Haunted and the Haunters By: Edward George Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)
Edward George Bulwer-Lytton’s Haunted and the Haunters is an enticing and spine-chilling novel that delves deep into the realm of the supernatural. Set in the 19th century, the story follows the protagonist on a haunting journey filled with mystery, suspense, and a battle between the living and the dead. The narrative begins innocently enough as the main character innocently moves into a charming old house despite local rumors of it being haunted. Slowly, the atmosphere darkens, and the reader is effortlessly drawn into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural becomes blurred. With each turn of the page, the tension builds, and the pacing meticulously leads the reader through a labyrinth of fear and uncertainty. What sets this novel apart is the exceptional way Bulwer-Lytton crafts his characters. From the brave and determined protagonist to the enigmatic and bone-chilling specters that haunt the house, each character is profoundly developed, creating an emotional connection that intensifies the terror. The psychological and emotional depth of the characters allows the reader to fully comprehend their motivations, fears, and vulnerabilities, making their encounters with the supernatural all the more believable and terrifying. Bulwer-Lytton’s masterful use of descriptive language leaves an indelible impression, evoking vivid and haunting imagery that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. The author flawlessly captures the essence of terror, painting scenes that will send shivers down your spine. The atmospheric descriptions of the haunted house, with its creaking floorboards and chilling drafts, vividly transport the reader into the heart of the supernatural. The novel’s exploration of the supernatural and the power of the human spirit adds a captivating layer of depth to the story. Bulwer-Lytton seamlessly weaves in themes of fear, courage, and the unexplainable, pushing the boundaries of what we perceive as reality. The author skillfully poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of the afterlife and the boundaries between life and death, leaving the reader pondering long after the final chapter. While Haunted and the Haunters is undoubtedly an enthralling and spine-tingling read, it may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced, action-packed thriller. Instead, this novel exemplifies the slow-burning, psychological horror that leaves you on the edge of your seat, anxiously anticipating what awaits just around the corner. In conclusion, Haunted and the Haunters showcases Edward George Bulwer-Lytton’s immense talent as a writer and his ability to craft a chilling and engrossing tale. With its atmospheric descriptions, well-developed characters, and exploration of the supernatural, this novel establishes itself as a timeless classic in the horror genre. Prepare to be haunted long after you have turned the final page. First Page: A STRANGE STORY. TO WHICH IS ADDED, THE HAUNTED AND THE HAUNTERS. BY EDWARD BULWER LYTTON ( LORD LYTTON .) "To doubt and to be astonished is to recognize our ignorance. Hence it is that the lover of wisdom is in a certain sort a lover of mythi [Greek: phylomythos pôs], for the subject of mythi is the astonishing and marvellous." SIR W. HAMILTON (after Aristotle), Lectures on Metaphysics , vol. i. p. 78. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. BOSTON: LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY. 1897. THE HAUNTED AND THE HAUNTERS; OR, THE HOUSE AND THE BRAIN. A friend of mine, who is a man of letters and a philosopher, said to me one day, as if between jest and earnest, "Fancy! since we last met I have discovered a haunted house in the midst of London." "Really haunted, and by what? ghosts?" "Well, I can't answer that question; all I know is this: six weeks ago my wife and I were in search of a furnished apartment. Passing a quiet street, we saw on the window of one of the houses a bill, 'Apartments, Furnished.' The situation suited us; we entered the house, liked the rooms, engaged them by the week, and left them the third day. No power on earth could have reconciled my wife to stay longer; and I don't wonder at it." "What did you see?" "Excuse me; I have no desire to be ridiculed as a superstitious dreamer, nor, on the other hand, could I ask you to accept on my affirmation what you would hold to be incredible without the evidence of your own senses... Continue reading book >>

Haunted and the Haunters By: Edward George Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)

Edward George Bulwer-Lytton’s Haunted and the Haunters is an enticing and spine-chilling novel that delves deep into the realm of the supernatural. Set in the 19th century, the story follows the protagonist on a haunting journey filled with mystery, suspense, and a battle between the living and the dead.

The narrative begins innocently enough as the main character innocently moves into a charming old house despite local rumors of it being haunted. Slowly, the atmosphere darkens, and the reader is effortlessly drawn into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural becomes blurred. With each turn of the page, the tension builds, and the pacing meticulously leads the reader through a labyrinth of fear and uncertainty.

What sets this novel apart is the exceptional way Bulwer-Lytton crafts his characters. From the brave and determined protagonist to the enigmatic and bone-chilling specters that haunt the house, each character is profoundly developed, creating an emotional connection that intensifies the terror. The psychological and emotional depth of the characters allows the reader to fully comprehend their motivations, fears, and vulnerabilities, making their encounters with the supernatural all the more believable and terrifying.

Bulwer-Lytton’s masterful use of descriptive language leaves an indelible impression, evoking vivid and haunting imagery that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. The author flawlessly captures the essence of terror, painting scenes that will send shivers down your spine. The atmospheric descriptions of the haunted house, with its creaking floorboards and chilling drafts, vividly transport the reader into the heart of the supernatural.

The novel’s exploration of the supernatural and the power of the human spirit adds a captivating layer of depth to the story. Bulwer-Lytton seamlessly weaves in themes of fear, courage, and the unexplainable, pushing the boundaries of what we perceive as reality. The author skillfully poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of the afterlife and the boundaries between life and death, leaving the reader pondering long after the final chapter.

While Haunted and the Haunters is undoubtedly an enthralling and spine-tingling read, it may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced, action-packed thriller. Instead, this novel exemplifies the slow-burning, psychological horror that leaves you on the edge of your seat, anxiously anticipating what awaits just around the corner.

In conclusion, Haunted and the Haunters showcases Edward George Bulwer-Lytton’s immense talent as a writer and his ability to craft a chilling and engrossing tale. With its atmospheric descriptions, well-developed characters, and exploration of the supernatural, this novel establishes itself as a timeless classic in the horror genre. Prepare to be haunted long after you have turned the final page.

First Page:

A STRANGE STORY.

TO WHICH IS ADDED,

THE HAUNTED AND THE HAUNTERS.

EDWARD BULWER LYTTON ( LORD LYTTON .)

"To doubt and to be astonished is to recognize our ignorance. Hence it is that the lover of wisdom is in a certain sort a lover of mythi [Greek: phylomythos pôs], for the subject of mythi is the astonishing and marvellous." SIR W. HAMILTON (after Aristotle), Lectures on Metaphysics , vol. i. p. 78.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. II.

BOSTON: LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY. 1897.

THE HAUNTED AND THE HAUNTERS;

OR, THE HOUSE AND THE BRAIN.

A friend of mine, who is a man of letters and a philosopher, said to me one day, as if between jest and earnest, "Fancy! since we last met I have discovered a haunted house in the midst of London."

"Really haunted, and by what? ghosts?"

"Well, I can't answer that question; all I know is this: six weeks ago my wife and I were in search of a furnished apartment. Passing a quiet street, we saw on the window of one of the houses a bill, 'Apartments, Furnished.' The situation suited us; we entered the house, liked the rooms, engaged them by the week, and left them the third day. No power on earth could have reconciled my wife to stay longer; and I don't wonder at it."

"What did you see?"

"Excuse me; I have no desire to be ridiculed as a superstitious dreamer, nor, on the other hand, could I ask you to accept on my affirmation what you would hold to be incredible without the evidence of your own senses... Continue reading book >>

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