Description
The Golgotha Dancers by Manly Wade Wellman is a captivating and thrilling masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together elements of horror, mystery, and folklore. Set in the secluded Appalachian mountains, Wellman transports readers to a world where ancient superstitions and deep-rooted beliefs coexist with the modern age.
The story follows John Graham, a talented young newspaper reporter, who stumbles upon a bizarre and disturbing series of events surrounding a small community known as Golgotha. As he delves deeper into the mysteries, Graham becomes entangled in a web of dark magic and unspeakable rituals that threaten to consume the entire town.
Wellman’s writing is richly atmospheric, painting a vivid and palpable picture of the eerie landscape and its inhabitants. His meticulous attention to detail creates a sense of unease and foreboding that lingers throughout the entire narrative. The Appalachian folklore and legends that are interwoven within the plot lend an air of authenticity and add an extra layer of intrigue.
The Golgotha Dancers is not merely a horror novel; it is a deeply thought-provoking examination of human nature and the age-old battle between good and evil. Wellman masterfully explores the themes of faith, sacrifice, and the power of belief, posing profound questions about the nature of evil and its influence on society.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, each playing their part in the unfolding drama. Graham, in particular, is a compelling protagonist, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering determination to unveil the truth. As he faces increasingly perilous situations, Graham’s growth as a character is evident, making his journey all the more enthralling.
One of the most commendable aspects of The Golgotha Dancers is the author’s ability to maintain a steady pace and build tension. Wellman skillfully balances moments of intense action with introspective passages, allowing readers to catch their breath before plunging them back into the heart-pounding suspense.
While the book does require some suspension of disbelief, the author’s attention to detail and his knowledge of the subject matter lend credibility to the supernatural events that unfold. The portrayal of Appalachian culture and the incorporation of real folklore adds an element of realism, making the overall narrative even more compelling.
In conclusion, The Golgotha Dancers is a masterfully crafted novel that combines elements of horror, mystery, and folklore to create an atmospheric and spine-chilling tale. With its thought-provoking themes, well-developed characters, and skillful storytelling, Manly Wade Wellman has produced a gripping and unforgettable work that will delight fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating his next literary offering.
First Page:
The Golgotha Dancers
By MANLY WADE WELLMAN
[Transcriber Note: This etext was produced from Weird Tales October 1937. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
[Sidenote: A curious and terrifying story about an artist who sold his soul that he might paint a living picture ]
I had come to the Art Museum to see the special show of Goya prints, but that particular gallery was so crowded that I could hardly get in, much less see or savor anything; wherefore I walked out again. I wandered through the other wings with their rows and rows of oils, their Greek and Roman sculptures, their stern ranks of medieval armors, their Oriental porcelains, their Egyptian gods. At length, by chance and not by design, I came to the head of a certain rear stairway. Other habitués of the museum will know the one I mean when I remind them that Arnold Böcklin’s The Isle of the Dead hangs on the wall of the landing.
I started down, relishing in advance the impression Böcklin’s picture would make with its high brown rocks and black poplars, its midnight sky and gloomy film of sea, its single white figure erect in the bow of the beach nosing skiff. But, as I descended, I saw that The Isle of the Dead was not in its accustomed position on the wall… Continue reading book >>
