The Charwoman's Shadow
Lord Dunsany's The Charwoman's Shadow (1926) is an epic fantasy and classic fantasy novel.
It has been published in 12 editions.
At about 268 pages, most readers finish it in 4–5 hours. A free LibriVox audiobook (7 h 51 min) is available.
About The Charwoman's Shadow
Delightfully imaginative, somewhat similar to Dunsany's blockbuster fantasy novel, The King Of Elfland's Daughter (and published just two years after it), this equally entertaining, verbally voluptuous tale brings us in touch with the heraldry, artistry, and superstitions of the bygone Golden Age of Spain; with the magical arts of ancient times-- alchemy, wizardry, potions, forest creatures that go bump in the night, quests for esoteric knowledge, use of the Philosopher's Stone, and the Catholic church's war against the 'Black Art". Above all, Dunsany explores the many mysterious properties of shadows, and warns what havoc might befall you if you lose yours. Published in 1926. (Summary by Michele Fry)
Free audiobook
The Charwoman's Shadow — LibriVox recording, 7 h 51 min in 30 sections.
Public-domain recording by volunteer readers. Listen online, download MP3s or stream from the Internet Archive.
Opening line
“Picture a summer evening sombre and sweet over Spain, the glittering sheen of leaves fading to soberer colours, the sky in the west all soft, and mysterious as low music, and in the east like a frown.”
Quick answers
Who wrote The Charwoman's Shadow?
The Charwoman's Shadow was written by Lord Dunsany and first published in 1926.
What genre is The Charwoman's Shadow?
It is usually shelved as Epic Fantasy and Classic Fantasy.
How long is The Charwoman's Shadow?
The median edition has 268 pages, about 4–5 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.
Is there a free audiobook of The Charwoman's Shadow?
Yes — LibriVox volunteers recorded it; the recording runs 7 h 51 min.
What books are similar to The Charwoman's Shadow?
Readers who like it often enjoy Jurgen, The Well at the World's End and She.
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