Cover of The Purcell Papers

The Purcell Papers

  • 1880 first published
  • 112 pages
  • ★ 3.5 (4 ratings)
  • 57 editions

Sheridan Le Fanu and Alfred Perceval Graves's The Purcell Papers (1880) is a mythic fiction and ghost story story collection. The story is set in Ireland. Readers will find themes of Ghost, irish authors and indexes.

Open Library readers give it an average of 3.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, and 11 more have it on their want-to-read list. It has been published in 57 editions. On Project Gutenberg it was downloaded 487 times in the last 30 days.

At about 112 pages, most readers finish it in 2–3 hours. It is in the public domain in the United States and free to read on Project Gutenberg.

About The Purcell Papers

"The Purcell Papers: Index and Contents of the Three Volumes by Le Fanu" is a collection of short stories and narratives written in the late 19th century by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, a well-known author of Gothic literature. This compilation, which includes a memoir by Alfred Perceval Graves, showcases tales deeply rooted in Irish themes, folklore, and historical settings. The collection highlights Le Fanu's mastery of the Gothic genre, focusing on suspenseful, mysterious, and often supernatural elements. The book consists of multiple stories spread across three volumes, exploring various characters and events within Irish history and legend. Notable tales include "The Ghost and the Bone Setter," which delves into spectral appearances, and "The Fortunes of Sir Robert Ardagh," which addresses themes of love and loyalty against the backdrop of political conflict. Other stories such as "The Bridal of Carrigvarah" and "Billy Malowney's Taste of Love and Glory" further illustrate the rich tapestry of Irish life, filled with romance and folklore. Each narrative immerses readers in a distinct atmosphere, revealing the complexity of human emotions and the supernatural, making it a compelling anthology for fans of Gothic fiction and Irish literature.
Summary from Project Gutenberg (automatically generated)

Opening line

“Being a Fifth Extract from the Legacy of the late Francis Purcell, P.P. of Drumcoolagh.”

Themes, setting & tropes

Genres

Setting

Subjects

  • English Fantasy fiction
  • Ireland in fiction
  • Ireland
  • Collections & anthologies fantasy
  • Ghost
  • Irish authors
  • Fantasy fiction, English
  • Indexes

Quick answers

Who wrote The Purcell Papers?

The Purcell Papers was written by Sheridan Le Fanu and Alfred Perceval Graves and first published in 1880.

What genre is The Purcell Papers?

It is usually shelved as Myth & Legend Fiction, Ghost Stories, Classic Fantasy and Fairy Tales & Folklore.

How long is The Purcell Papers?

The median edition has 112 pages, about 2–3 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.

Is The Purcell Papers free to read?

Yes. It is in the public domain in the United States and can be read free on Project Gutenberg in EPUB, Kindle and HTML formats.

What books are similar to The Purcell Papers?

Readers who like it often enjoy Dracula, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle.

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