became prevalent in the mid to late twentieth century and beyond, and narrative structure and pacing and literary aesthetics have certainly expanded if not changed over the last few decades. I appreciate that most of the stories in this collection are already in the public domain and hence free to include, but I would have liked a few more contemporary stories just to highlight the unbroken continuity of tradition, as well as showing ways in which it has evolved and grown. The included stories are a lot of fun, I appreciated each story, to be honest, but know going in that more than half are from pre-1930, and stylistically or tonally there is not an enormous range here. If you approach this collection looking for contemporary folk horror or hoping to see experiments or variations on the expected then you will be sorely disappointed. However, if you approach with appropriate expectations, hoping for a strong collection of classic and strongly thematic folk horror, then you will have a good time.
It is also worth adding that each story is preceded by an original piece of art, a linocut print created by the editor. These are all really well done and definitely add a lot to the collection as a whole.
(Rounded up from 3.5 stars)
I want to thank the author, the publisher Unbound, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc<3
This collection has everything I love- classic writing from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, creepy short stories focused on sinister environments, folklore, and illustrations!
That being said, this was just fine to me. Only a couple stories really stood out, but I can’t seem to put my finger on why I wasn’t super invested in others. I found myself just being kind of bored with a lot of the stories- I think there were certain descriptions of an environment that was supposed to be sinister but just didn’t connect with me. My two favorite stories were ones where the environment felt almost nightmare-ish and claustrophobic.
My favorites:
Ancient Lights- the disorienting nature of the forest constantly changing its terrain and tricking the observer with light and sound is objectively terrifying and is specifically a fear of mine when it comes to not being able to trust your own senses.
The Man In the Woods- this was written by Shirley Jackson, so I knew I was going to love it right away. She is fantastic at writing characters, dialogue and situations that make very little sense as you’re experiencing them, leaving you with a feeling of eeriness. The way the trees were described as crushing against the windows as if trying to swallow the house whole was very freaky and the cyclical nature of the story was appealing to me.
I think my apathy towards this collection is a me problem and not one of the writing or anthology as a whole. I still had a decent time reading and am always glad to read more classics.
This collection has everything I love- classic writing from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, creepy short stories focused on sinister environments, folklore, and illustrations!
That being said, this was just fine to me. Only a couple stories really stood out, but I can’t seem to put my finger on why I wasn’t super invested in others. I found myself just being kind of bored with a lot of the stories- I think there were certain descriptions of an environment that was supposed to be sinister but just didn’t connect with me. My two favorite stories were ones where the environment felt almost nightmare-ish and claustrophobic.
My favorites:
Ancient Lights- the disorienting nature of the forest constantly changing its terrain and tricking the observer with light and sound is objectively terrifying and is specifically a fear of mine when it comes to not being able to trust your own senses.
The Man In the Woods- this was written by Shirley Jackson, so I knew I was going to love it right away. She is fantastic at writing characters, dialogue and situations that make very little sense as you’re experiencing them, leaving you with a feeling of eeriness. The way the trees were described as crushing against the windows as if trying to swallow the house whole was very freaky and the cyclical nature of the story was appealing to me.
I think my apathy towards this collection is a me problem and not one of the writing or anthology as a whole. I still had a decent time reading and am always glad to read more classics.
August 6, 2024
This is a beautifully presented collection of folk stories, billed as folk horror, though more "spooky" than horror in my opinion.
The collection includes 16 short stories dating back to 1870 and ranging right through to 1975. One story, "the Man in the Woods" by Shirley Jackson was published posthumously in 2014, but would be over 50 years old since written.
Many of the stories are Celtic in origin and have a similar structure that goes something like: A traveler visits a part of the country and is told a strange story by a local, dismisses it as superstitious nonsense only to experience the phenomenon for themselves. The tales include a range of specters and spooks including witches, sea creatures, lost civilizations, murderers, suicide and creepy cats.
Historically, this curated collection is an interesting read, though challenging at times, with its use of old English, and grammatical spelling of local accents in some of the older stories. What I loved about this book were the memories it brought up for me from my childhood. My mother had a very old copy of Grimm's fairy tales that she would read to me, bound and worn with line drawings scattered throughout that illustrated a scene from the story. Similarly the black and white block printing, one for each story, gives gravitas to the tales, and is presented beautifully.
A fine collection and nostalgia piece.
Thank you Unbound and Richard Wells, via NetGalley, for this advanced reading copy.
