Customer Reviews

The Ghost Pirates and Other Revenants of the Sea: The Collected Fiction of William Hope Hodgson, Volume 3

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Why a man in the Far East like me has been impatiently waiting for the publishing of these volumes. It was 1963 when I learned the name of William H. Hodgeson in the advertisement of a film, 'Matango'(directed by Ishiro HONDA famous for Godzilla in 1954/"Attack of Mushroom People" in English title later exported to overseas). At that time, SF in Japan was still at dawn and some Sci-Fi writers were eager to introduce variety of SF especially to adults. 'Matango' is today a classic horror film with some but highly enthusiastic fans. The original story of 'Matango' is 'The Voice in the Night' which is contained in this volume. The story is terrifying but sadly romantic, which is common in many stories by Hodgeson.
Those who like sea adventure stories by E. A. Poe, will surely find the similar but more exciting tastes in this volume. Hodgeson loved Poe's works while H.P. Lovecraft worshiped Hodgeson. Supernatural and very physical (not psychological) terror is here.
I am collecting all 5 volumes this time, but sea adventures are concentrated in this 3rd volume. Others are also recommendable for those who expect both cosmic horror and spiritual one (ghost). They are treasury volumes.

This series of books from Night Shade are outstanding for their depth and the quality of the final product. If you are a keen collector these books will become prized additions to your library.