Penumbra No. 5 (2024): A Journal of Weird Fiction and Criticism

Name: Penumbra No. 5 (2024): A Journal of Weird Fiction and Criticism
Price: 20.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781614984597

✍️ S T Joshi

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$20.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 2024 journal of weird fiction and criticism edited by S T Joshi.

The fifth edition gathers diverse voices in the supernatural genre, blending original short stories with scholarly commentary. Joshi curates works that range from fantasy reminiscent of Clark Ashton Smith to modern tales of revenge. Critics explore the legacy of Rod Serling and Bram Stoker, while poets contribute both long and short pieces. The structure alternates between creative writing and analytical essays, offering a comprehensive view of current trends in weird fiction.

Key Themes

supernatural revenge Bram Stoker analysis Clark Ashton Smith style

Literary Context

Published in late 2024 by Hippocampus Press, this volume celebrates five years of the journal. It continues the press’s commitment to documenting and analyzing the weird fiction tradition through a mix of contemporary storytelling and historical criticism.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Clark Ashton Smith · Bram Stoker · Rod Serling · Joel Lane

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Hippocampus Press 📅 2024 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781614984597

📝 Description: Penumbra No. 5 (2024): A Journal of Weird Fiction and Criticism

S T Joshi compiles the fifth annual volume of Hippocampus Press’s journal, presenting a collection of weird fiction alongside critical analysis. This issue marks five years of the publication’s focus on supernatural literature and poetry. The volume features twelve stories, ten poems, and several essays that examine specific authors and works within the genre. The fiction section includes fantasy in the style of Clark Ashton Smith by Wade German, a tale of supernatural revenge by Carla Ward, and contributions from John Shirley, Darrell Schweitzer, Katherine Kerestman, and Debra K. Every. The critical portion offers James Goho’s study of Joel Lane, Jason V Brock’s examination of Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone, John C. Tibbetts’ interview with Brian Aldiss, and Geoffrey Reiter’s look at Bram Stoker’s final novel. Poets Frank Coffman, Maxwell I. Gold, Ngo Binh Anh Khoa, and Ann K. Schwader provide verse. This book suits readers interested in the history of weird fiction and those who enjoy analyzing literary influences. It may not appeal to those seeking original standalone novels or casual reading material without academic context.

💎 Our verdict on Penumbra No. 5 (2024): A Journal of Weird Fiction and Criticism

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

S T Joshi curates a robust collection that successfully blends creative output with academic rigor. The inclusion of twelve stories and ten poems alongside essays on figures like Joel Lane and Brian Aldiss creates a multifaceted view of the supernatural genre. The alternating structure between fiction and criticism allows for a dynamic reading experience, highlighting how modern writers engage with historical precedents. This journal is best suited for serious students of horror and weird fiction who desire context alongside their reading pleasure. It avoids the pitfalls of being too dry by maintaining a strong creative core, making it an essential resource for understanding the evolution and current state of supernatural literature.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

This volume offers a comprehensive exploration of weird fiction for readers who appreciate both the creation and analysis of supernatural literature. It appeals to those interested in the historical lineage of the genre, providing original works that echo classic styles alongside rigorous critical studies. Scholars and enthusiasts will find value in the diverse perspectives on authors like Bram Stoker and Rod Serling, as well as the inclusion of contemporary poets and fiction writers. It is ideal for individuals seeking a deep dive into literary influences and current trends within the weird fiction community, rather than casual entertainment.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

S T Joshi curates a robust collection that successfully blends creative output with academic rigor. The inclusion of twelve stories and ten poems alongside essays on figures like Joel Lane and Brian Aldiss creates a multifaceted view of the supernatural genre. The alternating structure between fiction and criticism allows for a dynamic reading experience, highlighting how modern writers engage with historical precedents. This journal is best suited for serious students of horror and weird fiction who desire context alongside their reading pleasure. It avoids the pitfalls of being too dry by maintaining a strong creative core, making it an essential resource for understanding the evolution and current state of supernatural literature.