these stories go beyond your average collection of horror tales, and it isn't hard to tell that maupassant was going over the edge when he penned these. they are less focused on the supernatural than on the chilling capability the human mind has to construct terrifying illusions and reduce the most rational and cerebral man to a shivering mass. you could almost call these philosophical in that maupassant remorselessly exposes the tenuous and fragile nature of our mental health and reminds us that insanity is a potential danger for the more thoughtful and sensitive. this is personally my favorite work as far as maupassant's stuff goes, and anyone with a taste for the morbid, pessimistic or terrifying is well advised to pick this one up right away, although it is pretty rare nowadays and difficult to locate. i took it out of my local library. those who are interested in the field of philosophy should enjoy the brief but somewhat humorous tale, "the smile of schopenhauer", which amuses but at the same time inspires fear. if you're interested in abnormal psychology this is also a must read for you. the creme de la creme of horror literature.

DeMaupassant's unparalled insight into the human condition is strongly in evidence in these tales. Some of the most powerful evocations of fear and pathos even penned, this is in a completely different league from Stephen King and his ilk: it is literature in the best sense.

De Maupassant wrote horror like no one else. His stories are not for the run of the mill Stephen King fan - so if your head isn't screwed down tight, don't attempt this one. However, if you like to hear the brilliant ramblings of a genius-type that's dying of Syphillis, you'll love it!