As the spooky season approaches, why not indulge in the reading or telling of hair-raising, petrifying stories of ghosts, superstition, and gruesome crimes? Our libraries are haunted by many volumes that would make the bravest heart fear, and we would like our eeriest works to reach your shelves in celebration of all that is occult and ghastly.

Below, we have selected some of our favourites, ranging from the supernatural to true crime stories; including classics of literature and thrillers; do not fear, there is a sinister work for any taste. We truly hope you enjoy this selection and your Halloween. 

Several of the works were published by Arkham House, a specialist publishing house, noted for its work to preserve the stories of Weird Fiction author H. P. Lovecraft.

1904 Ghost Stories of an Antiquary

To start, we have an excellent copy of M. R. James' famous collection Ghost-Stories of an Antiquary, the first edition, first impression of 1904. This is a fantastic example of M.R James' famous first ghost story collection, containing many macabre stories, often cited as marking the "beginning of the modern era of supernatural fiction." Illustrated, with a frontispiece and three plates by James McBryde. A true Gothic masterpiece.

£2,300.00

 

1912 The Sorcery Club by Elliott O'Donnell

This is a very scarce first edition of this popular work of supernatural fiction, featuring occult powers and the lost city of Atlantis. O'Donnell's specialism as an author was writing works purporting to be true stories of ghosts and hauntings. 

The Sorcery Club follows three men who are seduced by and make a pact with the Dark Power; indulging in the exploitation of their new power, they blackmail, curse, hex, humiliate anyone they do not agree with. The perfect horror for this season. 

£600.00

 

1961 Household Ghosts by James Kennaway

The first edition of Household Ghosts, a drama novel by James Kennaway which was later made into a film. It depicts a turbulent relationship between the members of a declining upper class family, and is set in the eerie Lowlands of Scotland.

£85.00

1925 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

A very scarce, first photo-play edition of Gaston Leroux's famous novel, Phantom of the Opera. A fantastic copy of this very scarce and iconic work.

While the pumpkins light up the night, you could sit by the window and get lost in the haunted Opera House, getting immersed in a tale of romance, horror, and ghosts.

The plates have been taken from the classic 1925 silent horror film starring Lon Chaney.

£1,450.00

 

1946 Ghosts Ghouls and Gallows by G. F. Marson

A very smart copy of this uncommon ghost story anthology by G F Marson. This book comprises a seven chapter novel to the first part and eighteen short stories to the second part.

£75.00 

1902 The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

There is nothing spookier that a chilling crime story; Luckily, in this one, our trusted detective Sherlock Holmes is ready to uncover the mystery that lies behind the legend of a fearsome, diabolical hound.

A fantastic first edition copy of Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous Sherlock Holmes story, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. Scarce in such a lovely condition.

£6,250.00 

1951 The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham

The first edition of this important post-apocalpytic John Wyndham novel, published just after the Second World War.

A terrifying and aggressive species of plan starts killing people after meteor shower blinds most of the population.

£1,600.00

1963 Time For The Stars by Robert A. Heinlein

The first U.K. edition of one of Robert A. Heinlein's fantastic children's sci-fi novels, revolving around the idea of the twin paradox.

£295.00

 

1994 Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

A lovely signed copy of the first edition of this non-fictional novel by John Berendt.

Following the story based on the trial of an antiques dealer for the murder of a male prostitute. To this day, it remains the longest standing New York Times best-seller.

A brilliant and engaging portrait of a most beguiling Southern city. 

£525.00 

1973 Stories of Darkness and Dread by Joseph Payne Brennan

The fine first edition of Joseph Payne Brennan's second short story collection of fantasy and horror stories, published by Arkham House.

With titles such as 'Killer Cat,' 'Zombique,' and 'Apprehension,' you can be sure to feel the horror. 

£75.00 

1956 Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers

An excellent copy of this scarce edition of Unnatural Death by the well-known author Dorothy Sayers.

This volume here is one of a series of mysteries featuring an English aristocrat and sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey.

£245.00 

1913 Ghostly Phenomena by Elliott O'Donnell

A scarce, first edition of this treatise on ghostly phenomena.

Another volume by the ghost and haunting expert Elliott O-Donnell.

With chapters on elementals, phenomena witnessed by other people, and various true hauntings, guaranteeing excellent spooky stories to scare friends and family. 

£290.00

1874 Live Dolls by Annabella Maria Browne

Is there anything creepier than live dolls? This volume will confirm that no: there isn't.

A very scarce copy of this illustrated, chilling tale of children whose toys come to life whilst they're playing with them. Written by Annabella Maria Browne.

£390.00

c1815 Particular Account of the Horrid Murders in Ratcliff Highway by J. Fairburn

A very scarce selection of chapbooks regarding the Ratcliff Highway murders. Issued here together under the John Fairburn imprint. Fairburn issued many chapbooks on contemporary true crime, with this being four examples.

The Ratcliff Highway murders were two attacks on two separate families (the Marr's and the Williamson's), with seven fatalities, in December 1811 near London. The mystery was left unsolved as the prime suspect, John Williams, committed suicide before he could be put on trial. 

£1,200.00