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Exploring Dark Short Fiction #4: A Primer to Jeffrey Ford
Author of the fantastic and the bizarre, Jeffrey Ford’s work has won awards and acclaim across the globe for his stories of humor, horror, and unconventional beauty. “Powerful and disturbing in the best possible way” (Gawker) and “Intensely engaging” (Publishers Weekly), Ford crosses speculative genres with literary ideals, which has earned him the World Fantasy Award (seven times), the Shirley Jackson Award (four times), the Edgar Allan Poe Award, and France’s vaunted Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire.
Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to his work, the fourth in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover—or learn more of—the extraordinary voice of Jeffrey Ford, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.
Included within these pages
• Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book
• Author interview
• Complete bibliography
• Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)
• … and more!
Enter this doorway to the vast and Get to know Jeffrey Ford.
Table of Contents
• Introduction by Eric J. Guignard
• About Jeffrey Ford
• A Natural History of Autumn (fiction)
• A Natural History of A Commentary
• Malthusian’s Zombie (fiction)
• Malthusian’s A Commentary
• Boatman’s Holiday (fiction)
• Boatman’s A Commentary
• The Night Whiskey (fiction)
• The Night A Commentary
• A Night in the Tropics (fiction)
• A Night in the A Commentary
• Incorruptible (fiction)
• A Commentary
• Why Jeffrey Ford Matters by Michael Arnzen, PhD
• In Conversation with Jeffrey Ford
• Scratching the An Essay by Jeffrey Ford
• A Bibliography of English Language Fiction for Jeffrey Ford
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2019
22 people want to read
About the author
Eric J. Guignard
193 books529 followersERIC J. GUIGNARD is a writer and editor of dark and speculative fiction, operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles, where he also runs the small press, Dark Moon Books. He’s twice won the Bram Stoker Award (the highest literary award of horror fiction), won the Shirley Jackson Award, and been a finalist for the World Fantasy Award and International Thriller Writers Award for his works of dark and speculative fiction.
He has over one hundred stories and non-fiction author credits appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.
He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).
He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.
His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).
Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.
He has over one hundred stories and non-fiction author credits appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.
He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).
He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.
His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).
Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 3, 2019
I am always excited to see a book of this series in my mailbox, the first three books in this series confirmed to me Eric Guignard was really on to an excellent format to highlight authors. I trust Guinard to find the right authors for this series but let me make a few suggestions for who I think would be great in this series. John Shirley, Maurice Broddus, Cody Goodfellow, Lisa Morton, Silvia Moreno Garcia...Damn it I wish every author could get this treatment and this one of the best things I can say about this series. I mean it does such a wonderful job of highlighting an author and showing many sides of their skills. I really do wish every writer could get this kind of treatment. What do I mean by this treatment?
• Six short stories.
• Author interview.
• Complete bibliography.
• Academic commentary on each story by Michael Arnzen, PhD.
It is not just the variety of stories by each author in the series which are all carefully chosen by Guinard. Ford delivers six traditional dark fiction stories that are by themselves a powerful example of excellent writing. Add to it that you have the Arnzen commentary. The interview gives more personal insight compared to the academic insight of Arnzen. Now that we have four books in this series I could see this series being used for a teaching prompt and you bet your ass it would be a great way to teach the art of the horror short story.
As for Jeffery Ford, he comes the apology, I can't say I have read more a short story or two before. Not sure why he had not caught on with me before. That said is why this series exists, because I got a great introduction to a fantastic author. All six stories were well written and it is clear that Ford is an excellent writer whose influences go far beyond the genre ghetto. He has a great style that feels classical at times, conversational at other times.
My favorite stories were Boatman's Holiday and The Night Whiskey. That said I really loved the Japanese setting of the opening story. The most powerful piece by a country mile was the Boatman's Holiday. Hell and the river Styx is a really tricky subject to write about. There is a balance between not being dark enough and being goofy that is really hard to strike. There is a dark beauty to this piece that is worth the whole book. I loved every word that dripped with vivid humidity and pain. Ford gave the Boatman and the setting of Styx a painful reality and I loved it.
The Night Whiskey showed Ford's skill for characters. Boatman's holiday and A Natural History of Autumn showed off his ability to use the setting. As this series tends to do there is a little bit to learn about every aspect of the horror short story. The book succeeds in the sense that I am now primed to read more Jeffery Ford and it will happen.
• Six short stories.
• Author interview.
• Complete bibliography.
• Academic commentary on each story by Michael Arnzen, PhD.
It is not just the variety of stories by each author in the series which are all carefully chosen by Guinard. Ford delivers six traditional dark fiction stories that are by themselves a powerful example of excellent writing. Add to it that you have the Arnzen commentary. The interview gives more personal insight compared to the academic insight of Arnzen. Now that we have four books in this series I could see this series being used for a teaching prompt and you bet your ass it would be a great way to teach the art of the horror short story.
