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Elegy   By: (1929-1967)

Elegy by Charles Beaumont

Elegy by Charles Beaumont is a captivating collection of short stories that delves into the dark recesses of the human psyche. With each tale, Beaumont masterfully weaves together themes of mortality, loss, and the haunting nature of what lies beyond the realm of the living.

One of the standout stories in this collection is "The Howling Man," a chilling tale of a traveler who stumbles upon a mysterious monastery hidden deep within the European Alps. As the protagonist becomes trapped in a web of deception and terror, Beaumont expertly builds suspense, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The atmospheric setting and the underlying themes of fear and obsession make this story a gripping read.

Another memorable piece is "Last Rights," which explores the thin line between life and death. Beaumont skillfully crafts a narrative that blurs the boundaries between reality and the afterlife, prompting readers to question the nature of existence and what awaits us beyond the veil of mortality. The psychological depth of the characters and the cleverly interwoven plot twists make this story a standout in the collection.

The writing style throughout Elegy is concise and evocative, enabling the author to create vivid imagery and a palpable sense of atmosphere. Beaumont's ability to capture the haunting beauty of the macabre elevates the stories beyond mere horror fiction, immersing readers in a universe that is both spine-tingling and thought-provoking.

However, while the collection as a whole is undeniably compelling, not every story hits the mark. Some tales feel slightly rushed or underdeveloped, leaving readers craving more depth and resolution. Additionally, the brevity of the stories may leave some longing for a more comprehensive exploration of the intriguing concepts and themes presented.

Despite these minor flaws, Elegy remains a remarkable collection that showcases Charles Beaumont's talent for crafting beguiling tales of the supernatural. Fans of psychological horror and existential introspection will find much to savor and contemplate within these pages. Whether you are a die-hard aficionado of the genre or simply seeking a captivating read, Elegy is sure to leave a lasting impression.

First Page:

ELEGY

By Charles Beaumont

[Transcriber Note: This etext was produced from Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy February 1953. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]

[Sidenote: It was an impossible situation: an asteroid in space where no asteroid should have been with a city that could only have existed back on Earth!]

"Would you mind repeating that?"

"I said, sir, that Mr. Friden said, sir, that he sees a city."

"A city?"

"Yes sir."

Captain Webber rubbed the back of his hand along his cheek.

"You realize, of course, that that is impossible?"

"Yes sir."

"Send Mr. Friden in to see me, at once."

The young man saluted and rushed out of the room. He returned with a somewhat older man who wore spectacles and frowned.

"Now then," said Captain Webber, "what's all this Lieutenant Peterson tells me about a city? Are you enjoying a private little joke, Friden?"

Mr. Friden shook his head emphatically. "No sir."

"Then perhaps you'd like to explain."

"Well, sir, you see, I was getting bored and just for something to do, I thought I'd look through the screen not that I dreamed of seeing anything. The instruments weren't adjusted, either; but there was something funny, something I couldn't make out exactly... Continue reading book >>




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