By Research Librarian Jessica McClain
As nights grow longer and mornings become brisk and biting, we may find ourselves with more opportunities to curl up with a compelling tale. Here are some suggestions from the Athenaeum shelves as we journey into the spookiest time of year.

Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus
FICTION
Gothic horror and one of our earliest examples of science fiction, this classic work involves a man, his creation, and the horrors that can arise when one chooses to play God.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus. PZ 3 .S545 Fr

Novels and Stories
FICTION
Selections from this collection from a master of psychological fiction were my own personal introduction to horror. I have yet to meet a member of my generation unscarred by their initial reading of “The Lottery.” Yet, most of us went on to read Jackson’s longer fiction including Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Early autumn feels like the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) Jackson’s work for yourself.
Jackson, Shirley. Novels and Stories. PS3519 .A392 A6 2010

Let Me Tell You: New Stories, Essays, and Other Writings
FICTION
This compilation, edited by two of Jackson’s children, includes 40 previously unpublished pieces. It is a collection of eerie, subversive short stories, essays about family, and lectures on writing. The diverse examples presented showcase her talent as storyteller, humorist, and feminist. Somehow, I missed the publication of this title in 2015. But it is definitely on my To Read list for this autumn.
Jackson, Shirley. Let Me Tell You: New Stories, Essays, and Other Writings. PS3519 .A392 A6 2015

The Vampire Benning Wentworth and the End of Times: The War Between Devils and Vampires
FICTION
Have you ever wondered about the monsters that might hide among us? Do you love books set in Historic Portsmouth? This novel by an Athenaeum Proprietor might tickle your fancy. You’re sure to recognize many names and places in this discussion of good and evil, sacred and profane, vampires and Luciferians. Content warning: if you’re a stickler for historical accuracy (events rather than the possibility of the paranormal), you might want to pass on this.
Jesep, Paul P. The Vampire Benning Wentworth and the End of Times: The War Between Devils and Vampires. PS3610 .E83 V35 2013

In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
BIOGRAPHY
This psychological biography of Romantic Era writer Mary Shelley seeks to provide glimpses into the whys behind her often tumultuous and extraordinary life. In focusing on Shelley’s youth, Sampson delves into the emotional and intellectual triggers that lead to the creation of a remarkably dark, anguished, and enduring novel by a nineteen-year-old genius.
Sampson, Fiona. In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein.

Something In the Blood: The Untold Story of Bram Stoker, The Man Who Wrote Dracula
BIOGRAPHY
This psychological and cultural biography of late fin de siècle author Bram Stoker presents information drawn from previously unknown documents that challenge our understanding of life during the late Victorian era. In focusing on Stoker’s private and social circles, Skal gives us a new view of the author, his world, and Dracula, his most enduring creation.
Skal, David. J. Something In the Blood: The Untold Story of Bram Stoker, The Man Who Wrote Dracula

Food For The Dead: On The Trail Of New England’s Vampires
NON-FICTION
Bell explores a generations-old tradition of vampire folklore in New England. Outlining family stories and beliefs that lasted well into the 20th century, he discusses the impacts of illness and death among the young people of a community and the ties we make between traumatic loss, the unknown or unexplained, and the supernatural.
Bell, Michael E. Food For The Dead: On The Trail Of New England’s Vampires. GR830 .V3 B45 2001

The Age Of Wonder: How The Romantic Generation Discovered The Beauty And Terror Of Science
NON-FICTION
This collection of essays discusses contemporary reactions to the scientific advancements and social shifts of the early 19th century. It includes a chapter dedicated to the question of Vitalism, the doctrine that life originates in a vital principle, distinct from chemical and other forces, focusing on the response we can find in a reading of Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus.
Holmes, Richard. The Age Of Wonder: How The Romantic Generation Discovered The Beauty And Terror Of Science. Q127 .G4 H65 2008