US shipping Secure card payment Occult and esoteric books

Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations

Tallerman, David; , Guignard, Eric J; , Lansdale, Joe R
Reader rating
4.5
(1 reviews) 165 sold
In stock

Stock reported in the catalog; fulfillment is confirmed with your request.

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth forgotten horrors where ancient dust conceals the whispers of doom.

This compelling anthology presents twenty-five original tales of horror and speculative fiction, delving into the shadowy corners of history where civilizations crumble, vanish, or are whispered about in fearful legends. Curated by Eric J. Guignard and featuring contributions from acclaimed authors like David Tallerman and Joe R. Lansdale, this collection invites readers to explore the perilous allure of forgotten lands. From the mysteries of Atlantis to the hidden tombs of conquerors, each story probes the terrifying consequences of disturbing the ancient past, offering a rich tapestry of dread and wonder.

Key themes
Echoes of Lost Worlds The Perilous Unknown Humanity's Fragility
Historical context

This anthology fits squarely within the tradition of dark fantasy and cosmic horror, echoing the legacy of weird fiction that explores ancient, forgotten civilizations. It aligns with works that delve into the shadowy corners of history where the past holds terrifying secrets.

Difficulty
●● Moderate
Fans will love it
H.P. Lovecraft · Clark Ashton Smith · Robert E. Howard
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Dark Moon Books 📅 2018 📖 388 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781949491067
Fun fact
This anthology is a captivating journey into the heart of ancient dread, offering a diverse array of perspectives on the terror of forgotten worlds. Its strength lies in the variety of voices and the consistently strong atmospheric horror, making it a must-read for fans of weird fiction and dark fantasy. Those seeking a single, cohesive narrative might be disappointed, but the sheer breadth of imagination here more than compensates. It firmly establishes itself as a significant contribution to the genre, sitting comfortably alongside classic tales of archaeological horror and cosmic mystery.

📝 Description: Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations

Darkness exists everywhere, and in no place greater than those where spirits and curses still reside. Tread not lightly on ancient lands that have been discovered by this collection of intrepid authors. In DARK TALES OF LOST CIVILIZATIONS, you will unearth an anthology of twenty-five previously unpublished horror and speculative fiction stories, relating to aspects of civilizations that are crumbling, forgotten, rediscovered, or perhaps merely spoken about in great and fearful whispers. What is it that lures explorers to distant lands where none have returned? Where is Genghis Khan buried? What happened to Atlantis? Who will displace mankind on Earth? What laments have the Witches of Oz? Answers to these mysteries and other tales are presented within this critically acclaimed anthology by the following authors. "Introduction" by Eric J. Guignard "Angel of Destruction" by Cynthia D. Witherspoon "The Door Beyond the Water" by David Tallerman "To Run a Stick Through a Fish" by Mark Lee Pearson "Quivira" by Jackson Kuhl "Directions" by Michael G. Cornelius "Quetzalcoatl's Conquistador" by Jamie Lackey "Königreich der Sorge (Kingdom of Sorrow)" by C. Deskin Rink "Gestures of Faith" by Fadzlishah Johanabas "Bare Bones" by Curtis James McConnell "British Guiana, 1853" by Folly Blaine "The Nightmare Orchestra" by Chelsea Armstrong "The Funeral Procession" by Jay R. Thurston "Requiem" by Jason Andrew "Gilgamesh and the by Mountain" by Bruce L. Priddy "Buried Treasure" by Rob Rosen "The Small, Black God" by Caw Miller "In Eden" by Cherstin Holtzman "We Are Not the Favored Children" by Matthew Borgard "Rebirth in Dreams" by A. J. French "Whale of a Time" by Gitte Christensen "Sins of our Fathers" by Wendra Chambers "The Talisman of Hatra" by Andrew S. Williams "Sumeria to the Stars" by Jonathan Vos Post "The Tall Grass" by Joe R. Lansdale "The Island Trovar" by JC Hemphill (with interior illustration by Ron Perovich)

