F. Marion Crawford

…there was another birthday I wanted to mention.  Francis Marion Crawford was born on this August 2, 1854 and died on April 9, 1909.

Crawford wrote in a number of genres, but he’s remembered today for two stories that are considered classics of the macabre.

“The Upper Berth” is a ghost story that can be found in many anthologies, while “For the Blood is the Life” is a vampire tale.  Both are worth seeking out.  It’s been a number of years since I read them, and a reread of both is overdue.  Maybe this evening, after everyone has gone to bed and the lights grow dim…

Crawford only wrote one volume’s worth of weird fiction.  The definitive edition is Uncanny Tales, edited by Richard Dalby and published by Tartarus Press.

I’m really not planning on making Adventures Fantastic a birthday tribute site, in spite of the number that have popped up lately.  I’ve noticed the birthdays and have dashed the posts out over lunch or when I have a few minutes free.  They’ve kept the blog fresh, but I am going to be doing some other posts soon.