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The Old Knowledge and Other Strange Tales
"Make the reader think the evil, make him think it for himself . . . " -Henry James
This first collection of tales by Rosalie Parker contains eight stories that explore the uncanny in the modern world. As Glen Cavaliero observes in his introduction, "like all good stories of the preternatural, these in The Old Knowledge have a subversive effect." In them, "the world of logical, predictable reality is seen to be at risk from rejected modes of knowledge which can thwart the materialist and victimise those innocents who stumble into another order of reality."
In "The Rain", Geraldine heads to the North for a holiday she hopes will provide a welcome break from her busy city life, only to suffer a complicated and enigmatic distortion of her usual world-view. The narrator of "In the Garden" strays into new pastures while explaining her theory of gardening. In "Chanctonbury Ring", the well-meaning protagonist, helping a lady in distress, gets rather more than he bargained for. The temporary schoolteacher in "The Supply-Teacher" elicits altruism from her class, whilst, in "The Old Knowledge", a group of archaeologists called in to excavate a prehistoric round barrow have to negotiate local interventions. In "The Cook's Story" a Gothic country house provides the setting for a modern tale of mystery.
Do not expect blood-and-guts, wraiths or revenants: these stories hold a different kind of terror. "Their unostentatious magic is of an insidious kind; and like the protagonist of the title story, is liable to exert itself in disconcerting ways."
Contents
Introduction by Glen Cavaliero
The Rain
Spirit Solutions
In the Garden
Chanctonbury Ring
The Supply Teacher
The Old Knowledge
The Cook's Story
The Picture
Acknowledgements
Rosalie Parker was born and grew up on a farm in Buckinghamshire, but has lived subsequently in Stockholm, Oxford, Dorset, Somerset, Sheffield and Sussex. She took degrees in English Literature and History, and Archaeology, working first as an archaeologist before returning to her first love of books. Rosalie is co-proprietor and editor of the independent publishing house, Tartarus Press, and lives in the Yorkshire Dales with her partner, the writer and publisher Ray Russell, their son and two cats. Visit her website at: www.tartaruspress.com/rmp1.htm
This first collection of tales by Rosalie Parker contains eight stories that explore the uncanny in the modern world. As Glen Cavaliero observes in his introduction, "like all good stories of the preternatural, these in The Old Knowledge have a subversive effect." In them, "the world of logical, predictable reality is seen to be at risk from rejected modes of knowledge which can thwart the materialist and victimise those innocents who stumble into another order of reality."
In "The Rain", Geraldine heads to the North for a holiday she hopes will provide a welcome break from her busy city life, only to suffer a complicated and enigmatic distortion of her usual world-view. The narrator of "In the Garden" strays into new pastures while explaining her theory of gardening. In "Chanctonbury Ring", the well-meaning protagonist, helping a lady in distress, gets rather more than he bargained for. The temporary schoolteacher in "The Supply-Teacher" elicits altruism from her class, whilst, in "The Old Knowledge", a group of archaeologists called in to excavate a prehistoric round barrow have to negotiate local interventions. In "The Cook's Story" a Gothic country house provides the setting for a modern tale of mystery.
Do not expect blood-and-guts, wraiths or revenants: these stories hold a different kind of terror. "Their unostentatious magic is of an insidious kind; and like the protagonist of the title story, is liable to exert itself in disconcerting ways."
