Tartarus Press

publishers

Ringstones

and Other Curious Tales

by

Sarban

 

Ringstones and Other Curious Tales ‘have a curiously-imparted quality of strangeness; the feeling of having strayed over the border of experience into a world where other dimensions operate.’ So said one of the original reviewers of these unique stories, first published in 1951.

 

The title story is set on the Northumberland moors, where Daphne Hazel appears to cross the boundaries of time, becoming involved with terrifying personalities from the mysterious past. ‘Calmahain’ deals delicately and imaginatively with two children’s attempts at escape from the grim realities of the Home Front during World War Two. Sarban shows himself equally at home in the Middle East, where, against an authentic background of expatriate life, three further stories explore ancient legends with spine-chilling results.

 

Ringstones and Other Curious Tales, Sarban’s first published work, established him amongst critics and readers as a writer of unusually evocative power.

 

First published in 1951, this collection contains 'A Christmas Story',' Capra', 'Calmahain', 'The Khan' and 'Ringstones'.

 

Reviews

"Let us be thankful that Tartarus Press have given us this lovely edition of his work." - Roger Johnson, All Hallows

"This creative blending that marks his work as truly something of his own makes for compelling, unforgettable and unputdownable reading that stuck with me long after the last page had been turned. Beyond highly recommended--truly a collection I will never forget." Nancy Oakes, Oddly Weird Fiction

 

Also available by Sarban

The Sound of His Horn and Other Stories

The Doll Maker

 

See also Time, A Falconer, a biography of Sarban by Mark Valentine