A.M. Burrage - The Hawthorn Tree & Other Stories: Classics From The Master Of Horror

Name: A.M. Burrage - The Hawthorn Tree & Other Stories: Classics From The Master Of Horror
Price: 14.24 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781783945023

✍️ A M Burrage

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$14.24

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of unsettling supernatural tales by master horror writer A M Burrage

This anthology gathers short stories that showcase Burrage’s skill in crafting brief, impactful narratives. Born in 1889, he entered the literary world young and continued writing prolifically after his war service. The stories here reflect his unique voice, blending everyday settings with eerie supernatural elements. Titles like The Hawthorn Tree and Dark Horses demonstrate his ability to create tension without relying on excessive description. The book appeals to readers who value classic horror literature and character-driven plots over modern gore or complex subplots.

Key Themes

supernatural horror gothic fiction wartime experience

Literary Context

Burrage wrote during the early twentieth century, a period when supernatural fiction was popular in magazines. His work reflects the cultural anxieties of the post-war era, drawing on gothic traditions to explore themes of fear and the unknown through concise storytelling.

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

M.R. James · Shirley Jackson · Algernon Blackwood · E.F. Benson

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Burrage Publishing 📅 2013 📖 110 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781783945023

📝 Description: A.M. Burrage - The Hawthorn Tree & Other Stories: Classics From The Master Of Horror

Alfred McLelland Burrage began writing in his teens alongside his father and uncle, who were known for boy’s fiction. He established himself as a master of the market before serving on the Western Front during the Great War. His wartime experiences later informed his book War is War by Ex-Private X. This volume collects his supernatural tales, which critics regard as some of the finest ever written. The stories are succinct and character-driven, offering unsettling twists that range from menacing to disturbing. The collection includes The Hawthorn Tree, Little Bride-of-a-Day, Behind The Panels, The Black Diamond Tree, Dark Horses, Oberon Road, Household Gods, The House Of Unrest, The Captains Watch, and The Ivory Cards. These narratives draw on gothic and supernatural traditions, reflecting Burrage’s prodigious output in magazines and newspapers after his military service. The book suits readers who appreciate classic horror with a focus on atmosphere and psychological unease rather than graphic violence. It may not appeal to those seeking modern fast-paced thrillers or extensive world-building. Burrage’s work remains relevant for its ability to evoke dread through concise prose. Each story reveals a distinct flavor of the macabre, rooted in early twentieth-century sensibilities. The compilation offers a glimpse into a writer who balanced commercial success with artistic depth. Fans of vintage horror will find this volume a valuable addition to their shelves.

💎 Our verdict on A.M. Burrage - The Hawthorn Tree & Other Stories: Classics From The Master Of Horror

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

A.M. Burrage demonstrates remarkable skill in generating tension through succinct prose, avoiding excessive description in favor of psychological impact. The anthology showcases his ability to blend mundane environments with eerie supernatural elements, creating a distinct flavor of the macabre. Works like 'The Hawthorn Tree' and 'Dark Horses' exemplify his talent for unsettling twists that range from menacing to deeply disturbing. While it may not suit readers seeking modern gore or intricate plotlines, it is a triumph of classic horror. The collection stands as a testament to Burrage’s prolific output and his unique voice in the genre, offering a glimpse into a master who understood how to evoke genuine dread through restraint and character focus.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who value atmospheric dread over graphic violence will find immense satisfaction in this collection. Burrage excels at crafting concise, character-driven narratives that linger long after the final page. The stories offer a refreshing alternative to modern fast-paced thrillers, focusing instead on subtle psychological unease and the intrusion of the supernatural into everyday settings. Those who appreciate classic horror literature, particularly tales rooted in early twentieth-century sensibilities, will discover a writer who balances commercial accessibility with artistic depth. This volume is ideal for enthusiasts of gothic and ghost stories who seek impactful, brief encounters with the macabre rather than extensive world-building or complex subplots.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

A.M. Burrage demonstrates remarkable skill in generating tension through succinct prose, avoiding excessive description in favor of psychological impact. The anthology showcases his ability to blend mundane environments with eerie supernatural elements, creating a distinct flavor of the macabre. Works like 'The Hawthorn Tree' and 'Dark Horses' exemplify his talent for unsettling twists that range from menacing to deeply disturbing. While it may not suit readers seeking modern gore or intricate plotlines, it is a triumph of classic horror. The collection stands as a testament to Burrage’s prolific output and his unique voice in the genre, offering a glimpse into a master who understood how to evoke genuine dread through restraint and character focus.