Supernatural Short Stories: Tales of Murder and Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft
One of the main forces in early nineteenth-century literature, Sir Walter Scott was not only among the greatest novelists of his time, but influenced generations of writers, including literary giants such as Stendhal and Tolstoy. Though chiefly remembered for his historical epics Ivanhoe, Rob Roy and Guy Mannering, Scott penned a number of short stories which have been unjustly eclipsed by the enduring fame of his longer works. Mostly set in the Highlands of Scotland and presenting a vast array of memorable characters, the stories in this collection are tinged with an element of the supernatural or explore themes of murder and guilt, revealing the author’s great talent in the shorter-fiction form. This volume also includes a long excerpt from Scott’s Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, which questions how much credit can be given to ghost stories and alleged supernatural occurrences. The Fortunes of Martin Waldeck, Phantasmagoria, Wandering Willie’s Tale, The Highland Widow, The Two Drovers, My Aunt Margaret’s Mirror, The Tapestried Chamber, Donnerhugel’s Narrative, The Bridal of Janet Dalrymple, Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft Alma Classics is committed to making available a wide range of literature from around the globe. Most of the titles are enriched by an extensive critical apparatus, notes and extra reading material, as well as a selection of photographs. The texts are based on the most authoritative edition and edited using a fresh, accessible editorial approach. With an emphasis on production, editorial and typographical values, Alma Classics aspires to revitalize the whole experience of reading classics.