Guy De Maupassant was one of the greatest French authors of the 19th century. Originally published in 1887, 'The Horla' is one of his best tales, and was a strong influence on H. P. Lovecraft. Many of the earliest ghost stories and tales of hauntings, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

The Horla ("Le Horla") is a horror story written in the style of a journal by French writer Guy de Maupassant. The story has been cited as an inspiration for Lovecraft's own "The Call of Cthulhu", which also features an extraterrestrial being who influences minds and who is destined to conquer humanity. In the form of a journal, the narrator, an upper class, unmarried, bourgeois man, conveys his troubled thoughts and feelings of anguish. This anguish occurs for four days after he sees a "superb three-mast" boat and impulsively waves to it, unconsciously inviting the supernatural being aboard the boat to haunt his home.

BUILDING on the weird tales of Hoffmann and Poe, FITZ-JAMES O'BRIEN is one of horror and fantasy literature's best hidden secrets. His astonishingly original forays into speculative fiction include an army of possessed Christmas dolls, the sudden and short-lived manifestation of an invisible monster, a disappearing room possessed by cannibal spirits, a murderous scientist's discovery of a microscopic woman in a drop of water, a child's symbiotic relationship to a grave, and a haunted gallows-tree. BEFORE succumbing to the insanity that ravaged his later life, GUY DE MAUPASSANT established a reputation as France's preeminent short story writer, an artist whose cynical and macabre visions paralleled those of Hoffmann and Poe, and directly influenced those of Ambrose Bierce, Mark Twain, and H.P. Lovecraft. His stories are nightmarescapes of psychopathy, corruption, and decadence, featuring a serial-killer judge, a maddening episode of cabin fever (which influenced The Shinning), a gruesome discovery during a night on the river, the inexplicable exodus of a man's walking furniture, the famous invisible vampire, the Horla, werewolves, haunted rooms, neglected ghosts, and vivid affairs of necrophilia. This unique and unrivalled edition of their best weird tales, fantasies, and mysteries includes critical introductions to each story, contextual information, and chilling illustrations that breathe life into their Gothic visions and bizarre fantasias.

Guy de Maupassant's 'The Horla' is a masterpiece of horror literature, showcasing the author's ability to create a chilling atmosphere through vivid descriptions and psychological depth. Set in a time when science and superstition were at odds, the novella follows the narrator's descent into madness as he becomes convinced that an invisible entity, the Horla, is haunting him. Maupassant's use of unreliable narration adds to the suspense, leaving readers questioning the protagonist's sanity and the true nature of the supernatural force. Written in a concise and haunting style, 'The Horla' is a must-read for fans of Gothic fiction and psychological horror. This Classic English Edition offers a faithful translation of Maupassant's original work, allowing readers to experience the terror and ambiguity of the story in all its glory. Guy de Maupassant, a master of the short story form, was known for his acute psychological insight and his ability to evoke complex emotions in his readers. His own struggles with mental illness and fear of the unknown likely influenced his creation of 'The Horla,' adding a personal dimension to the narrative. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking horror tales that delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche will find 'The Horla' to be a captivating and unsettling read, offering a unique blend of supernatural elements and psychological depth.

Guy de Maupassant's 'The Horla' is a compelling occult and supernatural classic that delves into the themes of madness, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. This thrilling short story follows the protagonist's descent into paranoia as he grapples with the presence of an unseen entity known as the 'Horla' that seems to be slowly taking over his mind. De Maupassant's narrative style is haunting and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world where the supernatural forces at play are both mysterious and terrifying. Set in the late 19th century, 'The Horla' reflects the author's fascination with the occult and his exploration of psychological horror in literature. The story's intricate plot and psychological depth make it a standout work in the genre of supernatural fiction, showcasing De Maupassant's mastery of the form. Fans of Gothic tales and psychological thrillers will undoubtedly be captivated by the chilling tale of 'The Horla' and its exploration of the darker aspects of the human psyche.

H. P. Lovecraft's 'The Call of Cthulhu' is a cornerstone of supernatural horror fiction, embodying cosmic dread and the insignificance of humanity in the face of ancient and malevolent forces. The book masterfully combines elements of horror, science fiction, and fantasy, creating a unique and unsettling reading experience. Lovecraft's vivid descriptions of the monstrous entity, Cthulhu, showcase his talent for world-building and evoking a sense of existential fear. The narrative style is characterized by a sense of mounting tension and a creeping sense of unease, making it a gripping read for fans of horror literature. Lovecraft's influence on the genre is undeniable, with 'The Call of Cthulhu' remaining a seminal work in the realm of cosmic horror, inspiring countless authors to explore similar themes of the unknown and unfathomable. Howard Phillips Lovecraft, known for his contributions to weird fiction, drew inspiration from his own fears and anxieties, eloquently translating them into his haunting tales of the unknown. His writing reflects a deep-seated unease with the mysteries of the universe, crafting a legacy that continues to captivate readers and writers alike. Lovecraft's exploration of cosmic terror and the fragility of human existence sets him apart as a visionary author whose works transcend time and genre boundaries. 'The Call of Cthulhu' is essential reading for fans of horror and speculative fiction, offering a chilling journey into the unknown depths of the human psyche. Lovecraft's tale of ancient beings and forbidden knowledge immerses readers in a nightmarish world where reality is warped and sanity is a tenuous thread. For those seeking a literary experience that challenges the boundaries of imagination and explores the darkest recesses of the human soul, 'The Call of Cthulhu' is a must-read.

Before succumbing to the insanity that ravaged his later life, Guy de Maupassant established a reputation as France's preeminent short story writer, an artist whose cynical and macabre visions paralleled those of Hoffmann and Poe, and directly influenced those of Ambrose Bierce, Mark Twain, and H.P. Lovecraft. His stories are nightmarescapes of psychopathy, corruption, and decadence, featuring a serial-killer judge, a maddening episode of cabin fever (which influenced The Shinning), a gruesome discovery during a night on the river, the inexplicable exodus of a man's walking furniture, the famous invisible vampire, the Horla, werewolves, haunted rooms, neglected ghosts, and vivid affairs of necrophilia. This unique and unrivalled edition of de Maupassant's best weird tales, fantasies, and mysteries includes critical introductions to each story, contextual information, and chilling illustrations that breathe life into his Gothic visions and bizarre fantasias.