Re: Reggie Oliver
 

I know the feeling; it's why I've largely given up buying stories by authors on their original appearances in anthologies and magazines. Not that rereading a story in the context of the author's other work isn't enjoyable, but there's nothing like looking over a table of contents and having most of it be unfamiliar. I'd only read three of the thirteen stories in Mrs Midnight before receiving the book; the entire second half of the collection was new to me.

Of course, the catch is that some authors, particularly prolific ones, don't include all their stories in collections. I think Oliver's have been comprehensive, though; as of right now I'm only aware of three uncollected stories, all of them published around the time Mrs Midnight was in preparation and therefore likely to appear in his next collection. (The three are "Hand to Mouth" in the anthology Haunts, "A Child's Problem" in the anthology A Book of Horrors, and "Flowers of the Sea" in The Horror Anthology of Horror Anthologies. Someone let me know if I've missed any!)

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

STRIDING EDGE in TERROR TALES OF THE LAKE DISTRICT (Gray Friar Press) ?

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Ooh, hadn't heard about that one. Thanks. And the rest of the contributor lineup looks nice as well. Clearly, since I only have a dozen unread dark fantasy and horror anthologies piled up, the thing to do is buy another one...

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Andy Richards at Coldtonnage still had some copies of Mrs Midnight in stock this morning, but not, I imagine, for very much longer.

As previously mentioned, some of the highlight stories from the Mrs Midnight collection (such as Minos or Rhadamanthus) can be found in the Black Book of Horror anthology series from Mortbury Press which are very reasonably-priced when ordered direct from the publisher.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Well I have all four of these anthologies, although I've only read The HA of HA thus far. It looks like I'm well on my way to having most of the stories for Reggie Oliver's next collection already...

In truth, I've found that the inclusion of Mr. Oliver's work in an anthology is an indication that I will enjoy some, if not most, of the other stories contained therein, so its never a waste for me to continue to collect these anthologies.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

There's one you can get cheapishly from me (You Have Nothing To Fear) that was originally published in 'Null Immortalis'.

PS: (edit) and also from me: MMM-DELICIOUS i.e. where it was originally published in 'Zencore!' (later published in 'Masques of Satan').

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Dear all,

another tale absent from 'Mrs Midnight' is 'Singing Blood' fom the my own anthology 'Delicate Toxins'.

I heard Reggie read 'Minos or Rhadmanathus' last year and it is certainly splendid stuff- I am looking forward to reading the rest of the latest book very much. It is sitting near the top of the pile as I type this.

REGARDS!

J

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Indeed. I own the three anthologies I mentioned, will be ordering Terror Tales... as soon as I can justify doing so, and am sorely tempted by Delicate Toxins. I think an editor's familiarity with an author indicates both an appreciation for subtlety and an awareness of talented but little-known writers.

At least Oliver's collections generally include at least a few originals (there are four in Mrs Midnight). There's not much more disheartening than running your eyes over a table of contents and recognizing every single item.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

One thing you rarely get elsewhere is Mr Oliver's wonderful illustrations of his tales. That alone make the volumes must-owns for me.

And speaking of someone who rarely reads all the multitudes of anthologies, I'm glad these disparate appearances are collected in one slightly less ephemeral place. (Besides, who can begrudge an author for wanting to make a few extra dollars on selling a story before publishing it in a book? In today's world, often the price of one tale is the same as the advance on an entire book of tales.)

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

A very good point. Oliver's art is accomplished and a perfect match for his stories in tone. If I were to allow myself a small complaint about Mrs Midnight, it would be that the size at which they're reproduced, while giving excellent definition, makes them too tiny to be atmospheric. Something closer to the size from Masques of Satan or even Madder Mysteries might be better. (Why yes, I can find a quibble about anything.)

Very true. I don't think anyone meant to suggest that authors shouldn't anthologize their fiction (how else would they get wider exposure), only that it's nice for collections to include something never-before-seen for devoted fans.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

I completely agree, Oliver's art sets just the right atmosphere to go with his stories. At this point, fanatic of his work that I am, I would even buy an art book by Reggie Oliver.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

An art book of Reggie's work would be cool.
And I agree with Brandan that the artw ork in Mrs Midnight is a bit small.

Here's two images of my RO collection so far. I forgot to put Null Immortalis and Zencore! (sorry Des), but both stories in them were reprinted in Masque and Mrs. Midnight so it balance out.

Also forgot two articles I have in All Hallows 43.

http://www.ligotti.net/picture.php?a...d=2594&thumb=1 http://www.ligotti.net/picture.php?a...d=2595&thumb=1

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Hey folks,

Just wanted to let you know that amazon has a few copies of Mrs. Midnight available in its marketplace.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

That link is broken. I tried to add a correct one, but it was cut off in the same way for some reason. People can see the listings by clicking and then clicking where it says "Available from these sellers" below the item title.

Gosh, I wish I knew how to circumvent those Amazon boxes...

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Thanks moody.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Is it me or does the Dramas From The Depths book in the photo look like it's in a slip case? It's just that I don't recall it being in a slip case :-S

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Drama from the Depth is slipcased

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Thanks for the quick reply :-)I just went upstairs to dig my copy out and my copy isn't slipcased :-SI brought it from Centipede Press probably a year ago at least. Do you remember when you received your copy? I'm just wandering perhaps they stopped publishing it slipcased after awhile because I can't find mention of it being slipcased anywhere. Doe's anyone else on this forum own this book in a slipcase?

