The Black Book of Horror

Name: The Black Book of Horror
Price: 20.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780955606106

✍️ Charles Black

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$20.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

An anthology of eighteen horror short stories edited by Charles Black.

This collection brings together diverse voices to explore terror through short fiction. The editor selects tales that feature black magic, monstrous beasts, and the dead. Stories like "The Sound of Muzak" and "Lock-In" create tension through isolation and mundane settings turned sinister. Contributions from writers such as David A. Sutton and Franklin Marsh add depth to the themes of madness and evil. The book does not rely on a single narrative thread but instead offers discrete excursions into fear. Readers interested in the macabre will find value in the variety of approaches to supernatural and psychological horror presented here.

Key Themes

black magic monstrous beasts the dead

Literary Context

Published by Mortbury Press in June 2007, this anthology reflects a period where short fiction collections continued to thrive as accessible entry points for horror readers. The work sits within the tradition of American and British horror anthologies that prioritize atmospheric dread and supernatural elements over gore alone.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Stephen King · Clive Barker · H.P. Lovecraft

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Mortbury Press 📅 2007 📖 300 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780955606106

📝 Description: The Black Book of Horror

Charles Black edits this 2007 Mortbury Press anthology, gathering eighteen distinct tales that explore the darker corners of fiction. The collection moves between supernatural encounters and macabre human behavior, featuring subjects such as black magic, monstrous beasts, and the restless dead. Readers will find stories that examine madness and the evil inherent in mankind, presented through a variety of narrative voices. The volume includes contributions from authors like Frank Nicholas, Mark Samuels, and Gary Fry. Specific entries such as "Crows" and "Regina vs. Zoskia" offer glimpses into strange conflicts, while "The Older Man" and "Power" explore psychological tension. Other stories like "Shaped Like a Snake" and "Only in Your Dreams" suggest horror lurking in familiar or subconscious spaces. The anthology also features darker humor and romance with titles like "Spare Rib: A Romance" and "Family Fishing," alongside more traditional terror in pieces like "The Wolf at Jessie's Door" and "To Summon a Flesh Eating Demon." This compilation suits readers who appreciate short fiction that blends the gothic with the visceral. It may not appeal to those seeking long-form novels or lighthearted entertainment. Black’s selection demonstrates a clear focus on immediate dread and supernatural intrusion. The stories range from subtle invasions to overt demonic summoning, providing a varied but cohesive experience for fans of the genre.

💎 Our verdict on The Black Book of Horror

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Charles Black curates a potent mix of eighteen tales that effectively bridge the gap between gothic tradition and visceral modern terror. The collection excels in its variety, moving seamlessly from subtle psychological invasions to overt demonic summoning. Stories like 'The Sound of Muzak' demonstrate how mundane settings can become sinister through isolation, while others delve into black magic and monstrous beasts. The inclusion of darker humor and romance adds unexpected depth to the macabre themes. This anthology is best suited for enthusiasts of short fiction who desire immediate dread and supernatural intrusion. It avoids long-form commitments, offering instead a concentrated dose of fear that appeals to those who enjoy exploring the darker corners of human behavior and the unknown.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the macabre and diverse approaches to supernatural and psychological horror will find significant value in this collection. It suits those seeking discrete excursions into fear rather than a single continuous narrative thread. The anthology offers immediate dread through tales of black magic, monstrous beasts, and the restless dead. Fans of dark fantasy and true crime aesthetics may enjoy the blend of gothic atmosphere with visceral terror. Those who tolerate isolation-based tension in mundane settings will find stories like 'The Sound of Muzak' compelling. It is ideal for individuals who prefer short fiction that explores madness and inherent evil through various narrative voices without relying on lighthearted entertainment or novel-length commitments.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Charles Black curates a potent mix of eighteen tales that effectively bridge the gap between gothic tradition and visceral modern terror. The collection excels in its variety, moving seamlessly from subtle psychological invasions to overt demonic summoning. Stories like 'The Sound of Muzak' demonstrate how mundane settings can become sinister through isolation, while others delve into black magic and monstrous beasts. The inclusion of darker humor and romance adds unexpected depth to the macabre themes. This anthology is best suited for enthusiasts of short fiction who desire immediate dread and supernatural intrusion. It avoids long-form commitments, offering instead a concentrated dose of fear that appeals to those who enjoy exploring the darker corners of human behavior and the unknown.