Contents
Introduction by Glen Cavaliero
The Rain
Spirit Solutions
In the Garden
Chanctonbury Ring
The Supply Teacher
The Old Knowledge
The Cook's Story
The Picture
Acknowledgements
Rosalie Parker was born and grew up on a farm in Buckinghamshire, but has lived subsequently in Stockholm, Oxford, Dorset, Somerset, Sheffield and Sussex. She took degrees in English Literature and History, and Archaeology, working first as an archaeologist before returning to her first love of books. Rosalie is co-proprietor and editor of the independent publishing house, Tartarus Press, and lives in the Yorkshire Dales with her partner, the writer and publisher Ray Russell, their son and two cats. Visit her website at: www.tartaruspress.com/rmp1.htm
128 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2010
5 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Rosalie Parker
125 books16 followersRosalie Parker is an author, scriptwriter and editor who runs the Tartarus Press with R.B. Russell. Parker jointly won the World Fantasy Award "Special Award: Non-Professional" for publishing in 2002, 2004 and 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 3, 2019
Rosalie Parker who, with her partner, R. B. Russell, run one of my favorite small presses, Tartarus Press, presents here, in a beautiful Swan River Press edition (another of my favorites), eight short stories of strange fiction. it is a slight volume, but beautiful, as one expects from Swan River. The autumnal cover, designed around one of Russell's pieces, create the proper mood - rich and loamy, but with a cold edge - for reading.
First impressions are important. At first, I thought "The Rain" might be a well-written rehash of the 1970 TV drama Robin Redbreast. I was so wrong! There are elements of homage (whether intentional or not) to that (in)famous drama. This is far more horrifying, yet the frisson is brought on by careful omission and ominous indicators, by what is explicitly not said or shown, rather than with the literary equivalent of jump-scare scenes. This is something Rod Serling would nod to and smile. Oh, it's five stars worth of eloquent dread!
Nearly as enigmatic, but not nearly as convincing, "Spirit Solutions" evokes the feelings of siblinghood that anyone with a brother or sister will recognize, all in the context of a night spent by two brothers and two sisters in the haunted house of their recently-deceased father. Four stars.
I was not terribly surprised by what I found "In the Garden," but was I supposed to be shocked? I don't think so, honestly. I wasn't even creeped out . . . much. A little. But I ended the story feeling a little that Parker felt I should be more scared or surprised than I was. However, I know full well that auctorial intent is seldom what the reader thinks it is or was. Still, three rowan-berry stars to this domestic(ated) tale.
As far as straightforward strange stories, "Chactonbury Ring" is, well, just that. A good story, well-told. Perhaps if there were a little more folkloric background or context, I might have enjoyed it more. But, as I said, it's a good story worth three stars.
"The Supply Teacher" is a clever little story with a clever little twist. The beautiful prose and perfectly-timed dialogue are what make it a four star story. I could just as easily see this as a novel excerpt as a short story, though it is impactful even in its current form.
"The Old Knowledge" is unrevealed until the end, and what an end! A story of barrows and witch bottles and the trickster in the dirt, as it were. Folk horror without the horror, really, but a fine specimen of the form, if not the outright oeuvre, of folk horror. This is a grim, yet beautifully capricious story worthy of five bronze or flint stars. This story made me chuckle a wile- pun intended.
"The Cook's Story" is an excellent little ditty with multiple angles of obfuscation. Definitely one of those tales that leaves you guessing, but gives several possibilities as to what really did happen and what really is happening. I'm not big on stories about the chosen subject matter, to be honest, but this is well done and a wicked little read. This story has come back into my mind time and time again, like a dog to its vomit, as they say. Be careful what you eat . . . four stars.
I might like "The Picture" best of all. A piece of Symbolist art comes at a cost, again and again and again. The ending out O'Henrys O'Henry. A deliciously twisted story that takes the notion of The Monkey's Paw two steps forward and one step back, or maybe it's taking a side road through musty antique shops and back alleys, I don't know. I have a hard time putting into words what this story does, but it does it sneaky and sinister and leaves you begging at the end. For what? Can't tell. If you're lucky, you'll find out. Five stars!
In the end, you have to admire Parker for her endings. They often work, and are always clever. Maybe a trite too clever once in a while, but still, you can tell she's honed her storytelling craft. I'll often read, and sometimes state, that a collection is "worth it" for this story or that. This collection is worth it for all the stories. Some more than others. But altogether, this is a nice little meal - not too much, not too little - of strange tales to read by a warm fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. You'll want just a hint of chill in the air. And if you can't crack open the door to let it in, The Old Knowledge will do it for you.
