The Viridian Book of Occult Fiction

The Viridian Book of Occult Fiction collects twenty-two tales spanning the American occult revival from 1824 through 1917. This volume traces the genre’s evolution from early writers like Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe to later mystics such as Paschal Beverly Randolph and Freeman B. Dowd. It also includes works by Belle M. Wagner, scribe for the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, and astrological fiction by Blanche Cromartie and Max Heindel of the Rosicrucian Fellowship. Edited by Brendan Connell, who provides an erudite introduction, the book presents a diverse assortment of narratives covering mysterious initiations, magnetism, hierophants, and soul-transfers. The collection moves chronologically through these mystical texts, offering readers a structured look at how occult themes developed in American literature during this period. The inclusion of Poe’s work highlights his role in establishing the foundational tone for subsequent supernatural fiction. This volume suits readers interested in the historical development of American occultism and those who appreciate short fiction from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It may not appeal to readers seeking modern horror or non-fiction historical analysis, as it focuses strictly on fictional narratives from this specific revival period.