The Ghost-Feeler: Stories of Terror and the Supernatural

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) is best known for her penetrating novels about American society, such as The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth. However, she was also fascinated by the supernatural, and this collection, first published in 1996, contains nine tales, each containing a different sort of horror but all equally chilling and beautifully written. Wharton's style is to lull her reader into a false sense of security by creating very detailed descriptions of the surroundings, which are often exotic, scenic locations and then introduce the frightening aspect. A Bottle of Perrier, for example, is set in the desert. It tells of a young man named Medford who visits an archaeologist acquaintance called Almodham at his desert home. But Almodham fails to return to greet his guest, and his servants seem very evasive about his whereabouts. 18th-century Italy is the backdrop for The Duchess at Prayer, a chilling story which gains added power from the contrast between the beautiful, peaceful surroundings and the horrible story we are being told. With a comprehensive introduction by Peter Haining (who has edited a collection of tales by Bram Stoker as well as numerous anthologies), this is a highly recommended selection of supernatural stories set in milieux far removed from the glittering salons of New York. (Kirkus UK)