The Midnight Hearse, by Elliott O'Donnell

It began with this title.
Found at local used/rare bookstore.
Got it for $1.00.
What's so great about that?
O'Donnell's books are rare in the U.S. -- and *pricey*.
Most UK sellers (Ebay or Amazon) refuse to sell to Americans.

More to follow (scans and comments).

I am definitely an Elliott O'Donnell (1872 - 1965) fan.

p.s.: It's been nearly 1.5 years since I last posted. Life has been difficult.

The Vampire, by Dumas [1865]

Links feature is not working like usual; sorry, but you'll have to copy and paste into your browser.

http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/stories/vampire.php

Dumas, of the much more popular "The Three Musketeers" fame. Didn't know he'd written a Gothic too. ;-)

Translated by Frank Morlock. I've just now discovered Frank translated this work and so haven't yet read it.

Mr. Morlock happens to be a member of my "Age of Voltaire" group (Yahoo). I'm also recently a moderator of his "Age Of Enlightenment And Reason" group. If you're interested in 18th century Enlightenment philosophy and history, check us
out:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ageofvoltaire/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Age_Of_Enlightenment_And_Reason/

The Bat [When It Flies, Someone Dies!] 1959

Recently I purchased (used...of course) a copy of "The Bat." Later I was recalling Agnes Moorehead, and a film of hers I've owned about 10 years: "The Bat" - with Vincent Price co-starring. I watched the film upon buying it but haven't since rewatched. I wondered if the film were based on the book (a paperback pulp Gothic? what were the chances? nil...) and checked the Internet Movie Database: Sure enough! :-o The movie is based on the novel. Turns out the author (MRR) was a very talented and accomplished lady, who for a while OUT-SOLD that British powerhouse named Agatha Christie! I don't recall much of "The Bat", frankly none of it, so apparently it didn't make an impression (even if I adore Agnes Moorehead). Will watch it again sometime soon. In the meantime, enjoy the following images:

Green Darkness :: Vampyre of Moura :: Mansion of Mystery

Tarn House :: You'll Like My Mother :: Daughter of Despair [and lookalikes]

For all you sons-in-law out there: The 2nd one! :-p I think the model on the cover of "Daughter of Despair" looks a lot like Neve Campbell ala late '90s. I've also seen a cover wherein the model looks very much like Nicole Kidman, Claudia Schiffer, etc. -- celebs who were tots when the cover art was created, if even yet born.

Girl On the Run :: Portrait of a Dead Lady :: The Ice Forest

As in the last post, small but sharp and crisp images. These are obtained via "The Bookshelf":

Crow Hollow: Cover Scan

This is an unusually pretty cover, despite the lack of excessive detail and neutral colors. It's the hint of pale wintry blueness (despite her filmy sleeveless plunge neckline gown!), the murder of crows sitting on a black gnarled tree branch, the STARK RED LETTERING above...it works for me. Simplicity in beauty I guess. I don't own this cover and found its scan at Fantasticfiction.uk.