AustLit

'Human mummies, preserved by both accident and intent, have been found on every continent except Antarctica. These enigmatic remains of humanity have fascinated people for centuries. Shrouded in history they have acquired meaning and symbolism quite separate from their value as a source of historic knowledge, inspiring tales of reanimation, reincarnation, loves that outlive death, and curses that bring vengeance from the past.

'As a figure of horror and the supernatural the mummy has attained iconic status in the popular imagination. The Mammoth Book of the Mummy presents a collection of tales written for the twenty-first century – including some brand-new stories – that explore, subvert and reinvent the mummy mythos; some delve into the past, others explore alternative histories, and some bring mummies into our own world.

'Here you will find stories of revenge, romance, monsters and mayhem, ranging freely across time periods, genres and styles, by Kage Baker, Gail Carriger, Paul Cornell, Carole Nelson Douglas, Terry Dowling, Noreen Doyle, Steve Duffy, Karen Joy Fowler, Will Hill, Stephen Graham Jones, John Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Helen Marshall, Kim Newman, Norman Partridge, Adam Roberts, Robert Sharp, Angela Slatter, Keith Taylor and Lois Tilton.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'Streets are more than thoroughfares. Cobblestone or concrete, state of mind or situation―streets are catalysts for culture; sources of knowledge and connection, invisible routes to hidden levels of influence. In worlds where magic is real, streets can be full of dangerous shadows or paths to salvation. Wizards walk such streets, monsters lurk in their alleys, demons prowl or strut, doors open to places full of delightful enchantment or seething with sorcery, and truly dead ends abound. This selection of stories―some tales may be rediscoveries, others never encountered on your fictional map―will take you for a wild ride through many realms of imagination.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The sea is full of mysteries and rivers shelter the unknown. Dating back to ancient Assyria, folkloric tales of mermaids, sirens, rusalka, nymphs, selkes, and other seafolk are found in many cultures, including those of Europe, Africa, the Near East and Asia. Dangerous or benevolent, seductive or sinister — modern masters of fantasy continue to create new legends of these creatures that enchant and entertain us more than ever. Gathered here are some of the finest of these stories. Immerse yourself in this wonderful — and sometimes wicked — watery world!'

*Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Many of the best weird fiction writers (and creators in most other media) have been profoundly influenced by the genre and the mythos H.P. Lovecraft created eight decades ago. Lovecraft's themes of cosmic indifference, minds invaded by the alien, and the horrors of history - written with a pervasive atmosphere of unexplainable dread - are more relevant than ever as we explore the mysteries of a universe in which our planet is infinitesimal and climatic change is overwhelming it.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The living dead are more alive than ever! Zombies have become more than an iconic monster for the twenty-first century: they are now a phenomenon constantly revealing as much about ourselves—and our fascination with death, resurrection, and survival—as our love for the supernatural or post-apocalyptic speculation. Our most imaginative literary minds have been devoured by these incredible creatures and produced exciting, insightful, and unflinching new works of zombie fiction. We've again dug up the best stories—even some poetry—published in the last few years and compiled them into an anthology to feed your insatiable hunger...'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The idea of time travel has been with us since ancient times; now the concept of time travel seems... almost... plausible. Today, tales of chrononauts are more imaginative and thought-provoking than ever before: new views, cutting-edge concepts, radical notions of paradox and possibility—state-of-the-art speculative stories collected from those written in the twenty-first century. Forward to the past, back to the future—get ready for some fascinating trips!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Bright lights, big city… magic spells, witchcraft, wizardry, fairies, devilry, and more. Urban living, at least in fantasy fiction, is full of both magical wonder and dark enchantment. Street kids may have supernatural beings to protect them or have such powers themselves. Brujeria may be part of your way of life. Crimes can be caused (and solved) with occult arts and even a losing sports team’s “curse” can be lifted with wizardry. And be careful of what cab you call—it might take you on a journey beyond belief! Some of the best stories of urban enchantment from the last few years gathered in one volume full of hex appeal and arcane arts.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The farther we’ve gotten from the magic and mystery of the past, the more we’ve come to love Halloween—the one time each year when the mundane is overturned in favor of the bizarre, the “other side” is closest, and everyone can become anyone or anything they wish... and sometimes what they don’t. Eighteen original stories from mistresses and masters of the dark celebrating the most fantastic, enchanting, spooky, and supernatural of holidays.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

The highly sexual, decidedly adult stories in Embraces : Dark Erotica delve into non-traditional modern dark fiction as opposed to the clichéd 'erotic horror' genre known for 'sensuous vampires, supernaturally virile demon lovers and winsome ghostly waifs whose weird wantonness overwhelms even the most wary' etc (Paula Guran, Dark Echo Horror website).

In 1996 independent comic publisher CFD Productions offered Paula Guran the opportunity to edit a horror fiction magazine. However, after the first issue was released CFD pulled out of the deal and Guran decided to continue with her version of the zine, which she renamed Wetbones. Two issues of the magazine were published in 1997 before Guran abandoned the project. In an interview with the Mania: Beyond Entertainment website in 2000, Guran cites her reasons being related to the horror genre's standing within the publishing industry: '"Distribution," she notes "has changed a whole lot in the last few years; fiction magazines as a whole do not sell well, and horror fiction is perceived as having a small audience. Add to that a lack of advertisers and, well...'".

Source: Dumars, Denise. 'Paula Guran: Making the World Safe for Horror.' Mania: Beyond Entertainment (sighted 25/08/2011).