Episode 25: Hippocampus Press Adds Mummy Book to Gothic Horror Series

Ii-wey! Exciting news from Hippocampus Press (see here), the publisher that specializes in “classic horror and science fiction” that furthers horror studies. While they focus on Lovecraftian writers, the press does deviate into the mythos of other authors. Unbeknownst to me, the publisher also has a Classics of Gothic Horror Series, and it is this series that features in my musings this week. 

The Classics of Gothic Horror Series reprints “novels and stories from the leading writers of weird fiction over the past two centuries.” While a person often can find an elusive book at Project Gutenberg, Archive.org and even iTunes (free sometimes), a thoughtfully put together physical edition is a nice addition to one’s library, especially if the book is necessary for research. Authors spotlighted in this series include Mary Shelley, E. Nesbit, Thomas Burke, Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, W. W. Jacobs, and Théophile Gautier (1811-1872).

Frenchman Gautier was originally inspired to write poetry, but through a number of literary friendships, he became an accomplished playwright, journalist, critic (art and literature), and novelist. He traveled and wrote travelogues, which in turn, influenced his fiction writing. For example, in 1838, he wrote “One of Cleopatra’s Nights,” a serialized historical story about Cleopatra VII, and in 1840, he wrote a fantasy story, “The Mummy’s Foot” about a man who travels to ancient Egypt in a vision. These romantic stories, along with a handful of other stories, were collected and translated into One of Cleopatra’s Nights and Other Fantastic Romances (1882, Richard Worthington). Thankfully, Hippocampus Press, has brushed off the dust and given this 19^thcentury writer a modern treatment.

The Mummy’s Foot and Other Fantastic Tales (2018) is edited and introduced by eminent weird fiction scholar, S. T. Joshi and includes eight Gautier tales, including “One of Cleopatra’s Nights” and “The Mummy’s Foot.” Other stories include: “Omphale: A Rococo Story,” “Clarimonde,” “Arria Marcella: A Souvenir of Pompeii,” “Avatar,” “Jettatura,” and “Spirite: A Fantastic Tale.” Joshi finishes this 420-page book with a bibliography. While this publication “features a haunting fusion of eroticism and weirdness,” Gautier also has the distinction of adding to the early mummy literature of the 19^thcentury. However, his stories are infused with his travel observations made from having visited Egypt. A number of his contemporaries however, did not have those experiences and had to depend on newspaper reports and travelogues written by others as reference material for their own stories. Additionally, Gautier’s stories included romantic elements, which set them apart from other mummy literature of the period. I have yet to read both stories, but having just ordered a copy, I am looking forward to reading Gautier for myself. 

Before closing, mention has to be made regarding Aeron Alfrey (see here for his blogspot), who is the cover artist for all six volumes in this collection. Using one artist for all six books in the series results in a cohesive identity. His detailed black/white illustrations are a perfect marriage for Hippocampus Press’ series, and the textures and details of the clawed feet on Gautier’s volume are appropriately creepy. Alfrey’s art may be familiar; he has created covers for Dark Regions Press, Centipede Press, and Fantagraphics Books.

Hippocampus Press is taking orders for the $20 book, plus shipping. While visiting the website, do consider supporting the independent publisher by checking out the other books and journals that available for purchase.

Senebti! 

Banner photo from Hippocampus Press website.