Publisher's Synopsis
The Familiar is a gothic horror novel by J. Sheridan Le Fanu, published in 1872. The story revolves around a young woman named Maud Ruthyn, who inherits a large estate from her father after his sudden death. Maud is sent to live with her uncle, Silas Ruthyn, who is a reclusive and mysterious figure. As Maud begins to uncover the secrets of her family's past, she becomes increasingly fearful of her uncle and the strange occurrences that seem to be happening around her.The novel is written in a suspenseful and atmospheric style, with vivid descriptions of the eerie and unsettling events that take place. Le Fanu's use of Gothic tropes such as haunted houses, dark family secrets, and supernatural occurrences creates a sense of tension and unease throughout the story. The Familiar is considered a classic of Victorian Gothic literature and has influenced many later works in the horror genre.I say I know this; I could prove it to your own conviction."" He paused for a minute, and then added, ""And as to accosting it, I dare not, I could not; when I see it I am powerless; I stand in the gaze of death, in the triumphant presence of infernal power and malignity. My strength, and faculties, and memory, all forsake me. O God, I fear, sir, you know not what you speak of. Mercy, mercy; heaven have pity on me!""This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