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

I ordered mine in may 2010.
I don't know if it was supposed to be slipcased but after looking
on the website it doesn't mention it.
You can check with Jerad. I know I had some books from Centipede that missed some details (ie: signature and limitation page or binding defect) but Jerad always been kind enough for a replacement.

I' m also curious if other members here have the slipcase or not.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

I bought my Dramas from the Depths from Camelot Books in May 2010; it came without a slipcase. I'm sure if Camelot had been supplied one by the publisher they would have included it. I don't feel deprived or anything, but I'm also curious if others received one.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

No slipcase on my copy. With the exception of the Lovecraft Retrospection, none of my Centipede copies have slipcases.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

No slipcase on my copy.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

I'm surprised that it looks like I'm lucky to have a slipcase for Dramas... :-)
Michael, I have an almost complete set of Centipede books and a lot have slipcases. All my Master of Weird Tales series, Book of the New Sun series, Dracula, Artist inspired by Stephen King, Two Handed Engine, Nosferatu (signed) and Chimera I. I know Frankenstein have one too but I don't have this book, as some other art books.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

I've checked with Jerad at Centipede and it looks like I'm lucky to have a slipcase. He said that there is no slipcase and never was. But mine is a perfect fit and I don't see any other of my Centipede books to fit in it.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Hi again,

Jerad told me to not ask him for the slipcase since there were none for this book. He just don't understand why I have one and to add to the mystery, the cloth used on the slipcase (other than black) is the same as the one on the back of the book. So they both match perfectly together.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

My copy of Mrs Midnight arrived this week. Like all books from Tartarus Press the volume looks wonderful. Before starting the book, I'd like to finish Dramas from the Depths. Even though I still have lots of RO's stories waiting on my shelves to be read, I can say that he easily is one of my favourite writers of the supernatural.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Just go my copy of Mrs. Midnight throh amazon and it still has that new book smell.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Yup, me too. Seriously entertaining stuff.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Mr. Oliver's story "Flowers of the Sea" in DF Lewis' The Horror Anthology of Horror Anthologies was, in my opinion, the strongest of the bunch.

My complete review is here: http://www.adamscantwell.blogspot.co...of-horror.html

(This review comes utterly without slipcase.)

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

As does the HA of HA itself! :)
I think F of the S is the strongest of all RO stories I've read and I've read most of his published stories. And that's saying something! But I am probably biased.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

"Flowers of the Sea" is definitely the most poignant of Reggie Oliver's tales that I have read, and I must say it was one of my favourites of the HA of HA as well. So original, it was one of those stories that made me wonder, for the umpteenth time, where do some writers get such incredible ideas?

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Hi all,

Ray has posted to the All Hallows board that a p/b edition will be along next year. Mrs Midnight is a great book and thoroughly deserves its reprint in a physical format.

REGARDS!

J

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Hi everyone,

I'm listing a copy of Mrs. Midnight on ebay due to needing money for the holidays. Hoping someone from the Network will pick it up and give it a good home.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Hi everyone,

Today is the last day Mrs Midnight is up for bidding (see post below). Once again it would do my heart good to see someone from the Network give the book a good home. Thanks!

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

It sounds like a wonderful book, and Mr. Oliver is one damn fine writer.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

I'm currently reading Mrs. Midnight, and, as always I'm very impressed with Oliver. I am, however, somewhat bewildered by the shifts from past to present tense and back in the title story. I'm sure there is a point in these awkward shifts, but so far I've missed it. Anyone with an idea about the point?



SPOILER ALERT!!!

***************



Regarding 'Mrs. Midnight' (the story) she seems to be entering the shady realm where fiction becomes legend.

In this article on Jack the Ripper suspects: Jack The Ripper -- The Unusual Suspects - Asylum.co.uk
, a 'Cyprian Webb' writes the following in the comments section:

Of course, it may be a joke by 'Cyprian Webb'; if it isn't, it's proof that Reggie Oliver has produced a very convincing story.


*************
SPOILER ALERT OVER

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

I should like to announce - if I may - that Egaeus Press will be publishing Shadow Plays by Reggie Oliver in March 2012...

A lavish nocturnal entertainment in which the author presents ten of his rare early tales complete with introductions, along with a previously unpublished play concerning, amongst other things, the ghost story writer M.R. James.

This will be a sewn hardback volume of around 350 pages, limited to 250 copies. Pre-ordering will not be available, though details of the precise publication date, price and so on will be announced in due course on the website and Facebook page.

Thank you.

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

My friend Henry Wessells runs a fine literary website, The Endless Bookshelf, which is well worth visiting. In his latest post, he proclaims Reggie Oliver's Mrs Midnight his book of the year (with a link to his review). He also talks about On the Road to Babadag by Andrzej Stasiuk, a book of travels in Eastern and Southern Europe, which I also highly recommend. The book is utterly engrossing for its descriptions of little-known places and people. The Poilsh essayist and his translator have between them achieved an excellent, evocative style too, which frequently takes the breath away with the beauty and aptness of expression.The Endless Bookshelf : simply messing about in books by Henry Wessells

Re: Reggie Oliver
 

Oliver's third collection, Masques of Satan, has recently been made available as an e-book by the publisher, Ash-Tree Press. Click here and scroll down to the second from the bottom.