Gates of Imagination

When a penniless young Englishman accepts a mysterious post as secretary to a reserved gentleman named Mr. Smith, he has no inkling of the harrowing journey ahead. Drawn across the Atlantic and deep into the desolate valleys of the American frontier, he finds himself engulfed in a land where silence masks menace, and every human face seems turned against him. Haunted by inexplicable hostility and a growing sense of dread, he stumbles upon a secret so horrific it defies comprehension. But the truth, once seen, cannot be unseen—and some valleys echo with darkness long after you've left them behind.

En un pequeño pueblo olvidado donde el tiempo parece haberse detenido, un antiguo profesor conoce al misterioso Sr. Kempe. Este hombre extraordinario ha dedicado su vida a explorar los secretos de la vida después de la muerte. A medida que se desarrolla la conversación, la atmósfera se vuelve cada vez más inquietante y la frontera entre la realidad y el sueño se difumina. ¿Te atreves a sumergirte en esta historia llena de ambigüedad y sutil tensión? «El Sr. Kempe», de Walter de la Mare, es una historia que te cautivará desde la primera pági...

“Mother of Toads” is a short story by Clark Ashton Smith, originally published in the July issue of Weird Tales in 1938. The plot revolves around a young apothecary’s assistant who encounters an extraordinary witch deep in the forest. Readers are drawn into a mysterious world where magic and supernatural phenomena intertwine with human desires and fears. The tale is filled with intriguing details and unexpected twists that will captivate fans of horror and fantasy.

In the quietude of an English manor nestled near mist-shrouded woods and forgotten hills, a young woman finds herself drawn into the enigmatic world of Professor Gregg—an unorthodox scholar obsessed with forbidden knowledge. What begins as a tale of rescue from destitution soon unfolds into a deeper mystery: cryptic symbols etched in stone, strange outbursts from a mute boy, and a haunting name whispered in a dead language. As she observes the professor’s descent into obsession, she must confront the growing dread that something stirs in the shadow of the hills—something older than myth, and far more terrif...

While researching the history of a church in Viborg, Denmark, the narrator’s cousin stays at a local inn, choosing room number 12. However, during the night, strange occurrences lead him to confront the door marked number 13.

In the labyrinthine streets of Victorian London, a missed train leads Frank Burton into the mysterious home of Mr. Mathias—a collector of the strange and macabre. Invited to spend the night, Burton is drawn into a shadowy world filled with sinister artifacts and chilling curiosities. But it is the latest addition to the collection, a sinister bronze figure known as the Iron Maid, that promises to blur the line between fascination and terror. What secrets lie hidden in the silent rooms, and what price comes with unveiling the horrors of the past? "Novel of the Iron Maid" by Arthur Ma...

In the stillness of a war-torn night, beneath the soft rustle of silkworms, a young soldier lies awake—haunted by the fear that sleep might steal his soul. As memories drift between childhood trout streams and the quiet rituals of prayer, he searches for meaning, connection, and peace in a world fractured by violence. Introspective and quietly powerful, this story explores the fragile boundary between waking and dreaming, solitude and survival.

A humorous and nostalgic tale from H.G. Wells that captures the pioneering days of aviation. Meet a young, enthusiastic adventurer who, in 1912, sets his mind on becoming the first man to fly in the provincial town of Mintonchester. Armed with his first aeroplane - proudly named "Alauda Magna" - and more courage than experience, our hero embarks on an aerial adventure that will forever change the life of his sleepy town. This is a story about youthful dreams, determination, and the price of progress, told with Wells' characteristic wit and ironic distance from reality. A delightful reminder of a...

Swept by fate into the black tide of the unknown, Prince Yadar sets sail on a desperate quest across the shadow-haunted continent of Zothique, in search of his lost beloved, Dalili. But when a storm casts his ship into the sinister currents of the Black River—toward the dreaded Isle of Naat—he finds himself stranded in a realm where death does not end, and love may return only as a ghost of its former self. A tale of doomed romance, eerie enchantment, and macabre wonder, Necromancy in Naat is one of Clark Ashton Smith’s finest entries in his Zothiq...

