Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed

A Guide to the Most Terrifying Collections of Short Stories

From the depths of our darkest fears to the realm of the supernatural, the horror anthology stands as a testament to the power of the written word to chill us to the bone. These collections of short stories are a perfect way to experience a range of terrors, from the subtle to the downright terrifying.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best horror anthologies available. We’ll explore their unique strengths and weaknesses, provide detailed reviews, and offer insights into their impact on the genre.

Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or just looking for a taste of the macabre, this guide will help you find the perfect anthology to keep you up at night.

Introduction

The horror anthology is a long-standing tradition in the genre, dating back to the early 19th century. These collections of short stories offer a unique blend of variety and intensity, allowing readers to experience a range of terrors in a single volume.

Horror anthologies have been a breeding ground for new and innovative writers, providing a platform for voices that might not otherwise be heard. They have also been instrumental in shaping the development of the horror genre, pushing its boundaries and exploring new possibilities.

The best horror anthologies are those that offer a cohesive and thought-provoking collection of stories. They feature a strong editorial vision that brings together diverse voices and perspectives, creating a unified experience for the reader.

Strengths of Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed

Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed offers a comprehensive and insightful look at the best horror anthologies available. The reviews are thorough and well-written, providing detailed descriptions of the stories and their impact on the genre.

One of the strengths of Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed is its broad scope. The reviews cover a wide range of anthologies, from classic works to contemporary releases. This allows readers to explore the full range of the horror genre and find the anthologies that best suit their tastes.

Another strength of Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed is its critical analysis. The reviews go beyond simply describing the stories and provide thoughtful insights into their themes, techniques, and impact on the genre. This helps readers to appreciate the nuances of the stories and to understand their place in the horror tradition.

Weaknesses of Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed

While Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed is a valuable resource for horror fans, it does have some weaknesses. One of the main weaknesses is the lack of diversity in the reviews. The vast majority of the anthologies reviewed are written by white male authors, which gives a limited perspective on the horror genre.

Another weakness of Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed is the lack of attention to non-English language anthologies. The horror genre is a global phenomenon, and there are many excellent anthologies that have been published in languages other than English. By focusing primarily on English-language anthologies, Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed misses out on a wealth of great stories.

Finally, Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed does not provide any information on the availability of the anthologies. This is a significant omission, as it can be difficult to find some of the older or more obscure anthologies.

Table of Contents

| Anthology | Author | Publisher | Year | Number of Stories |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| The Best Horror of the Year | Ellen Datlow | Night Shade Books | 1984-present | 50+ |
| The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror | Stephen Jones | Constable & Robinson | 1995-present | 20+ |
| Year’s Best Horror Stories | Karl Edward Wagner | DAW Books | 1972-present | 20+ |
| Shadows Over Innsmouth | Robert M. Price | Chaosium | 1996-present | 15+ |
| The Cthulhu Mythos Megapack | S.T. Joshi | Chaosium | 2001-present | 40+ |
| The Weird Tales Reader | Darrell Schweitzer | Night Shade Books | 2004 | 20+ |
| The Essential Supernatural Stories | Richard Dalby | Wordsworth Editions | 2008 | 20+ |
| The New Lovecraft Circle | S.T. Joshi | Hippocampus Press | 2009-present | 10+ |
| The Year’s Best Weird Fiction | Laird Barron | Undertow Publications | 2014-present | 15+ |
| The Book of Cthulhu | Ramsey Campbell | Chaosium | 2015-present | 15+ |
| The Best of Horror | Stephen King | Viking Press | 2015 | 20+ |
| The Library of Lost Horrors | Marvin Kaye | Cemetery Dance Publications | 2016-present | 20+ |
| The Weird | Jeff VanderMeer | Tachyon Publications | 2016-present | 15+ |
| The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton | Edith Wharton | University of Iowa Press | 2017 | 20+ |

FAQs

What is a horror anthology?

A horror anthology is a collection of short stories that are all written in the horror genre. These stories can be written by a single author or by multiple authors. Horror anthologies are often themed, with each story exploring a different aspect of the horror genre.

What are the benefits of reading a horror anthology?

Horror anthologies offer a variety of benefits. They allow readers to experience a range of terrors in a single volume. They also provide a platform for new and innovative writers, and they can be a valuable source of inspiration for writers and filmmakers.

What are some of the best horror anthologies?

Some of the best horror anthologies include The Best Horror of the Year, The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror, Year’s Best Horror Stories, Shadows Over Innsmouth, The Cthulhu Mythos Megapack, The Weird Tales Reader, The Essential Supernatural Stories, The New Lovecraft Circle, The Year’s Best Weird Fiction, The Book of Cthulhu, The Best of Horror, The Library of Lost Horrors, The Weird, and The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton.

How do I choose the right horror anthology for me?

When choosing a horror anthology, it is important to consider your personal tastes. If you are a fan of classic horror, you may want to look for an anthology that includes stories by authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, and M.R. James. If you are interested in more contemporary horror, you may want to look for an anthology that includes stories by authors such as Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Joyce Carol Oates.

Where can I find horror anthologies?

Horror anthologies can be found in bookstores, libraries, and online retailers. You can also find horror anthologies on websites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powell’s Books.

How much do horror anthologies cost?

The cost of a horror anthology will vary depending on the number of stories it includes and the publisher. However, most horror anthologies range in price from $10 to $25.

Are horror anthologies worth reading?

Horror anthologies are definitely worth reading if you are a fan of the horror genre. These collections offer a variety of stories that will keep you entertained and terrified. They are also a great way to discover new authors and explore different aspects of the horror genre.

Conclusion

Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed is a valuable resource for horror fans. The reviews are insightful and well-written, and they provide a comprehensive overview of the best horror anthologies available.

However, Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed does have some weaknesses, such as the lack of diversity in the reviews and the lack of attention to non-English language anthologies. Despite these weaknesses, Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed is still a valuable resource for horror fans who are looking to find the best anthologies to read.

If you are a fan of the horror genre, I encourage you to check out Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed. The reviews are well-written and informative, and they can help you find the perfect anthology to keep you up at night.

Disclaimers

The opinions expressed in Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed are those of the reviewers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the author of this article.

This article is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all horror anthologies. It is simply a guide to some of the best horror anthologies available.

If you have any questions or comments about Best Horror Anthologies Reviewed, please feel free to contact the publisher.