First impressions are important. At first, I thought "The Rain" might be a well-written rehash of the 1970 TV drama Robin Redbreast. I was so wrong! There are elements of homage (whether intentional or not) to that (in)famous drama. This is far more horrifying, yet the frisson is brought on by careful omission and ominous indicators, by what is explicitly not said or shown, rather than with the literary equivalent of jump-scare scenes. This is something Rod Serling would nod to and smile. Oh, it's five stars worth of eloquent dread!
Nearly as enigmatic, but not nearly as convincing, "Spirit Solutions" evokes the feelings of siblinghood that anyone with a brother or sister will recognize, all in the context of a night spent by two brothers and two sisters in the haunted house of their recently-deceased father. Four stars.
I was not terribly surprised by what I found "In the Garden," but was I supposed to be shocked? I don't think so, honestly. I wasn't even creeped out . . . much. A little. But I ended the story feeling a little that Parker felt I should be more scared or surprised than I was. However, I know full well that auctorial intent is seldom what the reader thinks it is or was. Still, three rowan-berry stars to this domestic(ated) tale.
As far as straightforward strange stories, "Chactonbury Ring" is, well, just that. A good story, well-told. Perhaps if there were a little more folkloric background or context, I might have enjoyed it more. But, as I said, it's a good story worth three stars.
"The Supply Teacher" is a clever little story with a clever little twist. The beautiful prose and perfectly-timed dialogue are what make it a four star story. I could just as easily see this as a novel excerpt as a short story, though it is impactful even in its current form.
"The Old Knowledge" is unrevealed until the end, and what an end! A story of barrows and witch bottles and the trickster in the dirt, as it were. Folk horror without the horror, really, but a fine specimen of the form, if not the outright oeuvre, of folk horror. This is a grim, yet beautifully capricious story worthy of five bronze or flint stars. This story made me chuckle a wile- pun intended.
"The Cook's Story" is an excellent little ditty with multiple angles of obfuscation. Definitely one of those tales that leaves you guessing, but gives several possibilities as to what really did happen and what really is happening. I'm not big on stories about the chosen subject matter, to be honest, but this is well done and a wicked little read. This story has come back into my mind time and time again, like a dog to its vomit, as they say. Be careful what you eat . . . four stars.
I might like "The Picture" best of all. A piece of Symbolist art comes at a cost, again and again and again. The ending out O'Henrys O'Henry. A deliciously twisted story that takes the notion of The Monkey's Paw two steps forward and one step back, or maybe it's taking a side road through musty antique shops and back alleys, I don't know. I have a hard time putting into words what this story does, but it does it sneaky and sinister and leaves you begging at the end. For what? Can't tell. If you're lucky, you'll find out. Five stars!
In the end, you have to admire Parker for her endings. They often work, and are always clever. Maybe a trite too clever once in a while, but still, you can tell she's honed her storytelling craft. I'll often read, and sometimes state, that a collection is "worth it" for this story or that. This collection is worth it for all the stories. Some more than others. But altogether, this is a nice little meal - not too much, not too little - of strange tales to read by a warm fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. You'll want just a hint of chill in the air. And if you can't crack open the door to let it in, The Old Knowledge will do it for you.
August 31, 2018
Rosalie Parker’s The Old Knowledge and Other Strange tales is her first collection of stories, incidentally my first encounter with her work as well. The tales within fits into the category of more traditional ghostly/strange tales, very reminiscent of M.R. James and Robert Aickman, and as with Aickman, the stories won’t have a definitive twist or explanation which is something I really enjoy. The stories are set in rural parts of England, and Parker conjures up wonderfully evocative landscapes and atmosphere in her prose, often blending English folklore with a more modern setting. Her characters are often women who try to turn their lives around, from failed careers or relationships and they are drawn unwillingly and unknowingly into strange situations involving a hidden meaning, or danger that is unclear to them until it’s too late. Parker shows us vague glimpses of some occult menace but never fully reveals what has happened, leaving the reader with wide room to speculate on the outcome of the tale. A collection absolutely worth seeking out, and I’m looking forward to reading more of Parker’s work.
