J. N. Williamson (1932–2005)

Above average collection of stories that were apparently from a semi-regular publication called appropriately Dark Masques; probably something like Charles Grant's Shadows anthologies. The usual range of stuff including the ubiquitous King and Campbell stories (do these guys ever get up from the typewriter?). This book must be fairly popular because it has been reprinted multiple times since 1995 when it first appeared. This reprint is a mmpb from 2012.

I had a lot of "around the campfire" fun with it.… (more)

Enjoyable collection of horror stories that apparently set on my various shelves for 30 years before being read, although some of the stories were familiar. These include Robert McCammon's unforgettable "Nightcrawlers," which was made into an equally unforgettable episode of the New Twilight Zone television series. F. Paul Wilson's "Soft" also makes an appearance here, and would later be quite appropriate reprinted in the Vandermeers' unsurpassed anthology THE WEIRD. Not all the stories are that good, but they are generally of high quality and by an all-star bunch. Stephen King's contribution, "Popsy," is a great story of someone getting his just reward. And there is a story by Ray Russell, who, as always delivers. When will ALL his short fiction be collected?… (more)

What sets this book apart is that rather being a advice from a single author it's a collection of essays by prominent authors. The introduction alone, by Robert Bloch, was a wonderfully written and entertaining read. I think that's the first time I've ever said that about an introduction. The contributors consist of a Who's Who of speculative fiction circa 1987. Science fiction, fantasy and horror all get attention. There seemed to be a little extra attention paid to horror. It seems it was undergoing a bit of an identity crisis and wanted to be referred to as "dark fantasy".

The end of the book, while valuable, will drag on if you're trying to read it straight through. The last 40 pages are lists of recommended and best-loved novels and short stories. A good reference for choosing something to read next.

Really this is the kind of book you pick up and read an essay here or there rather than read in a linear fashion. It's an entertaining look into the minds of well known authors and a peek back to a different era.… (more)