As for Jeffery Ford, he comes the apology, I can't say I have read more a short story or two before. Not sure why he had not caught on with me before. That said is why this series exists, because I got a great introduction to a fantastic author. All six stories were well written and it is clear that Ford is an excellent writer whose influences go far beyond the genre ghetto. He has a great style that feels classical at times, conversational at other times.
My favorite stories were Boatman's Holiday and The Night Whiskey. That said I really loved the Japanese setting of the opening story. The most powerful piece by a country mile was the Boatman's Holiday. Hell and the river Styx is a really tricky subject to write about. There is a balance between not being dark enough and being goofy that is really hard to strike. There is a dark beauty to this piece that is worth the whole book. I loved every word that dripped with vivid humidity and pain. Ford gave the Boatman and the setting of Styx a painful reality and I loved it.
The Night Whiskey showed Ford's skill for characters. Boatman's holiday and A Natural History of Autumn showed off his ability to use the setting. As this series tends to do there is a little bit to learn about every aspect of the horror short story. The book succeeds in the sense that I am now primed to read more Jeffery Ford and it will happen.
November 10, 2019
*I received a free copy from Eric J. Guignard via SFWA.org*
4.5 Stars
This is my first introduction to Jeffrey Ford’s stories and all I can really say is WOW!
I have only read a few novels that could be considered Dark Fiction and they don’t even come close to the skill of Jeffrey Ford. The descriptions and storytelling captured me from the start and still hasn’t let me go even though I finished the book weeks ago.
My favorite short story is the first one, A Natural History of Autumn. I was amazed how quickly I was immersed into the world, almost like I was a fly on the wall watching the scene unfold before me. The Boatman's Holiday was another favorite. This one sent me on an emotional roller coaster from laughter to sorrow to secret joy. The commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD after each story added immensely to my enjoyment. It encouraged me to look beyond the words on the page and to delve deeper into Ford’s use of imagery and storytelling. This was especially true for Malthusian's Zombie & The Night Whiskey.
This would make for an interesting book club discussion and can’t wait to recommend it to my group.
4.5 Stars
This is my first introduction to Jeffrey Ford’s stories and all I can really say is WOW!
I have only read a few novels that could be considered Dark Fiction and they don’t even come close to the skill of Jeffrey Ford. The descriptions and storytelling captured me from the start and still hasn’t let me go even though I finished the book weeks ago.
My favorite short story is the first one, A Natural History of Autumn. I was amazed how quickly I was immersed into the world, almost like I was a fly on the wall watching the scene unfold before me. The Boatman's Holiday was another favorite. This one sent me on an emotional roller coaster from laughter to sorrow to secret joy. The commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD after each story added immensely to my enjoyment. It encouraged me to look beyond the words on the page and to delve deeper into Ford’s use of imagery and storytelling. This was especially true for Malthusian's Zombie & The Night Whiskey.
This would make for an interesting book club discussion and can’t wait to recommend it to my group.
November 2, 2020
I love this Primer series. Every volume is carefully put together, just a labor of love to showcase long-standing dark fiction authors of the genre. Steve Rasnic Tem, Kaaron Warren, Nisi Shawl, Jeffrey Ford, and lastly Han Song. looking forward to more!
September 22, 2019
I love this series. Every volume is well made, beautiful, smart. So much care, and great to learn about these authors!
April 8, 2023
Absolutely love and respect this series that highlights amazing well-known (or “should” be well-known) short story authors. This volume I just read was for Jeffrey Ford who is mind-blowingly good. Stories are inter-woven with multiple plots and heartache and beauty. Great addition to a great series. Over 5 of 5 stars.
June 26, 2021
This series! Everyone, this is so good. Beautiful layout, great stories, all around depth and introduction to leading authors in the dark fiction genre! I've been made a new fan of Jeffrey Ford through reading this book on him.
September 22, 2021
Wonderful series to get to learn more about new authors I was not familiar with. Jeffrey Ford is astounding. He writes to such literary acclaim, while also being imaginative, harrowing, even morbidly funny. I'm so glad I got to discover him and I look forward to reading more of his books!
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May 16, 2023Eric J. Guignard edited Exploring Dark Fiction: A Primer to Jeffrey Ford. This volume contains six short works of dark fiction by the acclaimed speculative author Jeffrey Ford. After each is an academic essay by Dr. Michael Arnzen, and scattered throughout are pen and ink artworks by Michelle Prebich. In the end is an essay by and an interview with Mr. Ford and a biography. It’s a well-organized book filled cover to cover with interesting material.
There are four other volumes in this Primer series by Dark Moon Books, each highlighting accomplished writers including Steve Rasnic Tem, Kaaron Warren, Nisi Shawl, and Han Song, which I am sure are handled with the same attention to detail as this one. Gives me more to read!
There are four other volumes in this Primer series by Dark Moon Books, each highlighting accomplished writers including Steve Rasnic Tem, Kaaron Warren, Nisi Shawl, and Han Song, which I am sure are handled with the same attention to detail as this one. Gives me more to read!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews