An exciting collection of tales from the twilight world of haunted houses and hair-raising spectres is contained in this spine-chilling anthology.
LIST OF COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS | | 7 THE RIDDLE | Walter de la Mare | 9 THE MONKEY'S PAW | W. W. Jacobs | 14 A TOUGH TUSSLE | Ambrose Bierce | 25 THROUGH THE DOOR (from The Phantom Roundabout and Other Ghostly Stories) | Ruth Ainsworth | 34 A PAIR OF HANDS | Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch | 47 MAN-SIZE IN MARBLE | E. Nesbit | 60 KROGER'S CHOICE | John Gordon | 73 MANY COLOURED GLASS (from Young Winter's Tales) | Lucy M. Boston | 85 THE CLOCK TOWER GHOST (from The Clock Tower Ghost) | Gene Kemp | 96 THE BROWN HAND | Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | 105 THE GORGE OF THE CHURELS | H. Russell Wakefield | 120 THE TELL-TALE HEART | Edgar Allan Poe | 130 A KIND OF SWAN SONG | Helen Cresswell | 136 THE HAUNTED TRAILER | Robert Arthur | 146 THE STRANGER | Ambrose Bierce | 164 THE HAUNTED DOLL'S HOUSE | M. R. James | 170 THE LANDLADY (from Kiss Kiss) | Roald Dahl | 183 BAD COMPANY | Walter de la Mare | 193 THE YELLOW CAT | Michael Joseph | 201 THE WOOING OF CHERRY BASNETT | Brian Alderson | 211 EXPIATION | E. F. Benson | 219 THE SHADOW-CAGE (from The Shadow-Cage and Other Tales of the Supernatural) | Philippa Pearce | 236 THE MORTAL | Oliver Onions | 251 TEA AND EMPATHY | Paul Dorrell | 254 LAURA | Saki | 264 THE RED ROOM | H. G. Wells | 270 THE WELL | W. W. Jacobs | 279 THE SWAN CHILD (from A Whisper in the Night) | Joan Aiken | 291 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | | 303
Roald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature. Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups. Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible. Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy. Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion. Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.