DEEP, DARK & UNSETTLING gathers more than a century of Gothic experimentation into a capacious archive of terror, wonder, and psychological disturbance. Its contents range from foundational castle romances, spectral ballads, and Faustian tales to detective mysteries, decadent fantasies, imperial nightmares, and proto-science-fictional horrors. Recurring images—ruined houses, forbidden manuscripts, doubles, revenants, persecuted heroines, and corrupted inheritances—demonstrate how Gothic wr...

We rely on your support to help us keep producing beautiful, free, and unrestricted editions of literature for the digital age. Will you support our efforts with a donation ? Guy Newell Boothby , born in Adelaide, was one of the most popular of Australian authors in the late 19th and early 20th century, writing dozens of novels of sensational fiction. A Bid for Fortune, or Dr. Nikola's Vendetta is the first of his series of five books featuring the sinister mastermind Dr. Nikola, a charact...

Guy Newell Boothby, born in Adelaide, was one of the most popular of Australian authors in the late 19th and early 20th century, writing dozens of novels of sensational fiction.A Bid for Fortune, or Dr. Nikola's Vendetta is the first of his series of five books featuring the sinister mastermind Dr. Nikola, a character of gothic appearance usually accompanied by a large black cat, and who has powers of mesmerism.In this first novel, the protagonist is a young Australian, Ric...

The Treasure of Sacramento Nick by Guy Boothby is presented in a clean English digital edition with active navigation. The book belongs to action & adventure and preserves the character of the source text for sustained ebook reading. The opening pages establish the work's atmosphere with this first movement: AWAY on the northern most coast of Australia lies a little world all by itself, and unlike anything else to be found in the whole immemorial East. Its chief centre is in Torres Straits...

"In Strange Company" follows the adventures of the protagonist, who finds himself embroiled in thrilling and perilous situations:Introduction of the Protagonist: The story introduces a character who ventures into the unknown regions of Chile and the Southern Seas, driven by a sense of adventure and discovery.Exotic Settings: The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of diverse and captivating landscapes, from the bustling streets of Chilean cities to the remote islands and waters of the S...

The novel begins with the President of the United States, James K. Meredith, embarking on a journey by train. However, his trip takes a perilous turn when he is abducted by a group of criminals led by the sinister Dr. Nikola. The President's abduction sparks a nationwide manhunt and throws the country into chaos as authorities scramble to locate him and uncover the motives behind the kidnapping.As the search intensifies, a brave young man named Archie Chesney emerges as the unlikely hero d...

"A Prince of Swindlers" follows the exploits of a charming and resourceful con artist named Sir Hector, who is also known as the Prince of Swindlers. Sir Hector is a master of deception and manipulation, using his wit and skills to carry out a series of elaborate schemes and cons.The novel delves into Sir Hector's various schemes and the impact they have on those around him. Despite his criminal activities, Sir Hector is portrayed with a certain charisma and sophistication, which adds comp...

The story begins with Esther, who is raised by her wealthy uncle, Sir Richard Vancourt. Esther is in love with Sir Richard's ward, Gilbert Vaughan, but their relationship faces obstacles due to social expectations and familial interference. When Sir Richard arranges a marriage for Esther with the wealthy but unscrupulous Julian Harnwell, she finds herself torn between duty and her true feelings.As the narrative unfolds, Esther must navigate the complexities of her personal desires and soci...

The stories within "My Strangest Case" likely involve mysterious and unusual occurrences, exploring themes of the supernatural, detective work, and unconventional mysteries. Boothby's stories often feature enigmatic plots, intriguing characters, and elements of the unexplained or paranormal.As the title suggests, each story may present a unique and perplexing case or scenario, showcasing Boothby's talent for weaving captivating narratives that engage readers' curiosity and imagination.Whil...

In "A Bid for Fortune," readers are introduced to the enigmatic character of Dr. Nikola, a brilliant and unscrupulous villain who uses his intellect and resources to pursue his own sinister agenda. The novel follows the protagonist, Richard Hatteras, as he becomes entangled in Dr. Nikola's schemes and seeks to thwart his plans.Guy Boothby's novels often feature elements of mystery, suspense, and exotic locales, and "A Bid for Fortune" is no exception. The story is filled with thrilling twi...

In the history of humanity there is perhaps one civilisation that everyone feels both drawn to and be a part of: Egypt.Its history in measured in millenniums and its culture has dominated others before being woven into the fabric of others. Its legacy and its accomplishments are legion.In this volume our many classic authors explore their own understanding, exploration and connection with characters and narratives that step out of time to guide us on a fascinating literary ...

In "Long Live the King!", Boothby tells the story of an ambitious and charismatic character named Cigarette, who rises to power in a fictional South American country. The novel follows Cigarette's ascent to the throne and the political machinations and conflicts that ensue as he attempts to maintain his rule.The title, "Long Live the King!", suggests themes of power, loyalty, and the challenges of leadership. Boothby's writing typically features richly drawn characters, intricate plots, an...