Marjorie Bowen (1885–1952) was an extraordinarily prolific writer whose work is inexplicably neglected. That she is remembered primarily as a distinguished historical novelist (indeed, Hugh Walpole called her the greatest historical novelist England had produced in a generation), vastly underrates the quality of her supernatural fiction, which holds its own in any comparison with the readily acknowledged masters of the genre. Twilight and Other Supernatural Romances is the first major collection of Bowen's supernatural tales to be published since Arkham House's Kecksies and Other Twilight Tales (1976), this new collection offering a completely original selection of stories. A diverse repertoire is on offer here, from the particularly repulsive Madam Spitfire to the boasting spirit of Gabriel Letourneau, who is eventually unmasked by one of the sitters with whom he communicates at a séance. Also included in the collection are the novella Julia Roseingrave and two previously unpublished stories, 'The Recluse and Springtime' and 'Vigil'. The volume is completed by an Afterword from Marjorie Bowen's own pen, in which she describes a ghostly experience of her own. Twilight and Other Supernatural Romances is the first of two Ash-Tree Press collections of Marjorie Bowen's supernatural fiction. The volume is edited by Jessica Amanda Salmonson, and has a preface by the author's son, Hilary Long. Jacket art by Deborah McMillion Nering. Contents: Preface: 'Marjorie Bowen 1885–1952. Some Random Recollections by one of her sons'; Introduction by Jessica Amanda Salmonson; 'Dark Ann'; 'The Last Bouquet'; 'Madam Spitfire'; 'The Lady Clodagh'; 'Decay'; 'The Fair Hair of Ambrosine'; 'Ann Mellor's Lover'; 'Giudetta's Wedding Night'; 'Twilight'; 'The Burning of the Vanities'; 'A Stranger Knocked'; 'They Found My Grave'; 'Brent's Folly'; 'The Confession of Beau Sekforde'; 'The Recluse and Springtime'; 'Vigil'; 'Julia Roseingrave'; Author's Afterword: 'A Ghostly Experience: The Presence of Evil'.
Author
Marjorie Bowen (pseudonym of Mrs Gabrielle Margaret V[ere] Long née Campbell), was a British author who wrote historical romances, supernatural horror stories, popular history and biography. Her total output numbers over 150 volumes with the bulk of her work under the 'Bowen' pseudonym. She also wrote under the names Joseph Shearing, George R. Preedy, John Winch, Robert Paye, and Margaret Campbell. As Joseph Shearing, she wrote several sinister gothic romances full of terror and mystery. Many of these stories were published as Berkley Medallion Books. Several of her books were adapted as films. Her books are much sought after by aficionados of gothic horror and received praise from critics. Bowen's alcoholic father left the family at an early age and was eventually found dead on a London street. After this, Bowen's prolific writings were the chief financial support for her family. She was married twice: first, from 1912-16, to a Sicilian named Zefferino Emilio Constanza, who died of tuberculosis, and then to one Arthur L. Long. Her first novel was The Viper of Milan (1906), after which she produced a steady stream of writings until the day of her death on 23rd December 1952. Her last, posthumous, novel was The Man with the Scales (1954).
