Strange Relics
Stories of Archaeology and the Supernatural, 1895-1954
Amara Thornton editor Katy Soar editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Handheld Press
Published:20th Sep '22
£12.99
Available for immediate dispatch.
Handheld Press presents a new classic short story anthology, combining the supernatural and archaeology. Never before have so many relics from the past caused such delicious and intriguing shivers down the spine. Archaeological historian Amara Thornton of the University of London, and Classical archaeologist Katy Soar from the University of Winchester have curated a selection of twelve outstanding short stories encompassing horror, ghosts, hauntings, and possession, all from archaeological excavation. From a Neolithic rite to Egyptian religion to Roman remains to medieval masonry to some uncanny ceramic tiles in a perfectly ordinary American sun lounge, the relics in these stories are, frankly, horrible. Stories include: 'The Ape', by E F Benson 'Roman Remains', by Algernon Blackwood 'Ho! The Merry Masons', by John Buchan 'Through the Veil', by Arthur Conan Doyle 'View From A Hill', M R James 'Curse of the Stillborn', by Margery Lawrence 'Whitewash', by Rose Macaulay 'The Shining Pyramid', by Arthur Machen 'Cracks of Time', by Dorothy Quick 'The Cure', by Eleanor Scott
‘Ancient remains and ghostly narratives often coincide in the popular imagination, providing fruitful inspiration for chilling tales … an insightful introduction placing the stories within their historical context – from 19th-century tourism to wartime preoccupations and the evolution of archaeology itself – an absorbing and unsettling read.’ – Current Archaeology
‘Even if they don’t cause sleepless nights, these stories offer plenty of food for thought about the ways in which survivals from the past have long provided inspiration for all manner of literary unpleasantness. An excellent introductory chapter by the editors discusses key themes and provides important context – in common with the sites and relics at the heart of these tales, the stories themselves are very much products of their time.’ – British Archaeology
ISBN: 9781912766581
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
195 pages
New edition