The Human Chord / The Centaur - by Algernon Blackwood (Paperback)

About the Book

Two early 19th century novels by this monumental writer of supernatural fiction.

Book Synopsis

THE HUMAN CHORD

When Robert Spinrobin answers an ad in the paper from "a retired clergyman" looking for someone with "courage and imagination," he enters into an adventure that is beyond all imagining. For Philip Skale is looking for the perfect tenor that will complete his quartet in an experiment that could unlock the very heart of Creation. Using the power of sound, Skale has spent his life trying to unlock the secrets of life and death. One voice cannot do it. He needs four. His housekeeper, Mrs. Mawle, is the alto; Skale's niece, Miriam, the soprano, and Skale the bass. Spinrobin completes the chord with his tenor. Collectively, they can utter the word, and become as gods. But there is also the possibility that something could go wrong, that instead of summoning God, they fail--and unleash total chaos instead!

THE CENTAUR

Terrence O'Malley, an Irish poet with a yearning in his soul for something more than the commonplace, takes a trip to Greece. While on the boat, he encounters a Russian father and son who seem ... out of place ... almost elemental. His companion, Dr. Stahl, warns him about getting too close to the couple, very aware that O'Malley is very likely to get swept away by the feelings of rapture they can generate. For the father and son are much more than they seem...much more than merely human ... and quite possibly a pure manifestation of the Earth itself. But once O'Malley's Celtic soul is aroused, there is no turning back--he is on a journey that will lead him to the very heart and soul of Mother Earth.

Review Quotes

"[The Centaur] was to be the favorite among [Blackwood's] novels, because it best represented all that he was trying to achieve...It is unlike any other work in the field of supernatural or mystical fiction."-Mike Ashley, Starlight Man. "The masterpiece of the new romantic movement...It is quite the best thing that Mr. Blackwood has given us."-The Bookman on The Centaur "Of the early 20th century writers of horror fantasy, I find Blackwood to be the most original because his horror is based on the secrets of the universe being awe inspiring and world-changing rather than the "Unspeakable horrors" of Lovecraft's ancient ones or Machen's ideas of nature as evil and decadent."-Goodreads