Peter Smith on how being human is an awkward, messy, embarrassing business

Are 'Dear John' letters lethal weapons in the hands of men at war? Many US officers, servicemen, veterans, and civilians would say yes. Drawing on personal letters, oral histories, and psychiatric reports, as well as popular music and movies, Susan L. Carruthers shows how the armed forces and civilian society have attempted to weaponize romantic love in pursuit of martial ends, from World War II to today. Yet efforts to discipline feeling have frequently failed. And women have often borne the blame. This sweeping history of emotional life in wartime explores the interplay between letter-writing and storytelling, breakups and breakdowns, and between imploded intimacy and boosted camaraderie. Incorporating vivid personal experiences in lively and engaging prose – variously tragic, comic, and everything in between – this compelling study will change the way we think about wartime relationships.

The Mummy, Frankenstein, Dracula, The Creature from the Black Lagoon! Featuring long out-of-print artwork by the white-hot Tony Harris (Ex Machina, Starman) and artist Art Adams (Monkeyman & O'Brien), as well as a brand new introduction and painted cover by multiple Eisner Award Winner Eric Powell (The Goon), this collection tells the original stories of the Universal monsters - Frankenstein, the Mummy, Dracula, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Master spy, Nazi hunter—and werewolf on the prowl—in occupied Paris: A classic of dark fantasy from a Bram Stoker Award—winning author. Allied Intelligence has been warned: A Nazi strategy designed to thwart the D-Day invasion is underway. A Russian émigré turned operative for the British Secret Service, Michael Gallatin has been brought out of retirement as a personal courier. His mission: Parachute into Nazi-occupied France, search out the informant under close watch by the Gestapo, and recover the vital information necessary to subvert the mysterious Nazi plan called Iron Fist. Fearlessly devoted to the challenge, Gallatin is the one agent uniquely qualified to meet it—he’s a werewolf. Now, as shifting as the shadows on the dangerous streets of Paris, a master spy is on the scent of unimaginable evil. But with the Normandy landings only hours away, it’s going to be a race against time. For Gallatin, caught in the dark heart of the Third Reich’s twisted death machine, there is only one way to succeed. He must unleash his own internal demons and redefine the meaning of the horror of war. From the award-winning author of Swan Song and Boy’s Life, this is a “powerful novel [that] fuses WWII espionage thriller and dark fantasy. Richly detailed, intricately plotted, fast-paced historical suspense is enhanced by McCammon’s unique take on the werewolf myth” (Publishers Weekly).

A Cavalcade of Queenslands Crimes and Criminals, for every year following the colonys separation from New South Wales from 1859 to 1920, Jarvis Finger has recounted Queenslands most notable crimes.

Horror Classics: 560+ Titles in One Edition is an ambitious anthology that transcends the contours of fear, exploring the depths of the human psyche through a mosaic of horror narratives. This collection celebrates the eclectic dimensions of horror literature, spanning Gothic tales, supernatural stories, and psychological thrillers. By weaving together a tapestry of styles ranging from the eerie subtleties of Henry James to the cosmic horrors of H.P. Lovecraft, this anthology underscores the diversity and richness of the genre. Significant works within the collection demonstrate the evolution of horror, charting a course from the foundational terror of Mary Shelley's influence to the nuanced dread of Algernon Blackwood. The anthology represents a comprehensive survey of horror's literary landscape, capturing the zeitgeist of multiple eras and offering a window into the myriad ways that fear manifests in literature. The authors and editors, hailing from diverse backgrounds and epochs, bring with them their unique historical, cultural, and literary perspectives. Collectively, they represent the multifaceted nature of horror writing, aligning with various movements from Romanticism to Modernism, and touching upon themes of imperialism, gender, and existentialism. Their stories offer a rich commentary on the societal fears and anxieties of their times, providing insight into the human condition. This collaborative effort illuminates the shared human experience of fear, binding the collection into a cohesive exploration of horror's thematic richness and depth. Horror Classics: 560+ Titles in One Edition is a seminal compilation that promises to enchant, educate, and provoke thought, appealing to both aficionados and newcomers of the horror genre. This anthology not only serves as a comprehensive guide through the eerie landscapes of terror and the macabre but also as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in confronting the unknown. Readers are invited to delve into this extensive collection, to unravel the complex tapestry of horror literature, and to engage in a dialogue with some of the most influential voices in the genre. It is a must-read for those seeking to grasp the full spectrum of horrors literary heritage and its evolution across centuries.

STRANGE STRANGE THINGS: 550+ Supernatural Mysteries, Macabre & Horror Classics is a monumental assembly of narratives that traverses the shadowy boundaries of the supernatural, the uncanny, and the outright terrifying. This collection boasts an unparalleled diversity in literary styles, encompassing the gothic tales of the 18th century, the psychological horror of the 19th century, and the cosmic dread of the early 20th century. The anthology highlights the genre's evolution, featuring seminal works that have shaped our understanding of fear and fascination with the unknown. Each piece, carefully selected for its contribution to the tapestry of horror and supernatural literature, stands as a testament to the genre's richness and complexity, showcasing the stylistic innovation and depth of insight that horror and macabre tales can offer. The backgrounds of the contributors to STRANGE STRANGE THINGS are as varied as the themes they explore, encompassing renowned authors from different eras and cultures, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the collection. From the psychological realism of Henry James to the dark romanticism of Edgar Allan Poe, and the pioneering science fiction of H.G. Wells, this anthology not only charts the historical and cultural shifts within the genre but also reflects the broader human condition through its exploration of fear, desire, and the supernatural. The collective contributions of these authors provide a rich, multidimensional experience of the macabre, enlivened by their diverse cultural backgrounds and literary traditions, thereby enriching the reader's understanding of the multifaceted nature of horror and supernatural literature. STRANGE STRANGE THINGS is an indispensable volume for both aficionados and new readers of the horror and supernatural genres, offering a comprehensive journey through the labyrinth of humanity's deepest fears and darkest fantasies. This collection serves as a unique educational tool, broadening the readers literary horizons and deepening their appreciation for the craft of storytelling. It invites readers to immerse themselves in a world where the extraordinary confronts the ordinary, where the boundary between the known and the unknown blurs, and to explore the profound psychological and philosophical questions that these stories evoke. For anyone seeking to understand the breadth and depth of the supernatural in literature, STRANGE STRANGE THINGS is an unrivaled compendium that promises endless hours of fascination and awe.