Buzz
For my inaugural post on Mytour, I’ve chosen to share a personal passion: a diverse selection of peculiar and enchanting fiction, largely from the early 20th-century masters of the bizarre. With technology evolving to the point where we can carry entire libraries in our pockets, a universe of literature became accessible to me. My journey began with an eReader app on my old iPod touch, moved to my Android phone, and eventually settled on a Kindle. While many still adore traditional books, the convenience of e-books, especially those no longer under copyright, opens up countless worlds for readers to explore without cost. All you need is an eReader or smartphone—or, if you prefer, a printer, ample paper, and a stapler.
The primary criterion for this list is that the books must be free of copyright restrictions and available at no cost. I’ve aimed to avoid repeating authors, though in some cases, I couldn’t resist including another work by the same writer, so I hope you’ll forgive these indulgences. These are my personal favorites, and I can’t rank them in a ‘top ten’ order, so I’ll present them chronologically instead.
10. The Divine Comedy Dante Alighieri – published in 1306
The oldest entry on this list by a significant margin, The Divine Comedy is a profound narrative chronicling Dante’s journey through Inferno, Purgatory, and ultimately Paradise. This masterpiece serves as an allegory for humanity’s quest for redemption, tracing the spiritual evolution of individuals. Inferno illustrates humanity’s fall from grace into sin, Purgatory portrays the struggle for redemption, and Paradise depicts the ascent toward divine closeness. While the themes may seem deeply religious, the work avoids being overly preachy and remains a captivating allegory. Originally penned in Italian as an epic poem, the translation can occasionally be complex, but the effort is immensely rewarding.
Fun fact: Two years ago, a video game titled Dante’s Inferno was released for the PS3 and Xbox 360, reimagining this epic poem as a gritty, action-packed gaming experience.
9. Crime and Punishment Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky – published 1866
Transitioning from a divine epic to a tale of existential struggle, Crime and Punishment stands as one of Dostoyevsky’s most celebrated works. The protagonist, Rodion, is a destitute former student who theorizes that certain individuals are justified in committing morally questionable acts for the greater good. He rationalizes the murder of a pawnbroker, a parasitic figure who exploits society’s vulnerable, intending to use the stolen wealth for noble purposes. The novel delves deeply into themes of guilt, remorse, and the moral dilemmas of doing what is right despite dire circumstances. A cornerstone of existential literature, this book offers a humanistic counterpoint to The Divine Comedy’s religious framework. While both are essential reads, Crime and Punishment provides a more grounded alternative.
8. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde Robert Louis Stevenson – published 1886
A timeless exploration of dual identities, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a story many are familiar with, though fewer have read the original novella. Contrary to popular depictions of a monstrous transformation, Mr. Hyde is essentially Dr. Jekyll stripped of his moral compass—a state Jekyll initially finds exhilarating. While Hyde’s appearance differs from Jekyll’s, the core distinction lies in their personalities, which shapes how others perceive them. As Hyde grows increasingly reckless, Jekyll begins to vanish for extended periods, until another murder brings the truth to light.
7. Island of Dr. Moreau H.G. Wells – published 1896
The first of two H.G. Wells selections on this list, The Island of Dr. Moreau marks the dawn of weird fiction at the turn of the century. The story follows Edward Prendick, a shipwreck survivor rescued by a crew transporting exotic animals to an island owned by Dr. Moreau. If the title doesn’t ring a bell, the premise of Dr. Moreau’s attempts to create sentient animals might. A quintessential mad scientist, Moreau’s experiments in anthropomorphizing animals raise profound questions about humanity’s nature and the ethical responsibilities tied to creation. This narrative eerily foreshadows modern debates surrounding sentient AI and the moral implications of creating entities capable of expressing their emotions.
6. The War of the Worlds H.G. Wells – published 1898
Long before Independence Day, there was The War of the Worlds. This iconic tale recounts the invasion of Earth by Martians—actual beings from Mars—targeting London and its surrounding areas. The unnamed narrator navigates the chaos of the invasion, desperately searching for his wife. A cornerstone of science fiction before the genre was formally recognized, it was originally termed ‘science romance.’ The narrative captures the perspective of an ordinary man witnessing his city’s devastation by a technologically superior alien force. Themes of imperialism and Darwinism permeate the story, and it’s refreshing to see an alien invasion centered outside America, reflecting London’s status as the ‘Center of the Universe’ at the time.