One of the most well-known Outer God, Nyarlathotep, makes his literary debut. A prose poem that is a record of a dream. The narrator is encouraged by a friend to see a show of an extraordinary "traveling showman or lecturer who lectured in public auditoriums and aroused general fear and heated discussions about his exhibitions".

In a world where the lines between science and philosophy begin to blur, Moxon—a mysterious inventor—challenges the idea that only humans can think. When his friend visits him in his secluded house filled with machines, unsettling signs emerge. Can machines truly possess consciousness? And if so, what are the consequences of such intelligence? As the night turns into a nightmare, one thing becomes clear—Moxon may be the master of his craft, but who is truly in control of the game?

In a world where the sun wanes over a dying Earth, the poet Valzain is consumed by weariness and disillusionment with all earthly pleasures. Seeking solace, he leaves behind the orgiastic feasts of the city of Umbri and wanders into the night toward a forgotten necropolis — a place said to be haunted by the spirit of Princess Morthylla, an ancient lamia still hungry for love. What he encounters among the tombs and shadows may be a dream, an illusion... or a truth more perilous than death.

In the Valley of Nis, where moonlight barely pierces through dense foliage, lies a mystery of a long-forgotten civilization. Among ancient palace ruins, beneath moss and ivy, an enigmatic dialogue unfolds between the Daemon of Memory and the Moon's Genie about the mysterious race that built these monumental structures. In this poetic tale, H.P. Lovecraft weaves a melancholic narrative about the transience of human greatness, where present and past intertwine into an unsettling whole.

In the spring of 1919, New York City bursts with victory parades, glittering parties, and the illusion of prosperity. But beneath the surface, returning soldiers, fallen aristocrats, and restless idealists drift through a world that no longer fits them. Over the course of a single night, lives intertwine in unexpected ways—exposing the fragile dreams, hidden desperation, and haunting disillusionment of a generation caught between glory and ruin.

Lieutenant Herman Brayle was the kind of soldier one never forgets—tall, striking, and always fearless under fire. His bravery bordered on defiance, earning both admiration and quiet concern from his fellow officers. In the chaos of the Civil War, his choices stand out—but when the moment of truth arrives, his final act speaks louder than any battle cry. Ambrose Bierce weaves a haunting tale of war, pride, and the subtle line between courage and recklessness. Can a single letter seal a man’s fate?

In the mysterious mansion of Mr. Abney, the hearts of vanished children continue to beat. Young Stephen must uncover the macabre secret behind this phenomenon before he becomes the next victim. Can love and revenge endure beyond the grave? M.R. James’s “Lost Hearts” weaves a chilling tale where mystery and the occult intertwine in unforgettable ways. Will Stephen unravel the enigma and save his own heart? Find out! 🌑🖤 .

At John Mortonson's funeral, everything goes as expected—mourners offer condolences, the minister delivers his eulogy, and the widow weeps over her loss. But as the final notes of the hymn fade away, something happens that makes everyone recoil in horror. Ambrose Bierce, master of macabre and irony, invites you to a funeral that will not soon be forgotten…

In a bustling Kansas cattle town, Steve Allison - known as the Sonora Kid - finds himself in deadly peril. As a trail boss responsible for delivering a massive sum of money back to the ranch, he becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. When the town fills with hostile buffalo hunters and violence hangs in the air, the Kid must face not only brutal adversaries but also uncover who's really behind the plot on his life. Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan the Barbarian, delivers a gripping tale of betrayal, violence, and justice in the wild world of the...

The unlucky traveler loses his way and ends up at a dilapidated estate. The owner of the property tells him the story of when, in his youth, he brought his wife back from a trip to France. The woman brought ruin to the household and its residents. No one knew what she truly was.

