UNITED KINGDOM AUTHOR · FICTION · HISTORY
Charles Williams
Also known as: Charles Walter Stansby Williams, Charles WILLIAMS
Charles Walter Stansby Williams (20 September 1886 – 15 May 1945) was a British poet, novelist, literary critic, editor, biographer, Anglican Christian, and occultist. He was also a member of the Inklings along with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. He is best known for his seven 'metaphysical thrillers', among which are War in Heaven (1930), The Place of the Lion (1931) and All Hallows Eve (1937). He also wrote history, literary criticism and theology, which included The Descent of the Dove (1929) and Outlines of Romantic Theology (1990). However, Williams regarded his Arthurian poetry as his finest achievement. Esoteric and dense, they include Taliessen Through Logres (1938), The Region of the Summer Stars (1944) and The Silver Stair (1912). Williams' literary style is notable, being labyrinthine and full of obscure allusions. He was influenced by a variety of sources, including the Bible, Arthurian legend and the occult.
The underground man, as both literary figure and social type, first enters European aware in the nineteenth century.
— from Selected writings, 1994
Most acclaimed
All Hallows Eve
Contents: 1 • Peer Behind the Scene • (1992) • shortstory by Joan Aiken 17 • Lord Samhain's Night • (1992) • novelette by Jo Beverley 47 • Oakdean • (1992) • shortstory by Elizabeth Brodnax 65 • Parson's Mousetrap • (1992) • shortstory by Marie Louise Cull 83 • Superstition • (1992) • shortstory by Carola Dunn 97 • The Drowned Lovers • (1992) • shortstory by Elizabeth Holden 103 • A Portrait of Faith • (1992) • shortstory by Marvin Kaye 115 • Pipe Dreams • (1992) • shortstory by Shariann Lewitt [as by S. N. Lewitt ] 133 • The Mistletoe Bough • (1992) • shortstory by Morgan Llywelyn 143 • The Bones of Faerie • (1992) • shortstory by Hope Manville 159 • The Nabob's Gift • (1992) • shortstory by Andre Norton 177 • The Winchelsea Bride • (1992) • novelette by Nancy Richards-Akers 199 • Be-Witchie • (1992) • shortstory by Jeanne Savery 211 • The Pack • (1992) • shortstory by C. H. Sherman 223 • Waiting for Harry • (1992) • shortstory by Caroline Stevermer 235 • Lady of Shadows • (1992) • shortstory by Susan C. Stone
Francis Bacon
1974
The portrait Bowen paints of this controversial man, Francis Bacon (1561-1626), balances the outward life and actions of Bacon with the seemingly contradictory aspects of his refined philosophical reflections. As Lord Chancellor of England, Bacon was impeached by Parliament for taking bribes in office, convicted, and banished from London and the law courts. In a prayer Bacon composed during the interval following his punishment, he reveals that the dichotomy of his existence was no more deeply felt than by himself, and he readily admits that his obligations to society were not as suited to his nature as the study of philosophy, science, and law. Modern scholars hold Bacon's philosophical works, Novum Organum, Advancement of Learning, and The New Atlantis, as his greatest achievements. Bowen's story reveals a man whose genius it was not to immerse himself in the rigor of scientific experimentation, but to realize what questions science should ask, and thereby reach beyond the status quo and appeal to the wider imagination of his generation. In his writings, Bacon challenged established social and religious orders, raised questions about the mind/body relation and the role of dreams, and foresaw the development of the modern research university. It is Bacon's legacy to have gone beyond his age and, out of pure intuition, anticipate the concerns of future generations.
Witchcraft
When Kimberly Sawyer is threatened by a needle-pierced rose on her doorstep and a hooded figure wielding a dagger, she seeks protection at Darius Cavenaugh's Napa Valley vineyard and questions her guardian's true nature.