Far off Things by Arthur Machen

Name: Far off Things
Author: Arthur Machen

"Far Off Things" is a collection of short stories and essays by Arthur Machen, first published in 1923. The book explores themes of the unknown, the unseen, and the uncanny, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Machen's writing is characterized by his use of vivid imagery, subtle foreshadowing, and a sense of unease that permeates each story. Some of the standout stories in the collection include "The Great God Pan," which explores the idea of a god from ancient Greece who has returned to Earth; "The Inmost Light," which delves into the nature of evil and the human psyche; and "The Shining Pyramid," a tale of an ancient Egyptian pyramid that seems to have a life of its own. Throughout the book, Machen's writing is both haunting and hypnotic, drawing the reader into a world of mystery and intrigue. His use of language is precise and evocative, creating a sense of atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating. Overall, "Far Off Things" is a masterful collection of stories that showcases Machen's skill as a writer and his deep understanding of the human psyche. It is a must-read for fans of horror, fantasy, and psychological suspense.

By Arthur Machen · First published 1895 · Genre: Autobiography, Non-fiction, Literary criticism · 6 chapters · 49,759 words

First lines

One night a year or so ago I was the guest of a famous literary society.

This society, or club, it is well known, believes in celebrating literature -- and all sorts of other things -- in a thoroughly agreeable and human fashion. It meets not in any gloomy hall or lecture room, it has no gritty apparatus of blackboard, chalk, and bleared water-bottle. It summons its members and its guests to a well-known restaurant of the West End, it gives them red and white roses for their button-holes, and sets them down to an excellent dinner and good red wine at a gaily decked table, flower garlanded, luminous with many starry lamps.

What this Textopian page supports

Far off Things is listed on Textopian as a novel by Arthur Machen, dated 1895 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Arthur Machen
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Autobiography, Non-fiction, Literary criticism, Biography
Length: 49,759 words
Structure: 6 chapters, 281 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Autobiography — The book is Arthur Machen's own autobiographical account surrounding his life and career as an author.
Non-fiction — The book is in a non-fiction genre as it is based on the real life events and experiences of Arthur Machen.
Literary criticism — The book includes Machen's insights and critiques on literature and the literary world, framing it under the literary criticism genre.
Biography — Despite being an autobiography, the book also fits into the biography genre as it details the life, career and personal experiences of a real person, Arthur Machen.