5. The Metamorphosis Franz Kafka – published 1915
A profound exploration of the human psyche, The Metamorphosis follows Gregor Samsa’s inexplicable transformation into a giant, insect-like creature. The story demands readers accept this bizarre change without explanation, focusing instead on the consequences. As Gregor becomes increasingly alienated from his family, communication breaks down, though he can still understand them. His actions are misunderstood, creating tension and strain within the household. This poignant narrative culminates in a deeply reflective ending, leaving readers to ponder its themes of isolation and identity.
4. The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath H. P. Lovecraft – published posthumously in 1943
The first entry from the author who ignited my passion for literature, this work is deeply tied to the Cthulhu Mythos while exploring the depths of the human subconscious and the realms accessible through imagination. It raises profound questions, such as whether imagined experiences hold reality for the dreamer. As the longest story in Lovecraft’s Dream Cycle, it features Randolph Carter, a recurring protagonist, who dreams of a breathtaking Sunset City. Obsessed with finding it, Carter prays to the Dream Gods, only to stop dreaming of the city altogether. Determined, he ventures into the Dream Realm to locate Kadath, the abode of the Dream Gods, and demand answers. Along the way, he encounters both allies and adversaries, uncovering secrets tied to other Lovecraft tales like ‘The Cats of Ulthar,’ ‘Pickman’s Model,’ and ‘The Other Gods.’ While prior knowledge of these stories enriches the experience, the Dream Quest stands out for its imaginative and captivating journey.
3. Nineteen Eighty-four George Orwell – published 1948
Concluding this list is arguably the most renowned book, rivaled only by The War of the Worlds. Set in a grim dystopian future, the government exerts total control over every facet of life. Winston Smith, a civil servant, alters historical records to ensure The Party’s infallibility and perpetuate propaganda that suppresses independent thought. However, Winston harbors intellectual resistance against ‘Big Brother’ and forms a forbidden relationship with Julia, a fellow rebel. Their defiance against The Party’s oppressive regime introduces concepts like ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Room 101,’ which have since permeated popular culture. The novel also explores the manipulation of language through ‘Newspeak,’ designed to eliminate dissent. A cornerstone of dystopian literature, this book remains under copyright in some countries, such as the UK and USA, though it is accessible in Canada and Australia.
2. The Shadow over Innsmouth H. P. Lovecraft – published 1936
My rationale for including a second Lovecraft work (aside from him being my favorite author) is that this book exemplifies the Cthulhu Mythos, distinct from the Dream Cycle. H.P. Lovecraft excelled in crafting cosmic horror on a scale that evokes profound hopelessness and pessimism. While The Call of Cthulhu is his most famous tale, The Shadow Over Innsmouth provides a more accessible and cohesive conclusion for newcomers. The story follows Robert Olmstead as he explores New England, drawn by its antiquarian and architectural allure. In Innsmouth, he uncovers chilling tales of Deep Ones, who trade fish and gold for human sacrifices to their underwater city. The town’s eerie atmosphere is heightened by its peculiar inhabitants, all bearing the unsettling ‘Innsmouth Look.’ Stranded overnight due to a bus breakdown, Robert experiences a night of terror, culminating in a brilliantly sinister ending. While I could recommend numerous Lovecraft stories, this novella stands as a perfect introduction to his work.
1. The Tower of the Elephant Robert E Howard – published 1933
This marks one of Conan the Barbarian’s earliest appearances. In this adventure, a young Conan, still a thief, sets his sights on the Tower of the Elephant, rumored to house an immensely valuable gem at its pinnacle. Summarizing the plot does little justice to Robert E. Howard’s masterful storytelling, as he brings Conan to life with such vividness that every page is a delight. While Conan’s major life events occur between stories (such as becoming king of Aquilonia), his exploits brim with energy and vitality unmatched in the genre. Howard, a contemporary of Lovecraft, subtly weaves shared ideas into this tale. For enthusiasts, Howard’s fictional History of the Hyborean Age provides rich context, tracing the origins and evolution of the world Conan inhabits, from its rise to its eventual decline, offering a perfect prelude to the Conan saga.