February 15, 2018
Rosalie Parker has a relaxed writing style that sits very comfortably with me. However, I'm not sure if that's congruous with the genre of this book. Some of the stories were, at most, only mildly disturbing to me and many did not really have endings which I found thoroughly satisfying. A pleasant read, nonetheless, but paradoxical in the sense that it was not what I was looking for when I picked it up.
July 22, 2015
This wonderful book is way to short. All the stories are excellent and well written. A book well worth tracking down. I look forward to more from Ms. Parker.
October 29, 2017
The Old Knowledge
by Rosalie Parker
My rating: 4 stars
Type of Book: short stories; uncanny fiction
Similiar Writers: Robert Aickman
Its been about a month since I read this book.
This is a collection of short stories, in the genre of "strange stories" that Robert Aickman wrote. The prose style of these stories, though different from Aickman's, nevertheless is pretty good. The stories in this book take place in our contemporary world of cell phones and lap top computers; they don't seem old fashioned like some of Aickman's stories.
Like Aickman's stories, the stories are open to interpretation. I'm still not confident in my interpretations, which led to a delay in this review. My favorite story in this book is "The Rain". Its as if Aickman was reincarnated--this story has a major female character, a sexual undercurrent, precognition, and is a travel tale (which, I had surmised elsewhere, is a sign of the "strange story").
The stories ranged, for me, between 3.5 and 4 starts, thus rounding up to 4 stars.
by Rosalie Parker
My rating: 4 stars
Type of Book: short stories; uncanny fiction
Similiar Writers: Robert Aickman
Its been about a month since I read this book.
This is a collection of short stories, in the genre of "strange stories" that Robert Aickman wrote. The prose style of these stories, though different from Aickman's, nevertheless is pretty good. The stories in this book take place in our contemporary world of cell phones and lap top computers; they don't seem old fashioned like some of Aickman's stories.
Like Aickman's stories, the stories are open to interpretation. I'm still not confident in my interpretations, which led to a delay in this review. My favorite story in this book is "The Rain". Its as if Aickman was reincarnated--this story has a major female character, a sexual undercurrent, precognition, and is a travel tale (which, I had surmised elsewhere, is a sign of the "strange story").
The stories ranged, for me, between 3.5 and 4 starts, thus rounding up to 4 stars.
April 12, 2020
Rosalie Parker's first book follows in the English tradition of subtle weird fiction, Robert Aickman and Arthur Machen being obvious influences. Graced with modern and elegant language, this small collection of short stories evokes an intimate, tranquil and homey atmosphere, its rustic coziness embedded in both fluid unburdened writing and liminal contemporary setting. Concerning the latter, the book’s eight stories take place on the fringes of our world – villages, suburbs, the countryside – and dispense with the frantic rhythms of modern life which exists only as a distant echo.
The promise of the supernatural (largely of the folklore quality) lies behind every nook and corner, takes many forms (some of them original twists of familiar tropes), yet there is never a direct, definite revelation. Some of the stories -in accordance to Aickman's manner- have very abrupt endings; therein lies a thorn – several of these finales (In the Garden, The Supply Teacher, The Old Knowledge) are executed in a rough manner, creating a bumpy transitional sensation. Despite this shortcoming, the Old Knowledge and Other Strange Tales is proven a spectacular debut, modern subtle weirdness done right.
Favourite stories: The Rain, The Cook's Story, The Picture
The promise of the supernatural (largely of the folklore quality) lies behind every nook and corner, takes many forms (some of them original twists of familiar tropes), yet there is never a direct, definite revelation. Some of the stories -in accordance to Aickman's manner- have very abrupt endings; therein lies a thorn – several of these finales (In the Garden, The Supply Teacher, The Old Knowledge) are executed in a rough manner, creating a bumpy transitional sensation. Despite this shortcoming, the Old Knowledge and Other Strange Tales is proven a spectacular debut, modern subtle weirdness done right.
