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  The Affair At Coulter's Creek -...

  Ambrose Bierce

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  Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce was born on 24th June 1842 at Horse Cave Creek in Meigs County, Ohio. His parents were poor but they introduced him to literature at an early age, instilling in him a deep appreciation of books, the written word and the elegance of language.  
  Growing up in Koscuisko County, Indiana poverty and religion were defining features of his childhood, and he would later describe his parents as “unwashed savages” and fanatically religious, showing him little affection but always quick to punish. He came to resent religion, and his introduction to literature appears to be their only positive effect. 
  At age 15 Bierce left home to become a printer’s devil, mixing ink and fetching type at The Northern Indian, a small Ohio paper. Falsely accused of theft he returned to his farm and spent time sending out work in the hopes of being published. 
  His Uncle Lucius advised he be sent to the Kentucky Military Institute. A year later he was commissioned as an Officer.  As the Civil War started Bierce enlisted in the 9th Indiana Infantry Regiment.  
  In April 1862 Bierce fought at the Battle of Shiloh, an experience which, though terrifying, became the source of several short stories. Two years later he sustained a serious head wound and was off duty for several months. He was discharged in early 1865.  
  A later expedition to inspect military outposts across the Great Plains took him all the way to San Francisco. He remained there to become involved with publishing and editing and to marry, Mary Ellen on Christmas Day 1871.  They had a child, Day, the following year.  
  In 1872 the family moved to England for 3 years where he wrote for Fun magazine. His son, Leigh, was born, and first book, ‘The Fiend’s Delight’, was published.  
  They returned to San Francisco and to work for a number of papers where he gained admiration for his crime reporting. In 1887 he began a column at the William Randolph Hearst’s San Francisco Examiner.  
  Bierce’s marriage fell apart when he discovered compromising letters to his wife from a secret admirer. The following year, 1889 his son Day committed suicide, depressed by romantic rejection. 
  In 1891 Bierce wrote and published the collection of 26 short stories which included ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’.  Success and further works including poetry followed.  
  Bierce with Hearst’s resources helped uncover a financial plot by a railroad to turn 130 million dollars of loans into a handout. Confronted by the railroad and asked to name his price Bierce answered “my price is $130 million dollars. If, when you are ready to pay, I happen to be out of town, you may hand it over to my friend, the Treasurer of the United States”.  
  He now began his first foray as a fabulist, publishing ‘Fantastic Fables’ in 1899.  But tragedy again struck two years later when his second son Leigh died of pneumonia relating to his alcoholism.  
  He continued to write short stories and poetry and also published ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’.  
  At the age of 71, in 1913 Bierce departed from Washington, D.C., for a tour of the battlefields where he had fought during the civil war. At the city of Chihuahua he wrote his last known communication, a letter to a friend. It’s closing words were “as to me, I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination,” Ambrose Bierce then vanished without trace.

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  Aepyornis Island (Unabridged)

  H. G. Wells

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  'Aepyornis Island' is the strange tale of a naturalist who finds himself adrift in a canoe in the Indian Ocean, with three mysterious rare giant eggs which he has collected. He knows they are the eggs of the aepyornis - a bird which has been extinct for hundreds of years. He is amazed, when hunger forces him to try one of the eggs, to find that it is fresh. When he opens the second egg several days later, he is horrified to find a still live embryo inside it. Before he is forced to eat the third and final egg, his canoe is cast up on a deserted atoll, where he finds fresh water and plenty of fish in the lagoon. Then the final egg hatches, and the strangest part of the adventure begins.

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  Anthology of Cthulhu Mythos by H...

  H. P. Lovecraft, Robert E....

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  Anthology of Cthulhu Mythos is a captivating collection that brings together the works of three legendary authors: H. P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, and Henry Kuttner. This anthology showcases over thirty stories that delve into the dark and mysterious realms of the Cthulhu Mythos, a universe filled with cosmic horrors, ancient deities, and existential dread.
  The anthology features Lovecraft's seminal works, including At the Mountains of Madness and The Call of Cthulhu, which introduce readers to the terrifying entities that lurk beyond the veil of human understanding. Lovecraft's unique blend of horror and science fiction sets the tone for the entire collection. 
  Robert E. Howard, known for his creation of Conan the Barbarian, contributes his own interpretations of the Mythos, weaving action and adventure into tales like "People of the Dark." His stories add a dynamic element to the anthology, appealing to fans of both horror and fantasy.
  Henry Kuttner's contributions, including The Eater of Souls and The Salem Horror, further enrich the anthology, showcasing his ability to blend humor with horror. Kuttner's stories often explore the human psyche in the face of incomprehensible terror, adding depth to the collection. 
  Overall, this anthology serves as a comprehensive introduction to the Cthulhu Mythos, highlighting the interconnectedness of these authors' works and their lasting impact on the genre of horror literature. With stunning illustrations accompanying the text, readers are invited to immerse themselves in a world where sanity is fragile, and the unknown reigns supreme.
  Contents
  H. P. Lovecraft
  • The Nameless City
  • The Festival
  • The Colour out of Space
  • The Call of Cthulhu
  • The Dunwich Horror
  • The Whisperer in Darkness
  • The Dreams in the Witch-House
  • At the Mountains of Madness
  • The Shadow over Innsmouth
  • The Shadow out of Time
  • The Haunter of the Dark
  • The Thing on the Doorstep
  • The Case of Charles Dexter Ward
  Robert E. Howard
  • The Shadow Kingdom
  • Skull-Face
  • The Breaking of the Chain
  • The Children of the Night
  • The Gods of Bal-Sagoth
  • The Black Stone
  • People of the Dark
  • Worms of the Earth
  • The Thing on the Roof
  • The Haunter of the Ring
  • The Challenge from Beyond
  • The Fire of Asshurbanipal
  • Dig Me No Grave
  Henry Kuttner 
   The Secret of Kralitz
  • The Eater of Souls
  • The Salem Horror
  • The Jest of Droom-avista
   • Spawn of Dagon
  • Hydra

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  Beatrix Potter Collection Volume 1

  Beatrix Potter

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  Dive into the authentic and slightly darker world of Beatrix Potter with "Beatrix Potter Collection Volume 1." This audiobook brings together eight beloved tales as they were originally written, offering a genuine experience of Potter's literary magic. From the mischievous Peter Rabbit to the diligent Mrs. Tittlemouse, these stories reveal the complexities of life and nature through the whimsical world of talking animals. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and fans of classic fairy tales, this collection promises to transport listeners back to the charming landscapes of Potter's imagination.

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  Shirley Volume 2

  Charlotte Brontë

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  In "Shirley Volume 2" by Charlotte Brontë, the narrative deepens as industrial strife continues to unsettle Yorkshire. Shirley Keeldar's bold spirit is tested as she faces both societal pressures and personal dilemmas. Caroline Helstone's journey intertwines with Shirley’s as they navigate love, friendship, and duty. Against a backdrop of social unrest, Brontë intricately explores themes of feminine strength, societal change, and the resilience needed to forge one's own path.

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  Another Freak - From their pens...

  Mary Angela Dickens

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  The bookshelves of British literature are incredible collections that have gathered together centuries of very talented authors.  From these Isles their fame spread and whilst among their number many are now forgotten or neglected their talents endure.  Among them is Mary Angela Dickens.

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