In this book, the history of the tale of terror is traced from ancient myth to later Gothic fiction. It shows how fear, wonder, and mystery shaped early stories and how celebrated writers influenced the genre's evolution. Readers gain a clear view of the ideas, methods, and cultural context behind the most enduring works.

Drawing on discussions of key authors and works—from Mrs. Radcliffe’s early Gothic fiction to later voices in Britain and America—the book links critical theory with close readings. It explains how configurations of suspense, supernatural elements, and narrative technique contributed to the Gothic tradition.

Origin stories and the role of myth, folklore, and legend in terror fiction
How authors like Radcliffe, Lewis, and Scott helped shape the genre
The evolution of the tale of terror across continents and through time
Critical perspectives on structure, atmosphere, and the psychology of fear

Ideal for readers of literary history and Gothic criticism, this edition offers a clear map of the genre’s development and its lasting impact on fiction.

About the Author

Edith Birkhead was a lecturer in English Literature at the University of Bristol and a Noble Fellow at the University of Liverpool. She wrote a pioneering work on Gothic literature: The Tale of Terror (1921). This work described the fascination with supernatural fiction in English literature from the publication of Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto in 1764 to Charles Maturin's 'Melmoth the Wanderer' in 1820 on to modern times. She included works from Europe as well as America, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe.

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