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Azemia is a satirical attack on what William Beckford perceived as characteristically feminine novel-writing. First published in 1797, under the pseudonym Jacquetta Agneta Mariana Jenks, it joined its companion volume Modern Novel Writing, or, The Elegant Enthusiast (1796) in ridiculing the sentimental and sensational novels of the day, and especially the productions of William Lane's Minerva Press. However, it is also a biting political satire, attacking the Tory party and its leader, William Pitt the Younger, for the war with France, repressive legislation, and neglect of the poor. This is the first-ever scholarly edition of the novel and includes a new introduction by Robert J. Gemmett, as well as thorough annotations, a bibliography, and contemporary illustrations.William Beckford (1760-1844) was a novelist, travel writer, art critic, and collector. One of the most controversial figures of his time, as well reputedly the richest man in England, he is probably best remembered as the author of the Gothic novel Vathek (1786) and the creator of Fonthill Abbey. Robert J. Gemmett, Professor of English at the State University of New York, Brockport, is an acknowledged expert on William Beckford and is the author of numerous books and articles on his life and works. He is also editor of the first scholarly edition of Modern Novel Writing, published in 2008.

In 1894, the publishing house of Archibald Constable & Co. launched a series of novels by well-known authors called The Acme Library. The two tales paired in this volume were the first two entries in the set. Unlike Constable's publication of Dracula in 1897, the Acme Library was a failure, and copies of books in the short-lived series are quite rare today.In Arthur Conan Doyle's The Parasite, a sceptical scientist engages in dangerous experiments with Miss Penelosa, a hypnotist with deadly powers. Bram Stoker's The Watter's Mou' is a thrilling tale of romance and smuggling along the Scottish coast. These two short novels are fascinating in their own right, but also in how they reveal different sides of these two authors, best known for their creations Sherlock Holmes and Dracula.This edition features the unabridged texts of both novellas, taken from the scarce British first editions, and includes a substantial introduction by Catherine Wynne tracing the many parallels and convergences of the two authors' lives and literary careers. Also included are explanatory footnotes and an appendix containing Doyle's haunting story "John Barrington Cowles," Stoker's surreal "The Coming of Abel Behenna," and a 1907 interview of Doyle by Stoker.

The Mysterious Hand; or, Subterranean Horrours! (1811) is the story of two young lovers, Theodore Dalbert and Julia Bolton, and their attempts to escape the machinations of the diabolical Count Egfryd. Egfryd, one of the most remarkable villains in Gothic literature, is a gifted athlete, poet, and inventor, brilliant, handsome, charming - and ruthless. Angered at Theodore''s negative review of the his book of poems and enamoured of Julia, Egfryd will stop at nothing to destroy his rival and possess the lovely maiden. Egfryd''s wild and improbable schemes include framing Theodore for murder, attempting to rape Julia in a hot air balloon, and finally imprisoning them both on a remote island rigged with gunpowder to blow them both to bits should they attempt to escape. Can the two lovers avoid the snares of the wily Count or will they fall victim to his inveterate malice?A Gothic novel remarkable both for its rarity (fewer than five copies are known to survive) and its originality, The Mysterious Hand is a lost gem that will be enjoyed by readers, collectors, and specialists of Gothic fiction. And perhaps even more surprising than its unique plot are the modern views the author expresses on such issues as capital punishment, criminal justice, marriage, and sexuality. This edition includes a new introduction and notes by Caspar Wintermans as well as a reproduction of the title-page of the first edition.

Swedish Mysteries tells the story of young Gustavus Ericson, who, after his father is murdered and his mother and sister imprisoned by the tyrant King Christian, leads a revolution against Christian's oppression. Against this historical backdrop, Anna Maria Mackenzie weaves a Gothic tale of intrigue, treachery, and murder, complete with all the trappings of the Gothic novel: secret tribunals, ruined monasteries, and orphans of unknown parentage.One of the prolific Mackenzie's most thrilling tales, Swedish Mysteries has remained out of print and forgotten since its initial publication in 1801. This new edition includes the unabridged text of the three volume first edition, a reproduction of the first edition's title page, along with a new introduction and explanatory notes by Janina Nordius. In her introduction, Professor Nordius discusses the historical background of the novel and addresses its importance within a body of 18th and 19th century English literature dealing with Gustavus Ericson.

Young Claudio di Bartelma leaves the home of his adoptive father, the Marchese di Bartelma, to attend university at Rome. There, he befriends the handsome and mischievous Lodovico di Ponta. Together, the two youths become involved in a variety of amorous pursuits and humorous adventures. But their fun is short-lived, as events quickly take a turn for the sinister. A mysterious pilgrim seems to stalk their steps, and Claudio is drawn into an affair with an enigmatic older woman, Viola, who lives in splendour but yet claims to be imprisoned. Meanwhile, Claudio investigates the truth of his parentage. Who were his parents, and what is his connection to Lodovico's father, the Count di Ponta, who many years ago was involved in a murderous love affair with his brother's wife? Midnight meetings among ruins, supernatural warnings, and a vengeful spectre will help to reveal the shocking truth behind the strange mysteries!A clever mix of Bildungsroman, picaresque tale, mystery, and Gothic horror, Astonishment!!! (1802) shows Francis Lathom at the height of his powers. This new edition, the first since 1821, includes the unabridged text of the first edition, a reproduction of the first edition's title page, and the complete text of two contemporary reviews.