The Alabaster Book of Occult Fiction

Name: The Alabaster Book of Occult Fiction
Price: 24.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781645251187

✍️ Brian Stableford

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$24.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of twenty-one translated tales from the French occult revival edited by Brian Stableford.

This volume gathers stories that highlight the esoteric interests of late nineteenth and early twentieth century France. It includes contributions from notable figures like Jules Bois and Jean-Gaston Buorgeat. The text also features Jane de La Vaudere and Claude Vignon. Many of these translations are appearing in English for the first time. The subjects range from necromancy to mystical love. Stableford’s introduction provides necessary context for these works. Readers gain insight into a specific cultural moment through these varied narratives. The book serves as a window into the practices and beliefs of that time.

Key Themes

necromancy mystical love seers

Literary Context

The book focuses on the French occult revival during the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century. It highlights figures like Eliphas Levi and his ex-wife Claude Vignon, providing a specific look at this period's literary output.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

S.T. Joshi · M.R. James · Algernon Blackwood · Arthur Machen

🕯️

Supernatural

🏛 Snuggly Books 📅 2023 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781645251187

📝 Description: The Alabaster Book of Occult Fiction

Brian Stableford presents a curated collection of twenty-one tales drawn from the French occult revival spanning the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This volume features works by key figures such as Jules Bois and esoterist Jean-Gaston Buorgeat, alongside practitioners like Jane de La Vaudere and Claude Vignon, who was the ex-wife of Eliphas Levi. Much of this content appears in English for the first time, offering readers access to previously obscure material. The stories cover a varied array of subjects including necromancy, magnetism, seers, and mystical love. Stableford provides a scholarly introduction that frames these narratives within their historical context. The editor’s expertise ensures the translations are accurate and the historical background is clear. This book suits readers interested in the specific period of French occultism and those who enjoy supernatural fiction rooted in esoteric traditions. It may not appeal to readers seeking modern horror or American Gothic styles, as the focus remains strictly on the French revival. The collection offers a distinct perspective on this era through its diverse cast of authors. Stableford’s work stands as a valuable resource for understanding the literary output of this specific occult movement. The inclusion of lesser-known writers adds depth to the study of the period.

💎 Our verdict on The Alabaster Book of Occult Fiction

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Brian Stableford curates a compelling collection that highlights the esoteric interests of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century France. The volume features works by key figures such as Jean-Gaston Buorgeat, Jane de La Vaudere, and Claude Vignon, offering readers access to previously obscure material. Many translations appear in English for the first time, providing a unique perspective on this era through its diverse cast of authors. Stableford’s scholarly introduction frames these narratives effectively within their historical context. This book suits readers interested in the specific period of French occultism and those who enjoy supernatural fiction rooted in esoteric traditions. It stands as a valuable resource for understanding the literary output of this specific movement.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking to understand the literary output of a specific occult movement will find this collection invaluable. It offers access to previously obscure material, with many translations appearing in English for the first time. The editor’s expertise ensures accurate translations and clear historical background, making it suitable for those interested in French occultism and supernatural fiction rooted in esoteric traditions. By including lesser-known writers alongside notable figures like Jules Bois, the book adds depth to the study of the period. It is particularly beneficial for scholars or enthusiasts who want insight into a distinct cultural moment through diverse narratives ranging from necromancy to mystical love.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Brian Stableford curates a compelling collection that highlights the esoteric interests of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century France. The volume features works by key figures such as Jean-Gaston Buorgeat, Jane de La Vaudere, and Claude Vignon, offering readers access to previously obscure material. Many translations appear in English for the first time, providing a unique perspective on this era through its diverse cast of authors. Stableford’s scholarly introduction frames these narratives effectively within their historical context. This book suits readers interested in the specific period of French occultism and those who enjoy supernatural fiction rooted in esoteric traditions. It stands as a valuable resource for understanding the literary output of this specific movement.