Favourite stories: The Rain, The Cook's Story, The Picture
January 13, 2021
A sort of ‘Diary of a Provincial Lady’ – if here a childless one – addressing an unseen listener about her garden and the new growth nurtured with due regard to her husband’s own attentions to growth. A slight, if sinister, piece. But sometimes ‘slight’ is good in the context … a short movement optimising the Chamber Music of this book.
The detailed review of this book posted elsewhere under my name is too long or impractical to post here.
Above is one of its observations at the time of the review.
The detailed review of this book posted elsewhere under my name is too long or impractical to post here.
Above is one of its observations at the time of the review.
October 21, 2021
One if the best books I’ve read all year. I will space out another collection instead of racing through it!
July 29, 2012
This is a review of the kindle version purchased from Tartarus Press.
Rosalie Parker is known to the lovers of supernatural fiction for the highly acclaimed “Strange Tales” anthologies that she had edited. But her first collection of shorter works establishes her as an accomplished writer as well. This book had first been published in a limited edition by Swan River Press, and had practically vanished immediately, allowing very few people to get acquainted with the author’s precise-yet-haunting (occasionally downright chilling) stories. The e-book version, as well as the well-anticipated 2nd edition of the book about to be released by Swan River Press, ought to rectify the situation.
The contents of the book are: -
• Introduction by Glen Cavaliero
• Stories:
1. The Rain: the longest of the stories dealing with the inevitable fate that befalls an unwary city-dweller when she tries to take the countryside in a stride (by now this plot has been over-explored, but the writer manages to include some innovative elements).
2. Spirit Solutions: this chilling story of a besieged group of siblings trying to deal with a poltergeist family had intrigued me when I had read it in “The Black Veil…” (the collection of Occult Detective stories brought out by Wordsworth), and it doesn’t lose anything even in its 2nd/3rd reading.
3. In the Garden: a story that produced a gasp from me when it ended, and hence I would like you to read the story without knowing anything about it.
4. The Chanctonbury Ring: a strange story of “what if..” and “whether..” that didn’t impress me sufficiently.
5. The Supply Teacher: a wry and short story with its share of in-jokes that horror-aficionados would like.
6. The Old Knowledge: a solid story involving ancient barrows, archaeological explorations, and mystery of human-relationships.
7. The Cook’s Story: a brilliant and unorthodox exploration of an over-explored and somewhat predictable theme.
8. The Picture: by now we all know the merits of staying away from “Old Curiosity Shop”-s, but still, this story was surprisingly good.
• Acknowledgement
These stories deal with perfectly recognizable characters, and yet, the uncanny & macabre permeate these stories in a way which is intangible, and yet unstoppable. They are devoid of gore & sex, and are prim in terms of everything: the meticulous nature of the descriptions, the characterisation, and the language.
Overall, if you like your terrors to be presented before you in a pleasurably cozy (and hence distant) manner, that nevertheless manages to make you feel suspicious about the sounds that emanate from an otherwise empty room or stairs, THIS is the book that you should get hold of. Recommended.
Rosalie Parker is known to the lovers of supernatural fiction for the highly acclaimed “Strange Tales” anthologies that she had edited. But her first collection of shorter works establishes her as an accomplished writer as well. This book had first been published in a limited edition by Swan River Press, and had practically vanished immediately, allowing very few people to get acquainted with the author’s precise-yet-haunting (occasionally downright chilling) stories. The e-book version, as well as the well-anticipated 2nd edition of the book about to be released by Swan River Press, ought to rectify the situation.
The contents of the book are: -
• Introduction by Glen Cavaliero
• Stories:
1. The Rain: the longest of the stories dealing with the inevitable fate that befalls an unwary city-dweller when she tries to take the countryside in a stride (by now this plot has been over-explored, but the writer manages to include some innovative elements).
2. Spirit Solutions: this chilling story of a besieged group of siblings trying to deal with a poltergeist family had intrigued me when I had read it in “The Black Veil…” (the collection of Occult Detective stories brought out by Wordsworth), and it doesn’t lose anything even in its 2nd/3rd reading.