The collection includes 16 short stories dating back to 1870 and ranging right through to 1975. One story, "the Man in the Woods" by Shirley Jackson was published posthumously in 2014, but would be over 50 years old since written.
Many of the stories are Celtic in origin and have a similar structure that goes something like: A traveler visits a part of the country and is told a strange story by a local, dismisses it as superstitious nonsense only to experience the phenomenon for themselves. The tales include a range of specters and spooks including witches, sea creatures, lost civilizations, murderers, suicide and creepy cats.
Historically, this curated collection is an interesting read, though challenging at times, with its use of old English, and grammatical spelling of local accents in some of the older stories. What I loved about this book were the memories it brought up for me from my childhood. My mother had a very old copy of Grimm's fairy tales that she would read to me, bound and worn with line drawings scattered throughout that illustrated a scene from the story. Similarly the black and white block printing, one for each story, gives gravitas to the tales, and is presented beautifully.
A fine collection and nostalgia piece.
Thank you Unbound and Richard Wells, via NetGalley, for this advanced reading copy.
August 31, 2024
It doesn't actually feel like fall as I write this on the last day of August on a crisp 92-degree day, but Starbucks insists it's pumpkin spice season, and this book definitely offers some autumn/Halloween atmosphere.
Let me say first that the nature of anthologies makes it hard to assign a rating. This one contains 16 short stories, and naturally some are better than others. The selection by Richard Wells worked very nicely for me and I his decision to arrange them roughly chronologically added to the enjoyment. It's a bit of a trip through folk fantasy/horror writing history from 1896-1975, and the evolution is interesting.
Wells' own illustrations are excellent and fit the atmosphere perfectly.
As for the stories, none of them are duds. There is a lot of variety. Many have a Celtic setting or feel in common, but that's not a bad thing. The style and language in the older ones may be a bit difficult for some, but those who enjoy that sort of thing (like me) will be very happy. If I personally were to rank the stories, the first ("The Dark Nameless One" by Fiona Macleod) and the last ("The Man in the Woods" by Shirley Jackson) would be right at the top. You can never go wrong with Shirley Jackson.
Finally, and this may be the bets compliment I can give an anthology: most of the authors were new to me, but I now plan to seek out more of their work.
Thank you to Richard Wells, Unbound and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy.
Let me say first that the nature of anthologies makes it hard to assign a rating. This one contains 16 short stories, and naturally some are better than others. The selection by Richard Wells worked very nicely for me and I his decision to arrange them roughly chronologically added to the enjoyment. It's a bit of a trip through folk fantasy/horror writing history from 1896-1975, and the evolution is interesting.
Wells' own illustrations are excellent and fit the atmosphere perfectly.
As for the stories, none of them are duds. There is a lot of variety. Many have a Celtic setting or feel in common, but that's not a bad thing. The style and language in the older ones may be a bit difficult for some, but those who enjoy that sort of thing (like me) will be very happy. If I personally were to rank the stories, the first ("The Dark Nameless One" by Fiona Macleod) and the last ("The Man in the Woods" by Shirley Jackson) would be right at the top. You can never go wrong with Shirley Jackson.
Finally, and this may be the bets compliment I can give an anthology: most of the authors were new to me, but I now plan to seek out more of their work.
Thank you to Richard Wells, Unbound and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy.
September 2, 2024
I'm wavering between a 3 and 3.5 star rating.
This anthology contains 16 stories. Each story is preceded by a lino print that helps to set the tone. Nature, and the supernatural lore associated with it, (most notably the wooded countryside and the craggy seashore) are the unifying themes. As such, these tales are quite similar to each other. This helps to set the tone for the reader, but also makes the experience a bit repetitive at times. While this collection is touted as folk horror I would say "spooky/eerie" is a more apt description.
In my opinion, most of these tales are a 3 star read. My absolute favorite is No-Mans Land. It felt like it could belong in a darker/more sinister Emily Wilde story (of course I would think so; I adore the Emily Wilde series immensely). Another enjoyable tale was Morag-of-the-Cave. Both of these were quite close to 5 stars!
Overall, this was a fun read to kick off the autumn months (even if it is still 90+ degrees outside...). I read this ARC digitally (thank you NetGalley), so I have a hunch that the lino print art in the bound, physical version would work much better than it did in pdf format on my phone.
