The Monkey's Other Paw: Revived Classic Stories of Dread and t...

Several of the best modern horror writers are brought together in this collection of new stories that are all revivals of classic dark tales. From sequels and prequels to retellings and homages, these pieces continually elude expectations and are full of surprising twists and turns. The literary endeavors include Gay Terry, Carol Emshwiller, and Don Webb each tackling some of H. P. Lovecraft’s writings from alternative points of view, the graphic artist Martos illustrating what becomes of the painting of Dorian Gray after the death of its subject, and Paul di Filippo riffing on Dylan Thomas’s ghost story “The Followers.” Embracing and expanding upon themes explored in classic horror, this anthology injects a new dose of dread into the genre.

Michael Dirda, the Washington Post

“The Monkey’s Other Paw [...] offers stories in which 13 contemporary writers re-imagine or pay tribute to the work of various classic horror authors. Don Webb’s 'The Doom That Came to Devil’s Reef' opens quietly: 'Among Lovecraft’s papers at Brown University was a large manila envelope containing . . .' and then reveals what may be the true origins of 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth.' Scott Edelman’s 'A Most Extraordinary Man' neatly imagines a sequel to Saki’s most famous and witty shocker, 'The Open Window.' Set against the loneliness of New York City, and in homage to Dylan Thomas’s 'The Followers,' Paul Di Filippo’s 'Ghostless' focuses on a spectral matchmaking service for ghosts and mortals."

About the Author

Luis Ortiz is the author of Arts Unknown: The Life & Art of Lee Brown Coye and Emshwiller: Infinity X Two, the latter of which was nominated for both the Hugo and Locus Awards. He is also the editor of Outermost: The Art + Life of Jack Gaughan and Why New Yorkers Smoke and the coeditor of Cult Magazines: From A to Z. His writings have appeared in Comics Journal, Filmfax, and Illustration Magazine. He lives in New York City.

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