Things Near and Far

Arthur Machen (1863-1947) charted a lonely and curious course through literature. Though never widely known, his work in horror fiction has gained him an appreciation from a small circle of admirers over the years. Yet, as adept as he may have been in creating tales of horror, a careful study of his body of work illustrates there is more to explore and discover about the Welsh writer. At times, one finds a brilliant essayist or a pragmatic journalist, a gifted storyteller of mystery and fantasy, or a Christian apologist. Despite this breadth, Machen worked in an idiosyncratic style and kept doggedly to the theme which concerned him most: ecstasy as the highest purpose of art and that which is most beneficial to Man.