Classic horror

Novels that not only define horror but also explore deep psychological and existential themes, making them timeless reads that have left a lasting impact on the genre.

Updated October 21, 2024
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Frankenstein
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft 1797-1851
Paper Book
Obsessed by creating life itself, Victor Frankenstein plunders graveyards for the material to fashion a new being, which he shocks into life by electricity. But his botched creature, rejected by Frankenstein and denied human companionship, sets out to destroy his maker and all that he holds dear....
Washington Irving's The legend of Sleepy Hollow and other stories
Irving, Washington 1783-1859
Paper Book
From the "Father of the American Short Story" comes a classic collection of well-loved tales sure to chill the faint of heart and thrill the brave-hearted. Ride with the headless horseman as he makes his rounds through "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," soon to be a major motion picture starring Johnny...
The fall of the house of Usher : and other tales
Poe, Edgar Allan 1809-1849
Paper Book
The celebrated master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe brought his nightmare visions to vivid dramatic life in his classic stories. Now this Signet Classic edition gathers together fourteen of his darkest and richest tales, including "The Pit and the Pendulum," an unforgettable reimagining of...
The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Stevenson, Robert Louis 1850-1894
Paper Book
 The definitive edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's immortal tale of depraved murder and unrelenting horror, introduced by Joe Hill, annotated by Edgar-winner Leslie S. Klinger, & illustrated with over 100 color images There's no question that The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll...
The picture of Dorian Gray
Wilde, Oscar 1854-1900
Paper Book
Oscar Wilde's only novel, first published in 1890, is a brilliant puzzle, intended to tease convention minds with its exploration of the myriad interrelationships between art, life, and consequence. From its provocative preface, challenging the reader to believe in "art for art's sake", to its...
Dracula
Stoker, Bram 1847-1912
Paper Book
Young lawyer Jonathan Harker is summoned to the Transylvanian castle of Dracula to advise the Count on his relocation to England, but he soon finds himself imprisoned and terrified. Meanwhile, a fog of dark occurrences begins to creep across England, and it is up to a small group of men and women,...
The phantom of the opera
Leroux, Gaston 1868-1927
Paper Book
Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera, first published in 1910, remained a perennial favorite throughout the twentieth century and into the millenium. It was adapted to several popular motion pictures and into one of the most successful stage musicals of all time. Its main character, Erik,...
The haunting of Hill House
Jackson, Shirley 1916-1965
Paper Book
A stunningly creepy deluxe hardcover edition with spot gloss, black sprayed edges, black-stained pages, and black endpapers.   Part of a six-volume series of the best in classic horror, selected by Academy Award-winning director of The Shape of Water Guillermo del Toro. 

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