Title: The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories
Author: Ann VanderMeer
First published November 1, 2010
1136 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765333605 (ISBN10: 0765333600)
Rating: 4.27
Overview
Get ready to dive into a world of literary experimentation that goes beyond genre boundaries. The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories by Ann VanderMeer is a collection of the most exotic and esoteric tales from the last century.
This anthology features 110 stories by some of the greatest names in twentieth and twenty-first century literature, including William Gibson, George R. R.
Martin, and Stephen King. From surreal monstrosities to the downright peculiar, The Weird takes you on a journey to dark domains you never knew existed.
This is the biggest Weird collection ever assembled, and it’s a must-read for fans of strange and unusual fiction. Elves and wizards need not apply.
About the Author
Ann VanderMeer is an accomplished American publisher and editor, who made history as the second female editor for the horror magazine, Weird Tales. She is the founder of Buzzcity Press, and her work as Fiction Editor for Weird Tales earned her a prestigious Hugo Award.
Her press and related periodicals have also received notable accolades, such as the British Fantasy Award, the International Rhysling Award, and inclusion in various year’s best anthologies. Ann also founded The Silver Web magazine, which focused on experimental and avant-garde fantasy literature.
In 2009, “Weird Tales edited by Ann VanderMeer and Stephen H. Segal” made history by winning a Hugo Award for Best Semiprozine.
While individual contributors to the magazine had previously received Hugos, Nebula Awards, and even a Pulitzer Prize, the magazine itself had never before been nominated for a Hugo. It was also nominated for a World Fantasy Award in the same year.
Editoral Review
Book Review: The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories by Ann VanderMeer
If you are a fan of horror, fantasy, and science fiction, then The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories by Ann VanderMeer is a must-read. This 2010 anthology features over 110 short stories from renowned and emerging writers, all of which explore the weirder side of human existence.
Ann Vandermeer is a Hugo Award-winning editor who has worked on several renowned anthologies, including Steampunk and The Big Book of Science Fiction. In The Weird, she and her husband, Jeff Vandermeer, have compiled a range of dark and unconventional tales spanning from the late 19th century to the present day.
The anthology is organized chronologically, with an introduction by Michael Moorcock that contextualizes the stories historically and culturally. The Weird is not for the faint of heart.
With stories ranging from unsettling to downright terrifying, it is a challenging read, but nevertheless, one that is worth the investment. What unites the stories in The Weird is the theme of the uncanny, the unknown, and the otherworldly.
The contributors are not afraid to delve deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche, exploring fears and anxieties that we often try to suppress.
Some standout stories include “The Spider” by Hanns Heinz Ewers, “The Fisherman and the Pig” by Kobo Abe, and “The Nelda’s Tale” by Gene Wolfe.
Each story is masterfully crafted, with vivid descriptions and unforgettable characters. The settings are just as imaginative and diverse, ranging from the countryside of the American South to the depths of the ocean to alternate universes.
The Weird is an excellent example of the evolving genre of weird fiction. Although the anthology features stories from different eras and cultures, they share a common thread of exploring the uncharted territories of the human condition.
The Weird also highlights the diversity of the genre, with stories ranging from cosmic horror to psychological fiction. The only limitation of The Weird is its size.
With over 110 stories, it can be overwhelming to read the entire anthology cover to cover. However, VanderMeer’s curation is such that each story stands on its own, making it easy to pick up the anthology and read a few stories at a time.
Overall, The Weird is an exceptional anthology that challenges readers to embrace the darker, weirder side of human existence. It is a thought-provoking read that will linger in your mind long after you finish it.
If you enjoy horror, science fiction, and fantasy, this anthology would be an excellent addition to your bookshelf. I give The Weird a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
