Hieroglyphics: A Note upon Ecstasy in Literature

Book excerpt: First published in 1902, “Hieroglyphics: A Note upon Ecstasy in Literature” is an analysis of the nature of literature by Welsh author Arthur Machan. Within it, Machan concludes that to be 'true' literature, the work must contain or convey a sense of 'ecstasy'. This fascinating volume will appeal to both writers and readers with an interest in Machan's seminal work, and it would make for a worthy addition to collections of allied literature. Arthur Machen (1863 – 1947) was a Welsh author and renowned mystic during the 1890s and early 20th century who garnered literary acclaim for his contributions to the supernatural, horror, and fantasy fiction genres. His seminal novella “The Great God Pan” (1890) has become a classic of horror fiction, with Stephen King describing it as one of the best horror stories ever written in the English language. Other notable fans of his gruesome tales include William Butler Yeats and Arthur Conan Doyle; and his work has been compared to that of Robert Louis Stevenson, Bram Stoker, and Oscar Wilde. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.