The tale of a negligent and lazy village gravedigger who receives a harsh lesson and realizes that diligent fulfillment of duties pays off. The idea for the story was sent to Lovecraft by C. W. Smith, the publisher of the magazine "The Tryout" (in which the text was first published – the last case when Lovecraft's story would appear first in an amateur newspaper). The publisher of "Weird Tales" rejected the story, even though it seemed tailor-made for the magazine's undemanding readership. The likely reason for this reluctance was the macabre nature of the text, which dealt with the deceased, and it...

"Markheim" is a dark tale of crime, mysteries, and the choices that shape our destinies. In an antique shop on Christmas Eve in London, Markheim commits a dreadful act – murder. But is it just an ordinary crime? Or is there something more hidden behind it? When a mysterious man appears in the shop, Markheim must make a decision that will change his life forever. Will he choose light or darkness? Find out for yourself in this intriguing story of sin and temptation.

A snappy backwoods romp: Jemina Tantrum runs a hidden still in the Kentucky hills until a smooth-talking outsider stirs up her world of feuds and moonshine. Fitzgerald winks at every frontier cliché- guns, grudges, and a spark of mischief - spinning them into a cheeky, fast-moving tale with surprising warmth.

John Bartine owns a watch—an old, heavy timepiece passed down through generations of his family. It’s just a watch, right? And yet, every night, he feels an irresistible urge to check it… and every time, a creeping sense of dread takes hold. Especially as the hands near eleven. Is it just superstition? Or is something far more sinister ticking beneath the golden case?

In the heart of mythical Hyborian Africa, Conan the Cimmerian sets out in search of the legendary Jewels of Gwahlur, hidden in the ancient city of Alkmeenon. In this tale full of intrigue and danger, Conan must face cunning adversaries, treacherous priests, and supernatural guardians of the treasure. Will he manage to obtain the priceless jewels, or will he be defeated by the forces that protect the secrets of Alkmeenon? "Jewels of Gwahlur" is a classic tale of adventure, betrayal, and relentless struggle for survival.

Set in a future where humanity is colonizing planets across the Solar System, the story follows a soldier stationed on Venus. Tasked with recovering a crystal of vital strategic importance, he soon finds himself caught in a trap laid by the planet’s native, lizard-like inhabitants — a deadly labyrinth of invisible walls. The original version of the story, written by the young Kenneth Sterling (based on the idea from Edmond Hamilton's story "The Monster-God of Mamurth"), was half as long. Lovecraft rewrote the work, preserving as many original elements as possible. The writers adorned "In the Walls of Eryx" with play...

A man seeking peace in a Parisian church encounters something far more sinister. During the service, he notices a mysterious, pale figure with a dark, menacing gaze that seems to be following him. Soon, reality begins to blur as he’s drawn into a nightmare filled with haunting visions and unanswered questions. Forced to confront his deepest fears, he slowly realizes that some forces cannot be escaped… especially when they lead him to the fabled gates of Carcosa.

Ebony and Crystal is a dreamlike journey through beauty, terror, longing, and wonder. In these poems, Clark Ashton Smith weaves visions of forgotten worlds, impossible cities, ancient gods, and loves that burn long after time itself has faded. His language shimmers with sensuality and cosmic dread, moving effortlessly from intimate emotion to vast, otherworldly landscapes.

Explorer and scientist Elstead embarks on an extraordinary mission - to become the first person to descend five miles beneath the ocean's surface in a specially constructed steel sphere. Despite his companions' skepticism, he believes in the success of his bold experiment. However, what he discovers in the dark depths will surpass his wildest imagination and forever change our understanding of the underwater world. In this classic tale, H.G. Wells combines adventure with science fiction, taking readers on a fascinating journey to places where no human has ever ventured before.

In the autumn streets of Milan, where cold winds descend from the mountains and electric lights pierce the early darkness, we meet a group of young officers trying to rebuild their lives after their front-line experiences. Every afternoon, they gather at an old, beautiful hospital for rehabilitation, where under the guidance of a Major - once Italy's greatest fencer - they attempt to restore function to their wounded bodies.

