Wagner the Wehr-Wolf (Cryptofiction Classics - Weird Tales of Strange Creatures)

George W. M. Reynolds wrote this early tale in 1848, exploring the dark intersection of immortality and beastly transformation. The narrative follows Wagner, a man who negotiates for eternal youth but pays the steep price of lycanthropy. This story serves as a prime example of cryptozoological fiction, blending supernatural horror with the folklore of strange creatures. Reynolds was a prolific author during the Victorian era, and this work reflects the period's fascination with moral consequences and physical metamorphosis. The Cryptofiction Classics series presents this text alongside works by Ambrose Bierce, Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Jack London. Readers interested in the roots of werewolf lore will find this short story a compelling entry point into the genre. Those seeking modern psychological horror or complex character development may find the plot straightforward. The book is organized as a single continuous narrative without chapter divisions, focusing entirely on Wagner’s curse. It appeals to fans of classic weird tales and those studying the evolution of gothic fiction in the mid-nineteenth century. The text remains faithful to its original 1848 publication, offering an unadulterated look at Reynolds' style and thematic concerns without modern editorial interference or contemporary framing devices.