Tales of the Grotesque: A Collection of Uneasy Tales, Lewis, L. A. Published by Ghost Story Press, London, 1994. One of 300 numbered copies, this being No. 172. 8vo up to 9½” tall., 264pp. Introduction by Richard Dalby: “The Quest For Lewis.” Dust wrapper artwork by Steven Stapledon; Frontispiece by Andrew King. Crimson cloth boards. Volume is in fine, unread condition and housed in a fine, unclipped jacket.
Stories: Lost Keep; Hybrid; The Tower of Moab; The Child; The Dirk; The Chords of Chaos; The Meerschaum Pipe; Haunted Air; The Iron Swine; Animate In Death; The Author’s Tale. First published in 1934 by Philip Allan, this new edition adds both Dalby’s introduction and the last story “The Author’s Tale.” This is the only book Lewis published.
Squadron Leader Leslie Allin Lewis (1899-1961) was a veteran of both world wars, writing these stories between wars. His stories were later recognized and revived by leading anthologists such as Hugh Lamb and Richard Dalby. His ‘The Tower of Moab’ about the demon-haunted headquarters of a strange sect, is now recognized as a classic. “Leslie Allin Lewis undoubtedly earns a high place among the best masters of supernatural and macabre literature that Britain has ever produced.”
