The Beetle (Horror Classic)
Enriched edition.
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
In Richard Marsh's horror classic, 'The Beetle,' readers are taken on a chilling journey through eerie London streets as they follow the mysterious and supernatural occurrences unleashed by a vengeful shape-shifting creature. The book is a gripping tale of gothic horror, filled with suspense and a sense of impending doom, reminiscent of the late 19th-century Victorian horror literature. Marsh's narrative style is rich with vivid descriptions and dark, atmospheric settings that immerse the reader in a world of terror and intrigue. The Beetle stands out as a pioneering work of horror fiction that has influenced subsequent writers in the genre. Richard Marsh, a prolific British author known for his contributions to the science fiction and horror genres, drew inspiration from the gothic storytelling traditions of his time to craft 'The Beetle.' His keen understanding of human fears and desires is evident in his ability to evoke a sense of dread and fascination in his readers. I highly recommend 'The Beetle' to fans of classic horror literature and those looking to explore the roots of the genre. Richard Marsh's masterful storytelling and eerie atmosphere make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in the macabre and supernatural.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ripe with melodrama and purple prose, this ripping horror classic from Marsh, first published in 1897, epitomizes the style of the Victorian penny dreadful. Four sections, each narrated by a different character, interlock to relate the tale of an ancient Egyptian entity known as the child of Isis, who has traveled to London to torment Paul Lessingham, a member of Parliament, and his fianc e, Marjorie Lindon, as revenge for an indiscretion Paul committed during his travels in Egypt two decades earlier. Marsh creates an eerie atmosphere by keeping his story's supernaturalism tantalizingly ambiguous; it's never clear whether the occasional transformations of the child of Isis into the insect of the title are genuine or illusory. An overly chatty cast slows the tale's pace to a crawl and their penchant for conveniently fainting or falling into gibbering incoherence during dramatic moments reduces the novel to a clump of sensational set pieces. Though some readers will enjoy this novel's maximalist gothic flourishes, others will find the tale a bit over the top.
