Opinion is divided upon which author conceived the idea of combining the perennially popular subgenre of detective fiction with the equally popular one of supernatural fiction. Whilst that ambiguity suggests that whoever it was did not make as much capital of the inspiration as perhaps, they should have done, it was certain to be popular with a substantial readership. Fitz James O'Brien's, Harry Escott first made an entrance in the excellent 'The Pot of Tulips' in 1855 and again in, 'What was it? A Mystery', in 1859, so possibly may claim the honours of innovation. Nevertheless, it was some time -notwithstanding isolated appearances of supernatural sleuths in the interim- before a character was created with a casebook of sufficient size for tales concerning them to legitimately be termed as a series. Eventually, E and H Heron's, Flaxman Low featured in a series of tales in Pearson's magazine (1898-9) followed by an increasing number of occult detectives of various types including, Carnacki the Ghost Finder, Aylmer Vance and the principal subject of this book, John Silence. He was, of course, the creation Algernon Henry Blackwood, who was one of the most prolific authors of supernatural and horror fiction in the history of the genre. The original complete collection of these well-loved and timeless short stories has been enhanced in this special Leonaur edition by an ominous tale featuring Max Hensig. This collection has been released to accompany the Leonaur collection of Algernon Blackwood's shorter fiction, though in a special cover that reflects its particular distinction.Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.
