🕯️ Supernatural

The Antisocial Man and Other Strange Stories

✍️ Frederic Boutet
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$13.99
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of thirteen early supernatural stories by Frederic Boutet, published by Borgo Press.

This volume introduces American readers to the previously untranslated early work of Frederic Boutet. It contrasts sharply with his later 1920s output, which consisted of sentimental stories and crime fiction for popular magazines. The text focuses on weird and baroque fiction, offering a rare look at his initial creative period. By including thirteen specific tales, the book provides a comprehensive view of his stylistic range before his shift toward more conventional genres. This collection fills a gap in English-language horror literature by presenting material that has never been rendered into English before.

Key Themes
supernatural fiction weird stories baroque narratives
Literary Context

Published in 2013 by Borgo Press, this book bridges the gap between Boutet's early French weird fiction and modern American horror readership. It highlights a period of literary evolution that was previously inaccessible to English speakers, preserving a unique slice of early twentieth-century supernatural literature.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
Lovecraftian enthusiasts · Gothic horror historians · Fans of obscure early supernatural fiction
🕯️
Supernatural
🏛 Borgo Press 📅 2013 📖 238 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781479400935

📝 Description: The Antisocial Man and Other Strange Stories

Frederic Boutet presents a collection of thirteen stories that highlight his early career in offbeat supernatural fiction. This volume serves as the first installment in a trilogy published by Borgo Press, alongside titles such as The Voyage of Julius Pingouin and Other Strange Stories. While earlier English translations focused on his later sentimental and crime works from the 1920s, this book reveals the baroque nature of his initial output. Readers encounter tales like The Last Adventure, The Idol, and The Antisocial Man, which showcase a distinctive voice in weird literature. The collection includes Journey to the City of the Dead and The Valley Named Solitude, offering a glimpse into Boutet's evolution as a writer. These narratives draw on gothic traditions without relying on popular magazine tropes. The book suits readers interested in obscure horror history and those seeking fresh perspectives on early supernatural fiction. It may not appeal to fans of contemporary mainstream thrillers or those who prefer straightforward crime plots over atmospheric weirdness. The stories are organized to illustrate the range of his development, providing representative samples for those studying the genre's roots.

💎 Our verdict on The Antisocial Man and Other Strange Stories

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Boutet’s early work shines through in this curated collection, revealing a distinctive voice often overlooked in favor of his later sentimental crime fiction. The baroque prose and gothic atmosphere provide a refreshing departure from popular magazine conventions of the era. While it may alienate readers seeking contemporary mainstream thrillers or simple narratives, it deeply rewards those who value atmospheric weirdness and historical depth. The selection effectively illustrates the author's stylistic range, making it a compelling study of genre development. It stands as a significant contribution to the preservation of early supernatural fiction.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in the obscure corners of horror history will find this volume essential for understanding the evolution of weird literature. It offers a unique glimpse into an author's initial creative period, distinct from his later conventional output. By presenting thirteen previously untranslated tales, it fills a significant gap in English-language horror archives. Those seeking atmospheric complexity over straightforward plots will appreciate the baroque style and gothic traditions explored here. It serves as a vital resource for scholars and fans alike who wish to explore the roots of supernatural fiction beyond mainstream tropes.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Boutet’s early work shines through in this curated collection, revealing a distinctive voice often overlooked in favor of his later sentimental crime fiction. The baroque prose and gothic atmosphere provide a refreshing departure from popular magazine conventions of the era. While it may alienate readers seeking contemporary mainstream thrillers or simple narratives, it deeply rewards those who value atmospheric weirdness and historical depth. The selection effectively illustrates the author's stylistic range, making it a compelling study of genre development. It stands as a significant contribution to the preservation of early supernatural fiction.

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