“The Food of the Gods,” a short story by Arthur C. Clarke published in 1964, revolves around human nutrition’s technological and ethical dilemmas. The protagonist is the CEO of a food company, who discusses the historical evolution of the human diet before a congressional committee, from the vicious dependence on meat and agricultural products to … Read more
“The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury is a short story set in a futuristic city in the year 2053. The plot revolves around Leonard Mead, a man who enjoys walking alone through the city streets at night. In a world where television has replaced social interactions and people remain locked inside their homes, Mead’s walks stand … Read more
“Oil of Dog,” a short story by Ambrose Bierce published in 1890, is a darkly satirical narrative that follows Boffer Bings, a character whose parents run macabre businesses: his father produces oil from dogs, while his mother deals with the disposal of unwanted children. From a young age, Boffer finds himself immersed in these activities, … Read more
“In the Vault,” a short story by H.P. Lovecraft written in 1925, tells the disturbing tale of George Birch, a miserly and unscrupulous funeral director. While relocating corpses for burial, Birch gets locked in an old crypt, dug into a mountain, with no hope of imminent rescue. In desperation, he is forced to find his way out through a small opening above the door, which he tries to enlarge using the rudimentary tools he finds in the place. While working, Birch must face supernatural and terrifying events, a consequence of his past decisions, which will mark him for life.
“The Tree,” a tale by H.P. Lovecraft, tells the story of Calos and Musides, two talented sculptors and friends living in ancient Greece. Both face a test when they are commissioned to compete to create a statue for the tyrant of Syracuse. Amid the competition, one of the friends suffers a mysterious illness that leads … Read more
Synopsis: The Black Veil is a short story by Charles Dickens, published in February 1836 as part of the volume Sketches by Boz. The story begins on a winter’s night when a young doctor, recently installed in his practice, receives an unexpected visit from a mysterious woman, tall and dressed in mourning, her face covered by a thick black veil. Disturbed and distressed, she asks for urgent help, not for herself, but for someone else. Her disconcerting request leads the doctor to become involved in a disturbing situation marked by pain, fear, and a dark secret.