CALIGARI’S BOOKSHELF
Where discerning words come to roost
Now Available
The Horror of Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen and David Welling
Of Jane Austen’s six completed novels, Northanger Abbey stands out due to its satire of the popular books of her time. Yet, the classic volume known today is not what she originally wrote; that first version has long been considered lost to time—until now.
Her earliest draft, recently rediscovered, reveals her to be a writer of period horror, predating the works of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and Bram Stoker. More importantly, this novel reveals the existence of the dark mythology thought to have been created by H.P. Lovecraft over a century later. Only after encountering resistance from her publishers did she excise the supernatural elements, rewriting the novel into the gothic romance as it stands today.
This never-before-seen, retitled edition by David Welling promises to enthrall fans of Jane Austen as well as those of early horror. For some readers, this will be a revelation. For others, it is a sacrilege to her masterworks. Regardless, The Horror of Northanger Abbey now stands as a testament to Austen’s greatness with a pen and as a visionary beyond her time.
Now Available
MidWinter Tales
David Welling
In this collection of 14 holiday-themed stories, author David Welling takes you through the ups and downs of the holidays. Family, friends, relationships, and work are all intertwined with excitement—or dread—of this period. For some, it’s a time of romance and excitement, the discovery of someone new, and a kiss under the mistletoe. For others, stress rules with chaos and unforeseen visitors. In many cases, magic is in the air—and surprises lie beyond the presents under the tree.
The centerpiece to this collection is a unique take on A Christmas Carol featuring Edgar Allan Poe, Hamlet, and a rubber chicken–not something Charles Dickens had in mind when he penned the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
For best reading results, settle back with the proper mood: A crackling fireplace, a mug of spiced cider, and holiday music in the background. Mistletoe is optional but if you have appropriate company, it helps.
David Welling is a writer, artist, and the author of Cinema Houston, a chronicle of movie theatres in Texas’ largest city. His holiday short stories have been sent to family and friends as a seasonal Christmas greeting each year over the last two decades.
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