3. In the Garden: a story that produced a gasp from me when it ended, and hence I would like you to read the story without knowing anything about it.
4. The Chanctonbury Ring: a strange story of “what if..” and “whether..” that didn’t impress me sufficiently.
5. The Supply Teacher: a wry and short story with its share of in-jokes that horror-aficionados would like.
6. The Old Knowledge: a solid story involving ancient barrows, archaeological explorations, and mystery of human-relationships.
7. The Cook’s Story: a brilliant and unorthodox exploration of an over-explored and somewhat predictable theme.
8. The Picture: by now we all know the merits of staying away from “Old Curiosity Shop”-s, but still, this story was surprisingly good.
• Acknowledgement
These stories deal with perfectly recognizable characters, and yet, the uncanny & macabre permeate these stories in a way which is intangible, and yet unstoppable. They are devoid of gore & sex, and are prim in terms of everything: the meticulous nature of the descriptions, the characterisation, and the language.
Overall, if you like your terrors to be presented before you in a pleasurably cozy (and hence distant) manner, that nevertheless manages to make you feel suspicious about the sounds that emanate from an otherwise empty room or stairs, THIS is the book that you should get hold of. Recommended.
December 1, 2016
A splendid collection of strange tales - creepy, unsettling, enigmatic. The Rain is the standout story in the volume - a woman goes on holiday and the persistent rain washes away the surface of the picturesque village and reveals a more unsettling and less comfortable place underneath. Almost a hint of Withnail and his going "on holiday by mistake".
Recommended if you can track down a copy. I got mine when Ms Parker was doing a reading at the Weekend of Weird at Loughborough in November 2016.
Recommended if you can track down a copy. I got mine when Ms Parker was doing a reading at the Weekend of Weird at Loughborough in November 2016.
April 24, 2012
The 8 stories contained within were all to my liking. Dark and gently disturbing, with an emphasis on building atmosphere. The 2 stories that I really enjoyed were 'The Rain' - with its excellent pacing and its evocations of a rural village. And 'The painting' - which brought a contemporary feel to what I would describe as a 'classic style' supernatural tale.
All in all, I would definately recommend...if you can find a copy.
All in all, I would definately recommend...if you can find a copy.
July 13, 2018
2nd Reading of a Wonderful Collection
I love this book of short stories. It may be one of my favorites upon rereading. The stories are mostly subtle and go in unobvious directions. The prose is lean but suitably descriptive.
I love this book of short stories. It may be one of my favorites upon rereading. The stories are mostly subtle and go in unobvious directions. The prose is lean but suitably descriptive.
September 29, 2017
"Rain" is not as tight as Aickman's best. But the disorienting shifts in perception are handled nicely, and the ending twist is exquisite.
"Spirit Solutions" is hilarious. It would be frustratingly open-ended (even for me); but somehow I totally approve of the ending.
Update: There are usually at least a couple interpretations vying for supremacy. The archaeologists in the title story are very nicely sketched, and the sexual innuendos are sly and intriguing. The last two stories were both very entertaining, though "The Picture"'s ending was not as satisfying as some of the others. (And right after I finished it, my tablet crashed.)
I hate to be a grinch and keep complaining about the loose expositions. Those endings are almost all gems though.
"Spirit Solutions" is hilarious. It would be frustratingly open-ended (even for me); but somehow I totally approve of the ending.
Update: There are usually at least a couple interpretations vying for supremacy. The archaeologists in the title story are very nicely sketched, and the sexual innuendos are sly and intriguing. The last two stories were both very entertaining, though "The Picture"'s ending was not as satisfying as some of the others. (And right after I finished it, my tablet crashed.)
I hate to be a grinch and keep complaining about the loose expositions. Those endings are almost all gems though.
April 22, 2025
I really only picked this book up along with R.B. Russell’s collections because I love a lot of the authors Tartarus Press puts out, and wanted to see what its founders were writing. I enjoyed this even more than I expected to. I found the stories very Aickman-esque.
September 15, 2012
Wow. Amazing book. More please.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews