48. The Century's Best Horror -- Volume 1
edited by John Pelan
About the Books:
Cemetery Dance Publications commissioned a spectacular two-volume anthology project under the editorship of noted author and historian of the horror genre, John Pelan.
John selected one story published during each year of the 20th Century (1901-2000) as the most notable story of that year — all 100 stories were then collected in this amazing two volume set to be published as The Century's Best Horror Fiction.
The ground rules were simple: Only one selection per author. Only one selection per year.
Two huge volumes, one hundred authors, one hundred classic stories, more than 700,000 words of fiction — history in the making!
My Thoughts:
Alan M. Clark produced this wonderfully intricate cover art. I see details and little things hiding every time I look at it. Not only intended things, but I'm probably forming images that weren't intended. Not there. Pareidolia alive and well.
I have to give great respect to John Pelan. The massive amount of time and work that went into this volume (and there is a Volume 2) is beyond dedication and commitment. It shows passion. To be honest, I enjoyed Mr. Pelan's comments prior to each story just as much as the stories themselves. There were years that Mr. Pelan had many authors in the running for that years' best story, and my TBR pile grew with their names.
I applaud the tough decisions that were made. As stated above in Cemetery Dance's press release, each author could only be in the two volume set once. A great idea! While some stories weren't new to me, It made me read them again with new appreciation. I was delighted with each new author and/or story I had never read before.
In the foreword of the book,
One Hundred Years of Horror, Mr. Pelan makes the comment, "
As of this writing. I have not seen the final book, so I can only imagine that the finished volumes will be larger than the telephone directories of many cities (though in a much more readable font and aesthetically pleasing design.)
Yes, it is another big-boned book; it is a very aesthetically pleasing design; and the font is typical and readable if you have the eyesight of an owl.
It's the SIZE of the font that matters. Doesn't it always?
This book comes in at 706 pages of a font size that is not the norm. What size it is and what size the norm is I guess that depends on lots of factors. Everyone's definition of "normal" might differ, but for me, this font was smaller than most books I read. Yes, I could read it just wearing my glasses. But, I took this book everywhere with me. I was reading it in all sorts of lighting conditions and I had to do something I have never done ever -- I bought a magnifying sheet. Talk about my failing body betraying me! But I understand the necessity for smaller type -- otherwise this book would have had to come with its own oaken stand. Made by the Amish. From a haunted stand of trees down by the river. Next to a van that has been parked there for
years.
The stories themselves were enthralling, but the language of the times, while charming and sophisticated, is a challenge to read. I love a good snooty gothic, but was happy to see (and a little sad too) the language changing.
Starting in 1901 and moving to 1950, I watched the evolution of language. The beginning authors used beautiful language that was formal and flowery and romantic -- and I have a hard time working up any sense of urgency in the creep-factor department given the ornate word choices.
Don't get me wrong, these author's ideas are the forerunners of today's scares, and I see the influences from the past in what I read and watch today. Clearly.
This book should be read by anyone wanting to be a writer, in any genre. There are lessons to be learned here from these authors, from these stories. And as the stories moved through the years, my reading pace quickened as did my anxiety level.
Not only is the evolution of language documented, but the evolution of story telling and human development are here.
Great stories, great authors and again, the roots of our love of horror celebrated in this gorgeous book.
Bravo!