If I can impart any wisdom learned it is this: if you come across a hill side with a circle composed of large, carved stones; a deserted forest with flashing, twinkling lights; a rocky beach with a green colored tide; or a strange woman with unearthly eyes perhaps you should turn and walk the other way.
This anthology contains 16 stories. Each story is preceded by a lino print that helps to set the tone. Nature, and the supernatural lore associated with it, (most notably the wooded countryside and the craggy seashore) are the unifying themes. As such, these tales are quite similar to each other. This helps to set the tone for the reader, but also makes the experience a bit repetitive at times. While this collection is touted as folk horror I would say "spooky/eerie" is a more apt description.
In my opinion, most of these tales are a 3 star read. My absolute favorite is No-Mans Land. It felt like it could belong in a darker/more sinister Emily Wilde story (of course I would think so; I adore the Emily Wilde series immensely). Another enjoyable tale was Morag-of-the-Cave. Both of these were quite close to 5 stars!
Overall, this was a fun read to kick off the autumn months (even if it is still 90+ degrees outside...). I read this ARC digitally (thank you NetGalley), so I have a hunch that the lino print art in the bound, physical version would work much better than it did in pdf format on my phone.
If I can impart any wisdom learned it is this: if you come across a hill side with a circle composed of large, carved stones; a deserted forest with flashing, twinkling lights; a rocky beach with a green colored tide; or a strange woman with unearthly eyes perhaps you should turn and walk the other way.
September 24, 2024
Richard Wells takes enthusiasts of "ancient horrors" and "sinister shadows" on a journey through time, from the reaches of late 19th century Ireland with Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu to late 20th century Devon and Cornwall with a posthumous publishing from Shirley Jackson, in Tales Accursed. This anthology is perfect for the gothic aficionado who's ready to soak up a cauldron of horrifying classics in all of their original pomp, syntax, and style. Our collective social fears, in my opinion, are best laid bare by what we choose to scare ourselves with, and this collection is a perfect rippling window into the past - creepy children in creepier woods, black magic and slow-falling leaves, and seaside witchery to turn the likes of even the most devout of men haunt these pages.
I can only imagine what a late autumn gem a hardcover copy of this would be on a collector's shelf. The lino prints that accompany each entry are beautifully stylized, and they make for very effective transitions between each piece as the reader moves forward in time through this chronologically-ordered collection of supernatural folk horror tales.
Ideally unwholesome piffle to be reading at twelve o'clock at night, if I do say so myself! Note: best read after dark, or in the presence of thundering rainclouds and flapping winds.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Unbound for this ARC and the chance to provide my thoughts!
I can only imagine what a late autumn gem a hardcover copy of this would be on a collector's shelf. The lino prints that accompany each entry are beautifully stylized, and they make for very effective transitions between each piece as the reader moves forward in time through this chronologically-ordered collection of supernatural folk horror tales.
Ideally unwholesome piffle to be reading at twelve o'clock at night, if I do say so myself! Note: best read after dark, or in the presence of thundering rainclouds and flapping winds.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Unbound for this ARC and the chance to provide my thoughts!
October 2, 2024
This time of year feels like the perfect time to cozy up on the couch with a soft blanket and dive deep into a trove of folktales with primal, human horror at their roots. Tales Accursed contains several of these tales with perspectives spanning almost a century between 1870 and roughly 1965 (the final story by Shirley Jackson was published in 2014, 49 years after her death). Each story is accompanied by a beautiful image hinting at the plot. I will say, because these stories are so old, reading a few of the earlier ones is a bit of a challenge. One worth winning. The harder work makes uncovering the horrors hidden in the words much more satisfying. In this book, you'll find tales of deathly cats and vengeful ghosts. Of sinister severed hands and otherworldly planes of existence. And all of it is perfect for the month of October, when the days grow shorter and the nights linger on much, much longer.
This isn't Wells's first foray into folk horror. I've not yet read his story collection in Damnable Tales, which apparently preceded Tales Accursed, but I most certainly look forward to doing so in the near future.
* I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't Wells's first foray into folk horror. I've not yet read his story collection in Damnable Tales, which apparently preceded Tales Accursed, but I most certainly look forward to doing so in the near future.
* I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Unbound for the early review copy of Tales Accursed.
Some great reads in this anthology, I think this would make a great gift for someone who really digs folk horror. My personal favourite was Morag-of-the-Cave, which is a story I had not previously even heard of, but I know I'll remember it. That's actually a point for most of these stories - most of them I had never encountered before. +1 star expressly for the illustrations - I did a little reverse search and saw that they are available as prints! If they weren't shipping from the UK I would consider a couple for my rotating gallery wall.
