"This exceptional compilation-a veritable collector's volume-contains more than fifty short stories, novellas, and poems, by some of the most distinguished writers of all time. Masterful works by Bran Stoker, H. P. Lovecraft, Mary Shelley, Sheridan LeFanu, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Tennessee Williams, Isaa Asimov, in addition to little known masterpieces of fantasy and terror by Stanley Ellin, Patricia Highsmith, John Dickson Carr, Damon Runyon, among others, makes this one of the most wide ranging, outstanding collections of its kind. Of particular interest are the tales "Riddles in the Dark" by J. R. R. Tolkien, reprinted in its original version for the first time in nearly half a century, and "The Pool of the Stone God," an obscure work of eminent fantasy writer A. Merritt. This volume is expertly compiled by Marvin Kaye, who provides fascinating prefatory notes to each selection and an annotated bibliography of other recommended readings, as well as an Introduction and Afterword providing further insights about the genres of terror and supernatural. Now sit back, and prepare to be transfixed by tales of murder and madness, strange rituals, creatures from beyond the grave, and all manner of weird apparitions. They're sure to provide hours of irresistible, spellbinding reading. "--Jacket.