Andrew Barger's Blog

Vampires have long fascinated the human imagination, embodying fears, desires, and cultural anxieties across centuries. Their presence in folklore and literature is not merely a product of fiction but a complex tapestry woven from superstition, myth, and historical events. As I explore the history of vampire myths, I find it essential to understand how these creatures evolved from mere legends into the iconic figures we recognize today. This journey reveals much about human p

"Even the moon was embarrassed by the beauty of Barcelona."

Below is a solid list from Robert Smith of the songs that he most admires from the 1980s (excluding his own, of course). New Order's “Everything’s Gone Green” is my favorite along with “Persephone” (with it classic literary feels) and “Gigantic.” All three are unrelenting driving forces of the New Wave genre and are not to be missed. ABC, “Look of Love” The Associates, “Tell Me It’s Easter on Friday” David Bowie, “Let’s Dance” Kate Bush, “Cloudbursting” Cocteau Twins, “Persep

Edgar Allan Poe remains a towering figure in American literature, particularly in the realms of gothic and horror fiction. His works continue to captivate readers and scholars alike, offering a rich tapestry of themes, stylistic innovations, and psychological depth. In this post, I will share critical insights into Poe's oeuvre , exploring his narrative techniques, thematic concerns, and lasting influence. This analysis aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of Poe's c

The bleak midwinter is a time for ghosts like those found in the anthology: Best Ghost Short Stories 1850-1899: A Phantasmal Ghost Anthology . It contains the best ghost stories from the last half of the 19th century; shocking tales from popular American and Victorian authors. These are the finest ghost stories for the last half of the nineteenth century and they are combined in one haunting collection. The stories are annotated with background information, author photos and

If you have yet to read The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, published in 1967, you might recognize it from the 1983 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The movie featured a star-studded cast including Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, and Matt Dillon. While the film brought the story to a wider audience, the novel itself holds a special place in literature, especially for young readers. This post explores why The Outsiders remains a beloved classic despite its focus on ga

The tale of Peter Rugg, the missing man, has intrigued readers and scholars of gothic and horror fiction for nearly two centuries. This enigmatic story, rooted in early American folklore, presents a haunting narrative of a man doomed to wander endlessly through the fog and streets, forever lost in time. As I delve into this story, I aim to provide a thoughtful and detailed analysis that uncovers the layers of meaning and cultural significance embedded in the legend of Peter R

Long before there were salt of the earth people getting instantly rich off the lottery, only to curse the windfall they had received, there was a tiny little nugget of a novel called The Pearl. The novel was published by John Steinbeck in 1947. The Pearl has been influential on popular singers. Below are a number of songs based on--or influenced by--The Pearl. "Angry"                 Matchbox 20          "Colored People"                  dc talk "Colors of the Wind"    

Years before the black raven was engrained into the minds of Americans as a reminder of lost love, another sable animal gained Poe fame. “ The Black Cat ” ranks as one of Poe’s best tales. Though Poe never owned a raven, he actually owned a black cat in 1840 when he published a short article entitled “Instinct vs. Reason.” Here is a snippet: The writer of this article is the owner of one of the most remarkable black cats in the world – and this is saying much; for it will be

Exploring the world of horror fiction has always been a captivating journey for me. The eerie atmosphere, the suspense, and the psychological depth of classic gothic tales hold a unique charm. For those who share this fascination, finding reliable platforms that offer quality horror stories without cost is essential. In this post, I will guide you through some of the best online horror story sources where you can immerse yourself in chilling narratives, including many forgott

In her debut novel, Ayn Rand has penned a masterpiece of literature simply titled, We the Living . The novel likely did more to weaken the early foundations of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) than any waving of guns or thumping of politicians’ chests, and this is why. Published in 1936, We the Living has it all—intrigue, one of the strongest female characters ever created in literature, and a tight plot that will leave readers guessing until the end. I won

Brave New World by Englishman Aldous Huxley is a science fiction concept novel published in 1932. In Huxley's future world, the people of today are portrayed as savages and modern people are controlled by groupthink and a designer drug-- soma . In the novel the people of today feel love, believe in God and pray. Base savages! The novel has taken on a life of its own and is often read in high school and college classrooms. Many rock bands have created songs about it. But does

I give this non-fiction book about the brilliant author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and the early day of the hippies, four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 In most areas of my life I am organized. That is not the case when it comes to my reading pattern. It is rather chaotic. I'm not one of those people who sit down at the beginning of the year, line up the books I am going to read in a corner of the bookshelf, and start reading them in order. I usually have a general idea of the book

An anthology finalist award winner in the  Next Generation Indie Book Awards  and a  Gothic Readers Book Club Choice Award Winner ,  The Best Horror Short Stories 1800-1849  delivers 12 of the greatest horror stories for the first half of the 19th century. Andrew Barger, author of the award winning  Coffee with Poe: A Novel of Edgar Allan Poe's Life  read over 300 horror short stories to compile the dozen best. At the back of the book he includes a list of all short stories h

There is Truman Capote looking impish and floral as he leans against a trellis of roses somewhere in the Deep South. He is best known for his character-driven novel "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and an embellished non-fiction book, "In Cold Blood." Having liked the former novel, I was excited to read Capote's short stories. The same attention to detail and character generation found in "Breakfast Tiffany's" was evident in the many tales he wrote before its publication. Southern Ac

Few works in classic gothic and horror fiction have captivated readers as profoundly as The Hound of the Baskervilles . This novel, penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, stands as a testament to his literary genius and his ability to weave suspense, mystery, and atmosphere into a compelling narrative. As someone deeply fascinated by gothic literature, I find it essential to delve into the elements that make this story enduring and to explore the arthur conan doyle themes that per

Edgar Allan Poe’s A Descent Into the Maelstrom stands out as a remarkable blend of horror and early science fiction. Published in 1841, this short story captures the terror and awe of a man caught in a deadly whirlpool. Poe’s ability to combine vivid natural descriptions with psychological intensity makes this tale unforgettable. It is not just a story of survival but a masterful exploration of human perception and fear. The Story’s Unique Place in Poe’s Work While Poe is of

*****GOTHIC READERS CHOICE AWARD WINNER By Gothic Readers Book Club on January 2, 2014 Although lycanthropy and shapeshifting legends have existed for countless centuries, werewolves are not considered a staple of the Gothic literary tradition. Editor Andrew Barger gives us evidence to the contrary with his collection of the best of the wolf stories from the early modern period. Many of these stories have not been republished in over 150 years. There are more than just ghosts

Ray Bradbury’s stories continue to captivate readers long after his passing. His work remains relevant, offering warnings and reflections that resonate across generations. Two of his most enduring novels, Fahrenheit 451 and Something Wicked This Way Comes , stand as pillars of modern literature. They explore themes of censorship, fear, and the loss of innocence through vivid storytelling and memorable characters. These books are not just stories; they are warnings and celebr

The Art of Victorian Ghost Stories Le Fanu’s ghost stories are not just about scares; they explore the psychological and social tensions of the Victorian Age. His tales like The Familiar , Devereux's Dream , and Madam Crowl's Ghost use haunted houses and restless spirits to reflect deeper anxieties about death, family secrets, and the unknown. These stories often take place in old mansions or rural settings, where the past seems to linger and influence the present. One of hi