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A book of short stories, The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers, embodies classic elements of mystery and horror as well as romance and fantasy. Inspired by a fictional play of the same name, the first four entries are characterized by supernatural elements and a threat of impending doom.
About the author
Robert William Chambers (1865-1933) was a Brooklyn-born artist and writer best known for producing supernatural, horror and weird tales. He published his first novel, In the Quarter in 1894 but didn’t receive major recognition until 1895 with a collection of short stories called The King in Yellow. Despite entries in other genres, such as romance and historical fiction, Chambers’ most acclaimed works were Gothic in nature. His eerie tales would go on to inspire a generation of writers including H.P. Lovecraft.
Summary
The King in Yellow is a premier collection of horror fiction consisting of 10 short stories with similar styles or concepts shaped by early mythology. Half the tales highlight an infamous play that’s rumored to invoke fear, paranoia and madness within its readers.
The first four stories feature a “yellow” theme tied to the play, a specific symbol or supernatural force. “The Repairer of Reputations," "The Mask," "In the Court of the Dragon" and "The Yellow Sign" have a strong connection due to a shared motif and macabre tone. The book’s other entries subvert expectations by shifting focus to less mythical topics like war and romance. Each setting varies with action occurring in either America or Europe.
More than 100 years after its release, The King in Yellow is considered an essential work of horror fiction. Chambers’ chilling prose and intricate world-building has made it a favorite among scholars and genre fans alike. Its reach spans multiple mediums including television and film, making it one of the most influential books of all-time.
With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The King in Yellow is both modern and readable.
