Tales for black nights and cosy firesidesChristmas time or in any event in the deepest days of the winter, when the nights are longest, darkest and coldest has traditionally been the time for the telling of ghostly and thrillingly scary stories. This is the time when we can huddle together, preferably warmed by the reassuring flicker and glow of a fire, thick curtains tight shut against the gloom, in the security of familiar places where the frisson of fear can be laughed away in good company, food and drink. So 'The Witching Time-Tales for the Years End' could not be more aptly titled. It is a well known anthology of eleven tales and verses originally published in 1886 and its contents admirably demonstrate that little has changed in the last hundred years or more. The high regard for this book compiled by Henry Norman-who also penned a piece in the book himself-as an Unwin's Christmas Annual is of course derived from the substantial talents of its contributors. F. Marion Crawford, Von Degen, Vernon Lee and others have been brought together in this delightful collection-'Tis now the very Witching Time' as the Bard said in Hamlet. Indeed it is! Highly recommended. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket. | The Witching Time by Henry Norman, Paperback | Indigo Chapters