A superb collection of modern weird tales, very much in the mould of Machen and James. Bell has a powerful gift for atmosphere, weaving tales of finely drawn and developed characters experiencing supernatural revelations in richly rendered environments. Stories draw on Celtic myth and modern esotericism, and these two strands are combined in the outstanding 'M.E.F', based on the true tragedy of Marie Emily Fornario and her mysterious fate. There are six other stories here, two original to this volume, the remainder drawn from limited and rare collections and journals.

At a time when certain small presses dealing in weird fiction apper to be competing to produce the most gaudy, over-produced editions, with prices escalating into three figures, Swan River Press are to be congratulated on producing such a damned handsome volume for a reasonable sum . Design and production are superb throughout, the finished book is complete with colour cover and dustjacket, and the whole is executed with understatement and taste. Don't hesitate to snap this one up before the first edition of 350 goes! ( )