Short Stories 1895-1926 (v. 1) [Hardcover]

Walter de la Mare (Author), Giles de la Mare (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

For many, Walter de la Mare is as great a writer of fiction as of poetry. Sadly, the majority of his short stories have been unavailable for some time. Now this welcome volume, the first of three, brings together more than 40 stories written between 1895 and 1926, including The Riddle and Other Stories, Ding Dong Bell, The Connoisseur and Other Stories, Kismet, and 14 other previously uncollected pieces.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'What strikes one most about [them] is how truly peculiar they are... it is good to see these dark and disquieting stories back in print.' TLS on Short Stories 1895-1926 and Short Stories 1927-1956 'He was so... "great" that, like all the greatest, his greatness functions as an assumption that goes hardly even recognized...the chief emotion is, as it should be, one of immense gratitude.' Martin Seymour-Smith in Scotland on Sunday on Short Stories 1895-1926 'Beautiful, enigmatic and disquieting stories.' Lord David Cecil 'De la Mare is a master of mise-en-scene...Prose with the most vivid and unsettling intensity, which resembles some of what the surrealists were producing in France...' Angela Carter"

About the Author

Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was one of the leading poets and novelists of the twentieth century. His writings are known throughout the world, and have been translated into numerous languages. He wrote poetry and fiction for both adults and children. He is loved and admired equally by the young and the old. Together with the Complete Poems, published in 1969 and shortly to be brought back into print -- and also edited by Giles de la Mare -- Short Stories I, II and III provide the definitive text of Walter de la Mare's creative writings. De la Mare was in addition an anthologist of genius and an outstanding literary critic, serving as the main critic on the TLS for many years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 498 pages
• Publisher: Giles de la Mare; First Edition edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1900357038
• ISBN-13: 978-1900357036
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,573,892 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great storyteller and stylist, May 9, 2003

By 

L. Stearns Newburg "LSN" (CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Short Stories 1895-1926 (v. 1) (Hardcover)

I'm very high on this book and its companion volume, because it gives us something that for many years has been difficult to come by: a feast of De la Mare's elegant fictional prose in the short story form.

De la Mare's fiction has been available in mere piecemeal form for decades now, despite his considerable distinction as a writer of stories. In part, I think, it's because he was bucking the prevalent trends of his time in the writing of prose, as well as approach. He seems almost to come from an earlier generation.

That's not to say he's outmoded. His thinking and construction are every bit as sophisticated as his use of language; but the angle of attack is more poetic than realistic or naturalistic. He has something of a reputation as a writer of supernatural fiction, but that's a bit misleading. He wrote distinguished supernatural fiction, of course, but it might be more accurate to call him the poet of the unseen. There are dramatic scenes in his work, but it's interesting to consider how much happens offstage, and how much is implied rather than shown. It's a highly nuanced method, and understandably adaptable to the story of the supernatural, when it suited the author's purposes.

This particular volume contains several of his best stories. I'll single out for particular praise "Miss Duveen," "Seaton's Aunt" (one of the most harrowing stories of its length in English), and an especial favorite, the long story "The Almond Tree."

The rest of the book is worth one's time, too. The companion volume is every bit as high in quality. With two large volumes of stories in this series, all I can say is I regret there aren't any more. (There's a book of stories for children to follow, but that's a different category, with different rules.)

If you like de la Mare, you might find A. E. Coppard to your taste, also.

5.0 out of 5 stars The best--the very best!, January 19, 2012

By 

Brent Carleton "Brent Carleton" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Short Stories 1895-1926 (v. 1) (Hardcover)

Thank you Mr. de la Mare:

Weaver of mysterioso, macabre, and numinous dreamscapes, peopled with intriguing children and even more intriguing elderly recluses, your work demonstrates as you once remarked: the best is always at the edges of things. With you as tourguide--may I always remain at the edges, where I may more readily espy Alice's Godmother rattling by in her ghostly stagecoach, or Seaton's Aunt staring down at me from her second story window.

That's where I want to be!!!

Brent C.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Literary Collection, February 16, 2011

By 

whiterabbit "harmony" (Yakima, Washington United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Short Stories 1895-1926 (v. 1) (Hardcover)

This collection of rare Walter de la Mare prose stories is a real gem and a treasure, if you can get your hands on a copy! It is always a real challenge finding his prose works, especially at a reasonable price. But once you do, it is well worth the search. His writings are absolutely beautiful, both in style and content. The language is sublime and poetic, yet flows effortlessly, carrying you along with it into a magical world of mysterious beauty. This collection is just wonderful, containing many works previously impossible to find. It really is a treasure of a book.