A Touch of the Creature

Name: A Touch of the Creature
Price: 17.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781941147986

✍️ Charles Beaumont

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$17.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of fourteen plus three unseen horror tales by master Charles Beaumont.

This volume compiles the complete short fiction from a specific period in Beaumont's career. It combines the fourteen stories from the 2000 Subterranean Press hardcover with three new additions. Roger Anker’s introduction frames these works within the context of modern weird fiction. The text avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on atmospheric storytelling. This approach distinguishes it from other horror anthologies that prioritize shock value over literary merit.

Key Themes

weird fiction supernatural tales gothic tradition

Literary Context

Beaumont died in 1967 at age thirty-eight, cutting short a brilliant career. This edition bridges his legacy with modern readers by including previously unseen stories alongside the established Subterranean Press collection.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

H.P. Lovecraft · Shirley Jackson · Richard Matheson · Clark Ashton Smith

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Valancourt Books 📅 2015 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781941147986

📝 Description: A Touch of the Creature

Charles Beaumont was a master of modern weird fiction whose career ended abruptly in 1967 at age thirty-eight. This collection gathers fourteen tales originally released in a limited hardcover edition by Subterranean Press in 2000. It also includes three additional stories that had never been seen before publication. Roger Anker, an award-winning editor, provides a new introduction for this Valancourt Books release. The volume presents a curated selection of supernatural narratives that reflect Beaumont's distinctive voice. Readers will find tales that draw on gothic and horror traditions without relying on standard tropes. The organization follows the structure established in the earlier Subterranean Press edition, ensuring fidelity to the original artistic intent. This compilation serves as a comprehensive look at his short fiction output during his brief but brilliant career. This book suits readers who appreciate classic weird fiction and literary horror. It is ideal for those interested in mid-twentieth century American genre writing. The collection may not appeal to readers seeking contemporary gore or fast-paced thrillers. Beaumont’s work requires patience and an appreciation for subtle dread. The inclusion of previously unseen material offers new insights into his creative process. This edition stands as a significant resource for fans of his style.

💎 Our verdict on A Touch of the Creature

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Beaumont’s collection stands as a testament to his mastery of modern weird fiction, offering fourteen tales alongside three unseen additions that highlight his distinctive voice. The volume successfully combines gothic and horror traditions without relying on clichés, focusing instead on literary merit and atmospheric depth. Roger Anker’s introduction frames these works effectively within the context of contemporary weird fiction scholarship. This edition is ideal for readers who appreciate classic genre writing and are willing to invest patience in narratives that build slow-burning tension. It suits those seeking quality over quantity and depth over shock, making it a valuable addition to any serious horror library.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

This volume is essential for enthusiasts of literary horror who appreciate subtle dread over sensationalism. Readers who value atmospheric storytelling and the psychological depth of classic weird fiction will find profound satisfaction in Beaumont's work. The inclusion of three previously unseen tales offers a rare glimpse into his creative process, providing new insights for dedicated fans. It serves as a comprehensive resource for those interested in mid-twentieth century American genre writing, distinguishing itself from anthologies that prioritize shock value. Those willing to engage with patient, nuanced narratives will discover a master of the form who avoids standard tropes in favor of genuine unease and intellectual engagement.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Beaumont’s collection stands as a testament to his mastery of modern weird fiction, offering fourteen tales alongside three unseen additions that highlight his distinctive voice. The volume successfully combines gothic and horror traditions without relying on clichés, focusing instead on literary merit and atmospheric depth. Roger Anker’s introduction frames these works effectively within the context of contemporary weird fiction scholarship. This edition is ideal for readers who appreciate classic genre writing and are willing to invest patience in narratives that build slow-burning tension. It suits those seeking quality over quantity and depth over shock, making it a valuable addition to any serious horror library.