The Witch of Ravensworth (Valancourt Book)

Name: The Witch of Ravensworth (Valancourt Book)
Price: 16.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780976604884

✍️ George Brewer

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$16.99

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

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 1808 Gothic tale of a Baron and a witch plotting murder for love.

George Brewer’s 1808 novel presents a dark narrative where the villainous Baron de La Braunch hires the Hag of Ravensworth to remove his family. The witch, who possesses supernatural power from demons, guides him toward further evil acts. This partnership leads to murder and depravity. The story concludes with an unexpected turn that distinguishes it from standard Gothic plots. Valancourt Books has republished this work to bring Brewer’s grotesque vision back into print. The edition provides scholarly support through new notes and an introduction. It also preserves the historical reception of the text via contemporary reviews. This approach allows readers to see how the book was received upon its initial release. The combination of fairy tale logic and dark humor creates a unique reading experience. Fans of early horror literature will appreciate the connection to later iconic monsters.

Key Themes

supernatural power baron de la braunch hag of ravensworth

Literary Context

Published in 1808, this work sits within the Gothic horror tradition. It draws on fairy tale structures and dark humor. The text predates later famous monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula. Valancourt Books restored it in 2006 for modern audiences.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Mary Shelley · Bram Stoker · E.T.A. Hoffmann · Ann Radcliffe

🦇

Vampires

🏛 Valancourt Books 📅 2006 📖 128 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780976604884

📝 Description: The Witch of Ravensworth (Valancourt Book)

Baron de La Braunch seeks to eliminate his wife and son to wed Lady Alwena. He turns to the Hag of Ravensworth, a hideous witch who traded her soul for power. This collaboration pushes the Baron into deeper depravity and murder. The narrative follows this descent toward a startling conclusion. George Brewer wrote this tale in 1808. It blends Gothic horror with fairy tale elements and dark humor. The Hag serves as a clear precursor to later monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula. This Valancourt Books edition restores the complete text for modern readers. It includes a new introduction by the publisher and notes that provide context. The volume also contains the full text of contemporary reviews from the time of publication. These materials help readers understand the work within its original literary period. The book appeals to those interested in early nineteenth-century supernatural fiction. Readers seeking fast-paced action or modern psychological horror may find the pacing slow. The story focuses on the interaction between the evil Baron and the wicked witch. It examines themes of ambition, corruption, and the supernatural bargain. The structure relies on the progression of their shared crimes. Brewer’s grotesque characters drive the plot toward its bizarre end. This edition makes a long out-of-print work accessible again. It offers a glimpse into early Gothic literary traditions through a unique lens.

💎 Our verdict on The Witch of Ravensworth (Valancourt Book)

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Brewer’s narrative distinguishes itself through its unflinching examination of ambition and corruption, driven by a grotesque partnership between a villainous baron and a demonic hag. The text successfully merges fairy tale logic with psychological depravity, creating a tone that is both humorous and horrifying. While the pacing may feel slow to modern readers accustomed to immediate action, the intellectual reward lies in observing the descent into madness and the bizarre conclusion. The scholarly apparatus enhances the experience by contextualizing the work within its literary period. It suits those who value atmospheric dread and historical significance over fast-paced thrills, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Gothic experimentation.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers with a scholarly interest in the genealogy of horror fiction will find this text invaluable for its role as a precursor to iconic monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula. Those who appreciate the structural logic of fairy tales applied to dark, depraved narratives will enjoy the unique blend of grotesque humor and supernatural bargaining. The inclusion of contemporary reviews offers a rare window into historical reception, allowing enthusiasts to understand how early audiences perceived these disturbing themes. It is essential for collectors and historians seeking to trace the evolution of the vampire and witch tropes beyond standard Gothic conventions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Brewer’s narrative distinguishes itself through its unflinching examination of ambition and corruption, driven by a grotesque partnership between a villainous baron and a demonic hag. The text successfully merges fairy tale logic with psychological depravity, creating a tone that is both humorous and horrifying. While the pacing may feel slow to modern readers accustomed to immediate action, the intellectual reward lies in observing the descent into madness and the bizarre conclusion. The scholarly apparatus enhances the experience by contextualizing the work within its literary period. It suits those who value atmospheric dread and historical significance over fast-paced thrills, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Gothic experimentation.