Setting out on a peaceful journey through the mystical hills of Hind Head, the protagonist is unprepared for an encounter that will forever alter his view of reality. What begins as a moment of solitude and reflection transforms into a series of unsettling events, culminating in a strange meeting with three enigmatic children whose actions seem almost supernatural. In Gibbet Hill by Bram Stoker, beauty and dread intertwine as nature's grandeur meets the darkest corners of the human spirit, leaving no one untouched.

Herbert West is a brilliant but disturbing scientist who has dedicated his life to conquering death itself. Together with his assistant, he conducts increasingly dangerous experiments, attempting to revive the deceased through a specially formulated serum. His obsessive quest for fresh corpses takes him from university halls through the battlefields of World War I to the darkest corners of Boston. With each new experiment, West descends deeper into madness, unaware that his own creations might one day return to haunt him.

“Gods of the North” (also known as “The Frost Giant’s Daughter” or "The Frost King’s Daughter") is one of Robert E. Howard’s earliest Conan stories. Set in the icy lands of Nordheim in the far north, it follows Conan, a young warrior from Cimmeria, as he becomes the sole survivor of a battle. Amidst the snowy landscape, he encounters the beautiful, naked daughter of Ymir, Atali, who tries to seduce him. The tale is rich with vivid descriptions and Howard’s masterful prose, though unfortunately, it is too short. It’s not just a story of swordplay and strategy; it a...

The narrator, forced to live in a big city, becomes increasingly disheartened and harbors growing hatred for this place. To summon beloved, historical visions of an ancient American town, he wanders the ancient, forgotten alleys at night. One night, he encounters a stranger who will show him peculiarities that exceed his wildest expectations. This story contains many autobiographical elements. The night encounter with a stranger offering to show unknown, old places really happened when Lovecraft was strolling with his wife in New York. Similarly, at some point, the narrator comes across Perry Street - a place that HPL discovered a...

A lonely scholar sets out to dedicate his life to books and knowledge - only to discover that the pursuit of learning can open doors best left closed. Drawn into the orbit of a mysterious figure named Dr. Lipsius, he is tempted with visions of pleasure, freedom, and forbidden secrets that shimmer just beyond the edge of ordinary life. But when curiosity gives way to initiation, the path leads into darker realms than he ever imagined

On a sweltering day at a Spanish railway station, a young American woman and her companion await their train to Madrid. What begins as casual conversation over beer and Anis del Toro masks deeper undercurrents, as tension builds with each exchanged remark. In his characteristic sparse style, Hemingway masterfully captures the complex dynamics of a relationship and the weight of unspoken words. "Hills Like White Elephants" is a brilliant study of communication, love, and life-altering choices, where the true meaning lies between the lines of dialogue.

At night, to stimulate synapses, one can use various means, with coffee leading the way. However, Reverend Jennings favored green tea. You will learn about the effects of its overuse and the fate of the clergyman in this horror short story...

Arthur Jermyn makes a discovery related to his family history that leads him to commit suicide. This secret reaches into the dark past and expeditions that his ancestor, Sir Wade Jermyn, undertook to the unknown Congo.

Amidst the haunting ambiance of a train station, an enigmatic sculptor extends an unforeseen hand to an unconscious stranger. As their connection deepens, they plunge into a realm of audacious drug-fueled experiments. Together, they peel back the veil on a universe more terrifying and enigmatic than the known, one that dwells in the crevices of our subconscious and dreams, a dimension beyond the confines of matter and time. But within a single dream, a monstrous revelation sets forth an unbreakable pact: never to succumb to sleep's embrace again.

A humorous tale of a fictional scholar from the 4th century, and his skull. The inspiration for the story stemmed from the mistaken belief of Maurice W. Moego's students that "ibid." (an abbreviation for the Latin "ibidem," meaning "in the same place") was the author's surname. The piece, in the process, serves as a satire on academic erudition and the meticulousness of scholarly work.

A short history of Howard Phillips Lovecraft's most famous book. Written as a help so that the author does not get lost in the facts that he scattered after the stories he wrote. The piece was written on both sides of a letter received from William J. Bryant.