The Travelling Grave and Other Stories
Overview: This collection contains a dozen stories of horror and mystery selected not only from two previously published volumes in England, but also from among some hitherto uncollected manuscripts. Mr. Hartley’s range is wide, his touch is alternately grimly terrible and joyously fantastic, moving from such a classic in the field of terror as A Visitor from Down Under to the delightful Conrad and the Dragon.
Here are such memorable tales as Podolo – a story that certain to linger hauntingly in mind; The Island – a study in crime; Three, or Four, for Dinner – a tale only Mr. Hartley could have written and carried off so well; The Killing Bottle – an accomplishment in suspense which is difficult to equal; and others, all of which will delight the aficionado.
The devotee of the macabre will realize rapidly that L.P. Hartley represents the best British tradition in the genre; the stories in this volume are distinguished short stories in their won right without classification.
Pages: 235 Pages
Writer: L.P Hartley
Recommendations:
If you’re exploring classic weird fiction, The Travelling Grave and Other Stories by L. P. Hartley is an interesting—if uneven—stop along the way. I picked this collection up partly due to its proximity to a region steeped in Cthulhu Mythos lore, making it feel like a natural companion piece to the strange and supernatural traditions associated with Arkham-inspired storytelling. It’s always intriguing to go back and experience some of the earlier voices that helped shape the genre.
That said, this collection can be a mixed experience for modern readers. Many of the stories show their age, with pacing and structure that sometimes feel incomplete or difficult to fully engage with. At times, it can seem like pieces of the narrative are missing, making it harder to connect with the characters or stakes. While a few entries stand out—particularly “Conrad and the Dragon,” which offers a more compelling and imaginative fantasy angle—others, including the title story “The Travelling Grave,” don’t quite deliver the impact you might expect. Overall, the collection is hit-or-miss, with several stories blending together rather than leaving a lasting impression, but it still holds value for readers interested in the evolution of supernatural fiction.