Sheep's-Head and Babylon: And Other Stories of Yesterday and To-Day (Nezu Press Classics)

Name: Sheep's-Head and Babylon: And Other Stories of Yesterday and To-Day (Nezu Press Classics)
Price: 46.50 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781917113120

✍️ Marjorie Bowen

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$46.50

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of eighteen short stories by Marjorie Bowen spanning four centuries of gothic fiction.

This volume gathers eighteen distinct narratives written by Marjorie Bowen, a prolific author who utilized many different pen names throughout her career. The stories traverse time from the 1600s to the 1920s and move between England, Scotland, France, and Italy. Readers encounter tales involving the occult, murder, and tragedy alongside cynical looks at modern society. The collection balances cruel realism with fantastic elements. A key feature is the inclusion of a biographical essay by Gina R. Collia that examines Bowen’s life under her various aliases. This edition preserves the original structure while adding scholarly context for modern audiences.

Key Themes

occult tales murder and tragedy cynical modern life

Literary Context

First published in 1929 by John Lane, The Bodley Head, this collection reflects interwar British literary trends. It draws on historical periods from the seventeenth century to the 1920s across Europe. The work sits within the tradition of gothic and supernatural fiction popular in early twentieth-century England.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

M.R. James · Shirley Jackson · H.P. Lovecraft · Edith Wharton

🩸

Horror Fiction

🏛 Nezu Press 📅 2025 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781917113120

📝 Description: Sheep's-Head and Babylon: And Other Stories of Yesterday and To-Day (Nezu Press Classics)

Marjorie Bowen’s Sheep's-Head and Babylon brings together eighteen short stories spanning from the seventeenth century through the 1920s. These narratives unfold across England, Scotland, France, and Italy, offering a varied landscape of settings for her fiction. The collection covers themes of the occult, murder, tragedy, and cynical observations of modern life. Some tales lean toward the fantastic while others remain cruel, reflecting Bowen’s range as a writer known for her many pseudonyms. This edition includes a biographical essay by Gina R. Collia titled Margaret Campbell: The Lady with the Hundred Names. It provides context for Bowen, who wrote under numerous names during her career. The stories are organized chronologically and geographically, allowing readers to trace shifts in tone and setting. The Illustrated London News praised the original 1929 publication as uncommonly good. This volume suits readers interested in early twentieth-century gothic fiction and historical supernatural tales. It may not appeal to those seeking contemporary horror or fast-paced thrillers. The text remains grounded in Bowen’s specific style of psychological unease and historical atmosphere.

💎 Our verdict on Sheep's-Head and Babylon: And Other Stories of Yesterday and To-Day (Nezu Press Classics)

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Bowen’s work excels in creating a pervasive sense of psychological unease through detailed historical settings and tragic outcomes. The collection balances cruel realism with fantastic elements, offering a varied landscape across England, Scotland, France, and Italy. The biographical essay adds valuable context for understanding the author's complex career and numerous aliases. It suits readers interested in early twentieth-century gothic fiction who appreciate slow-burning dread and cynical social observations. The chronological organization allows tracing shifts in tone effectively. While not suitable for those preferring contemporary horror or rapid pacing, it remains a solid choice for fans of historical supernatural tales and psychological depth.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the atmospheric density of historical gothic fiction will find this collection compelling. It offers a unique window into Marjorie Bowen’s diverse range, spanning four centuries and multiple European settings. The inclusion of scholarly context helps clarify her prolific use of pseudonyms, enriching the reading experience for those interested in literary history. Fans of psychological unease and tragic narratives set against rich backdrops will engage with the material. However, those seeking fast-paced contemporary thrillers may find the tone too deliberate. The volume is best suited for enthusiasts of early twentieth-century horror who value historical atmosphere over modern plot mechanics.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Bowen’s work excels in creating a pervasive sense of psychological unease through detailed historical settings and tragic outcomes. The collection balances cruel realism with fantastic elements, offering a varied landscape across England, Scotland, France, and Italy. The biographical essay adds valuable context for understanding the author's complex career and numerous aliases. It suits readers interested in early twentieth-century gothic fiction who appreciate slow-burning dread and cynical social observations. The chronological organization allows tracing shifts in tone effectively. While not suitable for those preferring contemporary horror or rapid pacing, it remains a solid choice for fans of historical supernatural tales and psychological depth.