One thing that is likely just a personal issue, I much prefer anthologies where the stories are all relatively comparable in length. This book had stories as long as 50 pages and as short as 6. Most of the stories also blended together a bit - I would have preferred a more varied approach for the regions they came from (seemed pretty heavy on Celtic folk) as well as the time period - a good chunk felt very dated in their writing style, which is fine for one or two stories, but any more feels tedious.
Some great reads in this anthology, I think this would make a great gift for someone who really digs folk horror. My personal favourite was Morag-of-the-Cave, which is a story I had not previously even heard of, but I know I'll remember it. That's actually a point for most of these stories - most of them I had never encountered before. +1 star expressly for the illustrations - I did a little reverse search and saw that they are available as prints! If they weren't shipping from the UK I would consider a couple for my rotating gallery wall.
One thing that is likely just a personal issue, I much prefer anthologies where the stories are all relatively comparable in length. This book had stories as long as 50 pages and as short as 6. Most of the stories also blended together a bit - I would have preferred a more varied approach for the regions they came from (seemed pretty heavy on Celtic folk) as well as the time period - a good chunk felt very dated in their writing style, which is fine for one or two stories, but any more feels tedious.
September 24, 2024
Let’s dive into this bountiful read with beautiful illustrations. Tales Accursed is a collection of short folk horror stories varying from small inserts of a couple pages, to tales that could very well be their own novellas. This novel has been a long read for me as an ARC. I took my time for almost a month to savor each story and let myself get engulfed in each tale.
It was such a good read! Every story was carefully curated with varying ranges of horror, from a slight peek into the unknown, to feeling claustrophobic and being watched like some of the characters in this book. It was such a delight and just in time for the fall, which for me is the perfect time to cuddle up with a good folk horror book.
While I absolutely love this book, I could see other people might be bored with the way the book is written, its antiquity form of narration style might not keep some readers hooked, but this specifically is my cup of tea. Some of the stories were a little flat, and others were a 5/5 for me, overall I would give this between a 3.5-4 stars if you ask depending on the story. I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was such a good read! Every story was carefully curated with varying ranges of horror, from a slight peek into the unknown, to feeling claustrophobic and being watched like some of the characters in this book. It was such a delight and just in time for the fall, which for me is the perfect time to cuddle up with a good folk horror book.
While I absolutely love this book, I could see other people might be bored with the way the book is written, its antiquity form of narration style might not keep some readers hooked, but this specifically is my cup of tea. Some of the stories were a little flat, and others were a 5/5 for me, overall I would give this between a 3.5-4 stars if you ask depending on the story. I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2024
What a mix of haunting tales, perfect to tell over this spooky season. I loved the selection of tales from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The change in writing style is evident through this anthology but folklore is strong throughout all of the stories bringing them neatly together.
I had a few favourites:
The Hand of Glory by Ulric Daubeny, which tells a tale of a man’s hand being removed in order to force entry to his house after his death.
Morag-of-the-Cave by Margery Lawrence, a heartbreaking tale of a woman haunted by her love of the sea and its beasts within.
Lisheen by Frederick Cowles, a tale about a holy man who takes in a baby after swearing to her mother that he will protect her. The oath becomes obsession as the child becomes a teen, he sells his soul to be with her for eternity.
These stories are dark folk horror at its best, they should be told on a cold night in front of the fire or whilst camping in the woods. I really enjoyed this anthology and would recommend it to anyone wanting a little scare over the winter, whether you like to tell spooky stories over Halloween or at christmas.
Thank you to NetGalley and Unbound for letting me review this ARC.
I had a few favourites:
The Hand of Glory by Ulric Daubeny, which tells a tale of a man’s hand being removed in order to force entry to his house after his death.
Morag-of-the-Cave by Margery Lawrence, a heartbreaking tale of a woman haunted by her love of the sea and its beasts within.
Lisheen by Frederick Cowles, a tale about a holy man who takes in a baby after swearing to her mother that he will protect her. The oath becomes obsession as the child becomes a teen, he sells his soul to be with her for eternity.
These stories are dark folk horror at its best, they should be told on a cold night in front of the fire or whilst camping in the woods. I really enjoyed this anthology and would recommend it to anyone wanting a little scare over the winter, whether you like to tell spooky stories over Halloween or at christmas.
