Some Essential Arthur Machen Links

Arthur Machen's presence online isn't nearly as pronounced as that of H.P. Lovecraft. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some incredible sites worth checking out on the Welsh fantasist. Machen's work continues to live on, in part due to Lovecraft's own popularity, and so do the sites that support him. The following web pages support the legacy of this classic weird writer:

• "Friends of Arthur Machen:" The closest thing there is to an official organization supporting Machen as a living force. This active group has done a great deal to help preserve Machen's memory, including a sculpture project in Britain, as well as organizing performances, readings, and lectures. The Friends website includes very detailed background info on the author, event listings, and publications. The interested can even join this group for about $36 US per year in dues. It regularly puts out a newsletter and a couple issues per year of its literary journal, Faunus.
• "Order of Twilight" Arthur Machen Gallery: This website exhibits a fine gallery of old book covers from Machen's short story collections and novels. Some incredibly rare first editions over a century old are displayed. The broader scope of Arthur Machen content here showcases introductions to various editions of Machen collections by other famous writers, a few introductions and essays by Machen himself, and more.
• Arthur Machen Works from Project Gutenberg: A free source for several important works by the weird author. Selections and full entries from "The Angels of Mons," "The Bowmen and Other Legends of the War," "Famous Modern Ghost Stories," "The Great God Pan," "The Hill of Dreams," and "The House of Souls" are all available here. Happy reading.
• Tartarus Press Catalog: This small press publisher of more obscure weird writers probably creates the finest editions of Machen's work. Each of their five Machen story collections averages about 250-600 pages, and retails for around $70 each. While a bit steep for newcomers to Machen's tales, the books are incredibly high quality. When put together, they're the next best thing to a "Collected Works of Arthur Machen."

-Grim Blogger