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Mary Shelley: The Evil Eye

Mary Shelley: The Evil Eye

“The Evil Eye” is a short story by Mary Shelley, first published in 1829 in The Keepsake and later collected in Tales and Stories (1891). Set in the Balkans under Ottoman rule, it tells the story of Dmitri, a feared Albanian bandit believed to possess the supernatural power to cause harm with his gaze. His tragic past and formidable reputation inspire fear and superstition among the region’s inhabitants. When a former companion arrives seeking his help to recover a family inheritance, Dmitri agrees to take part in a scheme that will lead him through a labyrinth of adventures, where violence, honor, and a thirst for revenge threaten to awaken ghosts long thought buried.

Charles Dickens: The Poor Relation’s Story

Charles Dickens: The Poor Relation’s Story

“The Poor Relation’s Story” is a short story by Charles Dickens, published on December 25, 1852, in the magazine Household Words. During a family gathering, Michael—a humble, discreet man—is compelled to begin the round of Christmas tales. In a reflective tone, he opens his narration by setting out the image his family has of him: a failed relative, solitary and penniless, condemned to a drab and routine existence, whose chief enemy is himself. Yet he maintains that behind this appearance, accepted by all, there lies a story very different from the one others believe they know.

Lafcadio Hearn: The Boy Who Drew Cats

Lafcadio Hearn - El niño que dibujaba gatos

“The Boy Who Drew Cats” is a tale by Lafcadio Hearn, published in 1898 as number 23 in Hasegawa Takejirō’s Japanese Fairy Tale Series. It tells the story of a Japanese boy, the youngest in a farming family, who is sent to a temple to be trained as a priest. Despite his intelligence, he has an irresistible obsession: drawing cats everywhere. His master expels him from the temple with a cryptic warning: “Avoid large places at night;—keep to small!” Without fully understanding these words, the boy sets out on a journey to another temple in search of a new opportunity.

Arthur Machen: The Shining Pyramid

Arthur Machen: The Shining Pyramid

“The Shining Pyramid” is a short story by Arthur Machen, first published in May 1895 in The Unknown World. Mr. Vaughan visits his friend Dyson in London to ask for help with a disturbing mystery: near his country house, strange designs have appeared, made with prehistoric arrowheads that rearrange themselves each night to form enigmatic figures. Vaughan fears they may be signals left by thieves interested in his valuable collection of ancient silver. Intrigued by these inexplicable symbols, Dyson decides to accompany Vaughan to his remote property in the Welsh hills to investigate the phenomena and discover who—or what—is creating them.