The Terror by Arthur Machen (1905)

Name: The Terror
Author: Arthur Machen

The novel follows the story of a group of people living in a small Welsh village who are terrorized by a mysterious creature. The creature is described as a large, black, shapeless mass that moves silently and quickly through the night, leaving behind a trail of destruction and death. The villagers are unable to identify the creature, and their attempts to do so only lead to further terror and confusion. As the creature continues to wreak havoc, the villagers become increasingly desperate to find a way to stop it. The novel is a classic example of the horror genre, and its themes of fear, superstition, and the unknown have been influential in the development of horror literature.

By Arthur Machen · First published 1905 · Genre: Horror, Mystery, Fantasy · 14 chapters · 37,378 words

First lines

After two years we are turning once more to the morning's news with a sense of appetite and glad expectation. There were thrills at the beginning of the war: the thrill of horror and of a doom that seemed at once incredible and certain; this was when Namur fell and the German host swelled like a flood over the French fields, and drew very near to the walls of Paris. Then we felt the thrill of exultation when the good news came that the awful tide had been turned back, that Paris and the world were safe; for awhile at all events.

What this Textopian page supports

The Terror is listed on Textopian as a novel by Arthur Machen, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Gothic
Length: 37,378 words
Structure: 14 chapters, 456 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Horror — The Terror is a horror novel by Arthur Machen, featuring supernatural elements and a suspenseful atmosphere.
Mystery — The Terror is a mystery novel, as the protagonist attempts to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences in the novel.
Fantasy — The Terror contains elements of fantasy, as it features supernatural creatures and events.
Gothic — The Terror is a gothic novel, as it contains elements of horror, mystery, and suspense, as well as a dark and gloomy atmosphere.