Arthur Machen's novel, The White People, explores the dark and mysterious world of folklore and the supernatural. The narrative is told through the perspective of a young girl who uncovers a hidden realm filled with ancient rituals and otherworldly creatures.

Machen's writing is rich in detail and vivid imagery, transporting the reader to a haunting and atmospheric setting. The story is deeply unsettling and the sense of unease and dread grows with each page turn.

The White People delves into the themes of innocence lost, curiosity leading to danger, and the power of ancient knowledge. The characters are well-developed and the plot twists keep the reader engaged until the very end.

Overall, The White People is a gripping and chilling read that will certainly leave a lasting impact on those who delve into its dark and mystical world. Arthur Machen's exploration of the unknown and the supernatural is sure to captivate fans of horror and speculative fiction.

Book Description:

Literary critics see Arthur Machen’s works as a significant part of the late Victorian revival of the gothic novel and the decadent movement of the 1890s, bearing direct comparison to the themes found in contemporary works like Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. The White People is a highly influential horror story of a young girl’s discovery of ancient magic. It was written in the late 1890s as part of a longer unfinished novel, some sketches from which went into his book Ornaments in Jade. Fans of supernatural fiction often cite this story as a classic in the genre.