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This volume succeeds in its goal of unearthing forgotten horrors through a curated selection of original tales. The contributors bring distinct voices to the theme of ancient doom, creating a cohesive yet varied reading experience. However, it may not suit readers seeking fast-paced action or straightforward historical non-fiction. Those looking for light-hearted entertainment will find the tone too heavy and ominous. It is best appreciated by those who enjoy slow-building dread and speculative elements rather than conventional plot structures. The anthology stands as a solid entry in its genre for enthusiasts of the weird.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who crave atmospheric dread and the allure of lost worlds will find immense satisfaction in this collection. It offers a rich tapestry of wonder and terror, perfect for those who enjoy speculative fiction that probes the consequences of disturbing ancient history. The anthology provides a compelling escape into perilous lands, from Atlantis to hidden tombs, appealing to fans of horror that blends historical mystery with supernatural threats. If you appreciate stories where civilizations crumble under the weight of their own secrets, this book delivers exactly that experience.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★
For the intrepid explorer of dark fantasy, the connoisseur of cosmic horror, and anyone fascinated by ancient mysteries and the terrors that lurk in forgotten places. If you seek tales where history bleeds into nightmare, and discovery comes at a horrifying price, this collection is your next delve…

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

This volume succeeds in its goal of unearthing forgotten horrors through a curated selection of original tales. The contributors bring distinct voices to the theme of ancient doom, creating a cohesive yet varied reading experience. However, it may not suit readers seeking fast-paced action or straightforward historical non-fiction. Those looking for light-hearted entertainment will find the tone too heavy and ominous. It is best appreciated by those who enjoy slow-building dread and speculative elements rather than conventional plot structures. The anthology stands as a solid entry in its genre for enthusiasts of the weird.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, 'Dark Tales of Lost Civilizations' is an anthology featuring twenty-five distinct and previously unpublished stories by various authors. While all revolve around the central theme of lost or crumbling civilizations, each narrative stands alone.
Given its themes of horror, ancient curses, and the dark consequences of discovery, this collection is primarily intended for mature readers. The narratives often explore adult fears and existential dread, making it more appropriate for an adult audience.

📖 Who should read this

For the intrepid explorer of dark fantasy, the connoisseur of cosmic horror, and anyone fascinated by ancient mysteries and the terrors that lurk in forgotten places. If you seek tales where history bleeds into nightmare, and discovery comes at a horrifying price, this collection is your next delve into the abyss.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Echoes of Lost Worlds

The book masterfully explores the spectral legacy of civilizations that have vanished from human memory. Through these narratives, readers confront the lingering power of ancient curses, forgotten deities, and the architectural remnants that still hum with the energies of their long-dead creators, reminding us that some pasts refuse to stay buried.

The Perilous Unknown

This collection vividly portrays the profound dangers inherent in seeking out forbidden knowledge or disturbing ancient sites. Each story serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how the pursuit of discovery can unleash horrors beyond comprehension, often at a terrible cost to those who dare to tread where they do not belong, blurring the lines between curiosity and catastrophe.

Humanity's Fragility

Beneath the thrilling adventure and cosmic dread, a central theme emerges: the inherent vulnerability of even the most advanced societies. The tales frequently underscore how civilizations, no matter how grand, are susceptible to decay, oblivion, and forces far greater than themselves, prompting reflection on our own precarious place in the vast, indifferent cosmos.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The desert wind carried more than sand that night; it carried the memory of a god's forgotten rage, a sound that chilled bone deeper than any arctic blast.”

“They found the city, yes, but what the city found in them was far more disturbing, a seed of madness planted in the fertile ground of their ambition.”

📜 Historical context

The tradition of exploring 'lost worlds' in speculative fiction stretches back to the likes of H. Rider Haggard and H.P. Lovecraft, who championed narratives of intrepid explorers stumbling upon ancient evils or forgotten races. This anthology stands firmly in that lineage, updating the classic pulp adventure with contemporary horror sensibilities, exploring the dread that arises when the boundaries of known history are breached, and the primordial past reasserts its terrifying influence.

📚 Glossary

Anthology
Speculative Fiction
Lost Civilization

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Reflect on a historical or mythical 'lost civilization.' What kind of hidden terrors do you imagine might still linger in its forgotten ruins?
  2. How does humanity's relentless drive for discovery, often fueled by greed or curiosity, frequently lead to its own undoing in these tales? Consider a modern parallel.
  3. If you were to encounter an ancient, sentient artifact from a forgotten culture, what ethical dilemmas would arise, and what might be the true cost of its knowledge?

🏛 Books from this publisher Dark Moon Books

All books from this publisher →

You might also like

See more →