In this anthology we see a dozen fine examples of Gothic literature, spanning over one hundred and fifty years--from Mary Shelley and Charles Maturin's classic fiction up to an unexpected master of the macabre, Gerald Durrell. All of the tales feature sinister settings such as castles and ancient houses, along with protagonists who are haunted by the tyranny of the past and physically or else spiritually incarcerated by their circumstances. Designed to provide an overview of the genre, and offering a balance of classic and more unusual stories, this is a book that will appeal to both the newcomer and dedicated collector of Gothic fiction.