Thank you to NetGalley and Unbound for letting me review this ARC.
July 30, 2024
Okay, so this anthology is like this total trip through history, right? You've got these ancient tales of folk horror, and for sure, it's fascinating to see where the genre started. The whole vibe of malevolent landscapes, ancient curses, and creepy creatures is seriously on point.
But, okay, let's keep it real. Some of these stories? They're like, seriously showing their age. You know, with all the old-school framing and, like, the super slow pace. And can we talk about those protagonists? Totally predictable— dudes who think they know everything. Ugh, not my vibe.
The illustrations totally add to the creepy factor—they're dark and evocative, setting the scene perfectly. Plus, it's awesome discovering these old-school horror tales that, like, set the stage for what we read today.
So, yeah, Tales Accursed gets a solid four stars from me. It's not perfect, but if you're into diving deep into classic horror or just want something to spook you on a rainy night, this anthology's got your back.
I'd like to thank NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
But, okay, let's keep it real. Some of these stories? They're like, seriously showing their age. You know, with all the old-school framing and, like, the super slow pace. And can we talk about those protagonists? Totally predictable— dudes who think they know everything. Ugh, not my vibe.
The illustrations totally add to the creepy factor—they're dark and evocative, setting the scene perfectly. Plus, it's awesome discovering these old-school horror tales that, like, set the stage for what we read today.
So, yeah, Tales Accursed gets a solid four stars from me. It's not perfect, but if you're into diving deep into classic horror or just want something to spook you on a rainy night, this anthology's got your back.
I'd like to thank NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 8, 2024
Thank you to Unbound and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In his collection of folk horror, "Tales Accursed," Richard Wells shows the progression of the genre over the course of the past 150 years in chronological order. The tales originate from headlining authors including Shirley Jackson and Algernon Blackwood. Though the genre of folk horror lends itself to a dry writing style and a desolate atmosphere—writing choices that lend the genre its classic eerie feel—the stories that Wells selected did not easily keep me engaged. The stories themselves began to feel repetitive. My largest critique remains that the collection missed the occult pre-occupation that inundated stories dating to the mid-twentieth century, and this could have added variety within a series that began to seem altogether too uniform as the collection progressed. The stories that most stood out to me were “Morag-of-the-Cave” by Margery Lawrence and, of course, “Ancient Lights,” a creation of Algernon Blackwood himself. While some of the stories did not hook me, I do feel that this collection would interest fans of Shirley Jackson’s "We Have Always Lived in the Castle." Richard Wells’ artwork prefaces each story, and his art style represents woodcut printmaking, which our modern generation too often overlooks as a rich element of our global art history. I adored seeing it featured here. This artful addition made Tales Accursed special despite its drawbacks.
In his collection of folk horror, "Tales Accursed," Richard Wells shows the progression of the genre over the course of the past 150 years in chronological order. The tales originate from headlining authors including Shirley Jackson and Algernon Blackwood. Though the genre of folk horror lends itself to a dry writing style and a desolate atmosphere—writing choices that lend the genre its classic eerie feel—the stories that Wells selected did not easily keep me engaged. The stories themselves began to feel repetitive. My largest critique remains that the collection missed the occult pre-occupation that inundated stories dating to the mid-twentieth century, and this could have added variety within a series that began to seem altogether too uniform as the collection progressed. The stories that most stood out to me were “Morag-of-the-Cave” by Margery Lawrence and, of course, “Ancient Lights,” a creation of Algernon Blackwood himself. While some of the stories did not hook me, I do feel that this collection would interest fans of Shirley Jackson’s "We Have Always Lived in the Castle." Richard Wells’ artwork prefaces each story, and his art style represents woodcut printmaking, which our modern generation too often overlooks as a rich element of our global art history. I adored seeing it featured here. This artful addition made Tales Accursed special despite its drawbacks.
November 4, 2024
I think this was a perfect spooky season read, especially if you’re into folklore. It took your through, kind of, an evolution of horror folklore through the ages, showing the readers how it’s developed and progressed over the course of about 150 years. I thought that it was an intriguing kind of history lesson in a way that was told through fiction. It feels like a ghost story that you’d be told around the campfire. Each story had a charm to it that was unique. However, I will warn that if you are a true fan of old folklore and like to see modern iterations of those ancient themes, then this may not be the book for you. As someone who would classify themselves as one that falls in the first camp of people, aka a lover of ancient folklore, I will say that I had some trouble getting into the stories at first and some of it did feel the tiniest bit repetitive. That aside, I thought it was a fantastically enjoyable read especially something that got me through the halloween season. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This is a neat little anthology of folk horror tales, most of which come from at least a century ago, and all of which have that delicious sense of crawling dread running through them. We owe a lot to our folk tales and horror, and there is a certain creepiness that resides in the exact tone of these kinds of anthologies.
