
With Intent to Steal
"With Intent to Steal" is a novella by Algernon Blackwood, first published in 1902. The story follows the journey of a man named John Marston, who becomes obsessed with a rare and valuable book that he believes is hidden within a remote mountain cabin. Marston's obsession leads him on a dangerous quest to find the book, during which he must confront his own demons and face the harsh realities of nature. As he delves deeper into the mountains, Marston becomes increasingly isolated and disconnected from reality, leading to a haunting and unsettling conclusion. Through its exploration of themes such as obsession, isolation, and the power of nature, "With Intent to Steal" is a thought-provoking and unforgettable read.
By Algernon Blackwood · First published 1902 · Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Thriller · 12,431 words
First lines
To sleep in a lonely barn when the best bedrooms in the house were at our disposal, seemed, to say the least, unnecessary, and I felt that some explanation was due to our host.
But Shorthouse, I soon discovered, had seen to all that; our enterprise would be tolerated, not welcomed, for the master kept this sort of thing down with a firm hand. And then, how little I could get this man,
What this Textopian page supports
With Intent to Steal is listed on Textopian as a novel by Algernon Blackwood, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Algernon Blackwood
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Thriller, Short Story
- Length: 12,431 words
- Structure: 1 section, 144 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for With Intent to Steal by Algernon Blackwood
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering With Intent to Steal?
- How does this novel by Algernon Blackwood fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Horror — Blackwood is known for his works of horror, and 'With Intent to Steal' continues this trend with elements of fear and the supernatural present throughout the story.
- Supernatural — This story incorporates elements of the supernatural, with eerie occurrences and unexplainable phenomena realistically woven into its fabric, adding to a sense of dread and intrigue tied to the unknown.
- Thriller — The book features a thrilling narrative with a build-up of suspenseful moments and uncertainties, further giving it an edge of a thriller.
- Short Story — 'With Intent to Steal' is a part of Blackwood's short story collection, with a concise and compact narrative that limits the number of characters and plot complexity typical of the short story format.
Tags
ghost story · supernatural · mystery · thriller · horror · psychological · suspense · literary fiction · classic · vintage · British literature · 19th century
More by Algernon Blackwood