Short Stories

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Short Stories

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Algernon Blackwood's "Short Stories" presents a haunting collection of supernatural tales where nature and the past exert a tangible influence on the living. From the evil atmosphere of a haunted house to the timeless presence of a childhood friend, these eerie mysteries explore the thin veil between reality and the spirit world, appealing to fans of classic ghost stories and atmospheric fiction.

Summary up to 500 words

Algernon Blackwood's *Short Stories* is a profound collection that blends supernatural horror with spiritual inquiry, exploring the intersection of the natural world and the human psyche. The volume opens with "The Empty House," where a protagonist and his aunt investigate a property haunted by a century-old murder. They discover that the house itself possesses a malevolent character, driving tenants away through disembodied sounds and an atmosphere of dread that transcends physical evidence. The narrative then shifts to the psychological impact of ancient Egypt, featuring characters like John Lattin and George Isley who discuss how monumental history alters human consciousness. A musician named Moleson uses piano music to transport listeners from modern London to the timeless atmosphere of the past, suggesting that art and belief allow the soul to traverse time. This theme of spiritual transformation continues in the story of John Henry Jorden, an elderly man who encounters a young boy in the woods. Initially, Jorden recognizes the boy as his childhood self, but a gulf of time prevents communication. As Jorden ages, he realizes the boy has not grown older; he is a manifestation of Jorden's enduring youth. In his final moments, the barrier dissolves, and the boy appears at his bedside, bridging the gap between old age and recovered youth. The collection concludes with the affirmation that life performs a full circle, returning the soul to a state of pure, unadulterated existence. Through tales of haunted houses, reincarnation, and the glamour of the snow, Blackwood presents a world where the supernatural is deeply intertwined with the natural environment, offering a meditation on memory, mortality, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/algernon-blackwood_short-stories.epub

Local file path

data/epubs/url-d4aa8fa668194997.epub

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2026-07-01 16:58 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Horror
• Supernatural