While it is hard to weight the merits of the writing itself, what must be said is that this anthology is beautifully curated. There's a lot of stories in here, but not to a point that it feels bloated, and each and every one of them makes complete sense as to why they are there. I had a great deal of fun with this book, and enjoyed curling up to get through some solid spookiness where and when I could.
I was particularly a fan of 'The White Cat' - having one myself and knowing just how much chaos and mischief they can cause (although perhaps not so much unexplained deaths).
This is a neat little anthology of folk horror tales, most of which come from at least a century ago, and all of which have that delicious sense of crawling dread running through them. We owe a lot to our folk tales and horror, and there is a certain creepiness that resides in the exact tone of these kinds of anthologies.
While it is hard to weight the merits of the writing itself, what must be said is that this anthology is beautifully curated. There's a lot of stories in here, but not to a point that it feels bloated, and each and every one of them makes complete sense as to why they are there. I had a great deal of fun with this book, and enjoyed curling up to get through some solid spookiness where and when I could.
I was particularly a fan of 'The White Cat' - having one myself and knowing just how much chaos and mischief they can cause (although perhaps not so much unexplained deaths).
August 30, 2024
This is an excellent collection of spooky stories for the spooky season. Half of the stories are more than 100 years old and the other half are more recent than that, but still not modern. I love that about the book. Some of the authors were already known to me and some weren't, but I'd not read any of the stories before. The book has an overall Celtic feel and the terrific foreword was written by Sinead Gleeson, herself an editor of a few short story collections. Each story is preceded by an artwork by Richard Wells and they complement the stories quite well. Although the subtitle references 'horror' this is not a gory, blood and guts kind of collection. I'd say it's more spooky and creepy, which is another thing I liked about it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. It's a perfect companion to a dark autumn night.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
September 8, 2024
This anthology offers the perfect transition into the Halloween season, blending twisted and atmospheric folk horror with the charm of a dark storybook. Spanning the course of the past 150 years, it provides a comprehensive overview of folk horror, showcasing how these eerie tales have evolved over time. The chronological layout gives readers a clear view of the genre's progression across decades.
As with any anthology, some stories stand out more than others, but I continue to be captivated by the complexity of folk tales and the deeper truths that lie within. While the repetitive plot points and themes in some of the earlier stories may feel monotonous to certain readers, the overlapping motifs of disbelief and the uncanny give the collection a haunting unity. Despite its occasional slow moments, this anthology is a fascinating exploration of folk horror’s rich and eerie legacy.
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
As with any anthology, some stories stand out more than others, but I continue to be captivated by the complexity of folk tales and the deeper truths that lie within. While the repetitive plot points and themes in some of the earlier stories may feel monotonous to certain readers, the overlapping motifs of disbelief and the uncanny give the collection a haunting unity. Despite its occasional slow moments, this anthology is a fascinating exploration of folk horror’s rich and eerie legacy.
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2024
I'm finding it quite difficult to rate this anthology, since most of the stories in it are over a hundred years old.
On the one hand, this is an interesting insight into the history of folk horror, which is one of my favourite genres. The themes of the malevolent, hostile landscape, ancient curses and legends, and evil, inhuman creatures are explored from many angles and enhanced by some truly amazing descriptions.
On the other hand, some of the stories aged badly. The excessive framing of the stories through various narrators, the slow, meandering pace, the typical, unappealing protagonist (white, male, English, pompous and patronizing) and rampant misogyny made it difficult to enjoy them.
The illustrations are great, dark and evocative.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
On the one hand, this is an interesting insight into the history of folk horror, which is one of my favourite genres. The themes of the malevolent, hostile landscape, ancient curses and legends, and evil, inhuman creatures are explored from many angles and enhanced by some truly amazing descriptions.
On the other hand, some of the stories aged badly. The excessive framing of the stories through various narrators, the slow, meandering pace, the typical, unappealing protagonist (white, male, English, pompous and patronizing) and rampant misogyny made it difficult to enjoy them.
The illustrations are great, dark and evocative.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
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