Curious, if True (Esprios Classics): Strange Tales

Name: Curious, if True (Esprios Classics): Strange Tales
Price: 29.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781034953449

✍️ Elizabeth Gaskell

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$29.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of Elizabeth Gaskell's Victorian strange tales and supernatural fiction.

This volume gathers Elizabeth Gaskell’s shorter fictional works, specifically those falling into the strange tale category. While she is famous for biographies like that of Charlotte Bronte and novels such as Wives and Daughters, this book focuses on her supernatural output. The collection highlights her ability to blend social observation with eerie elements. It offers a contrast to her realistic depictions of Manchester life found in Mary Barton. The text provides insight into the Gothic traditions she employed during the nineteenth century. Readers interested in the breadth of her career will find this compilation useful for understanding her range beyond social realism.

Key Themes

supernatural fiction Gothic tradition Victorian era

Literary Context

Elizabeth Gaskell wrote during the Victorian era, settling in Manchester after marrying William Gaskell, a minister. Her work reflects the industrial surroundings of that time and place, influencing her portrayal of society's different strata.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Charlotte Bronte · Sheridan Le Fanu · Daphne du Maurier

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Blurb 📅 2025 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781034953449

📝 Description: Curious, if True (Esprios Classics): Strange Tales

Elizabeth Gaskell wrote strange tales that draw on the Gothic and supernatural traditions of the Victorian era. This volume collects her shorter fiction, offering readers a glimpse into the eerie side of her literary output. The book is part of the Esprios Classics series, published by Blurb in 2025. It presents her work alongside her well-known novels like Cranford and North and South, which detailed the lives of various social strata in industrial Manchester. Gaskell married William Gaskell, a minister at Cross Street Unitarian Chapel in Manchester. Her first novel, Mary Barton, appeared anonymously in 1848. The stories in this collection reflect her interest in the supernatural, a genre distinct from her realistic portrayals of society. Readers who enjoy detailed social history will find value here, as will those seeking classic horror. This book suits fans of Victorian literature and Gothic fiction. It may not appeal to readers seeking modern psychological thrillers or non-fiction historical accounts. The text is organized as a collection of strange tales. Gaskell’s background in Manchester provides the industrial setting for much of her inspiration. The ISBN for this edition is 9781034953449. The book contains no new illustrations or commentary beyond the original texts. It stands as a specific addition to the study of her lesser-known works.

💎 Our verdict on Curious, if True (Esprios Classics): Strange Tales

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Elizabeth Gaskell’s collection of strange tales successfully bridges the gap between her renowned social realism and the supernatural genre. By gathering these shorter works, the volume highlights her ability to weave eerie elements into Victorian society, offering a distinct contrast to her industrial Manchester narratives. The text remains faithful to its original form, lacking modern commentary but preserving the authentic Gothic tone. This approach suits readers interested in literary history and classic horror who prefer unadulterated period fiction. While it may not appeal to those seeking contemporary psychological depth or new illustrations, it stands as a significant addition for understanding Gaskell’s range. The collection effectively demonstrates her command of the strange tale, making it a compelling read for aficionados of nineteenth-century Gothic literature and biographical context.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers with an appreciation for Victorian literature will find this collection valuable for understanding the breadth of Gaskell’s career beyond her famous social realism. It offers a unique glimpse into the eerie side of her output, appealing to those who enjoy Gothic fiction and historical context. Fans of strange tales and supernatural stories from the nineteenth century will discover how she integrated industrial settings with traditional horror elements. This compilation serves as an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the lesser-known aspects of her work, providing insight into the Gothic traditions she employed. It is particularly suited for those seeking classic horror that complements detailed social history rather than modern psychological thrillers.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Elizabeth Gaskell’s collection of strange tales successfully bridges the gap between her renowned social realism and the supernatural genre. By gathering these shorter works, the volume highlights her ability to weave eerie elements into Victorian society, offering a distinct contrast to her industrial Manchester narratives. The text remains faithful to its original form, lacking modern commentary but preserving the authentic Gothic tone. This approach suits readers interested in literary history and classic horror who prefer unadulterated period fiction. While it may not appeal to those seeking contemporary psychological depth or new illustrations, it stands as a significant addition for understanding Gaskell’s range. The collection effectively demonstrates her command of the strange tale, making it a compelling read for aficionados of nineteenth-century Gothic literature and biographical context.