Cornish Horrors: Tales from the Land's End
A curated collection of Gothic tales set in Cornwall by Joan Passey.
Joan Passey assembles a diverse anthology of supernatural fiction centered on Cornwall. The editor includes works from major horror authors like Bram Stoker and Mary Elizabeth Braddon, while also highlighting underappreciated writers such as Margery Williams. The text examines how local mythology, mining culture, and maritime history influenced these narratives. It covers the transition from traditional folklore to the impact of tourism and rail transport on the region's identity.
Published by the British Library in 2022, this edition revives lost or forgotten strange tales. It draws on the rich traditions of Cornwall, exploring its mines, local mythology, and seascapes. The collection reflects the county's unique cultural landscape during the period when tourism and railways began to reshape its isolation.
📝 Description: Cornish Horrors: Tales from the Land's End
💎 Our verdict on Cornish Horrors: Tales from the Land's End
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate atmospheric dread and the slow-burn tension of classic British Gothic will find this collection deeply rewarding. It offers a unique window into how Cornwall’s dark history, mining culture, and maritime legacy shaped literary output during its formative years. Those interested in the transition from traditional folklore to modern regional identity will gain insight into how these narratives evolved. The book is ideal for scholars of horror fiction seeking to understand the influence of lesser-known voices like Margery Williams on major figures such as Lovecraft. It appeals to those who value local legend over contemporary tropes, providing a curated experience of supernatural tales rooted in specific geographic and historical contexts rather than generic scares.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Joan Passey’s curation succeeds in highlighting the rich atmospheric dread inherent in Cornish Gothic fiction. By juxtaposing established masters like Bram Stoker with underappreciated writers such as Margery Williams, the volume illuminates the diverse voices contributing to this regional tradition. The focus on local mythology, mining culture, and maritime history provides a compelling framework for understanding the era’s literary output. This collection suits readers who prefer slow-burn tension and atmospheric storytelling over fast-paced action or modern jump scares. It is an essential resource for those studying the impact of tourism and rail transport on regional identity within horror literature.
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📖 From the series “Tales of the Weird”
🏛 Books from this publisher British Library
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