Customer Reviews

Short Stories 1895-1926 (v. 1)

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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.

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.

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.

This volume collects a few volumes of de la Mare's short stories, as well as gathering together previously uncollected stories. If you're at all interested in de la Mare's gloomy, poetic prose, there's much material here to sink your teeth into.