Simon Marsden (1)Critiques

An exceptional read, and an equally exceptional visual feast! I loved this book and will certainly be adding more of Simon Marsden's works to my endless list of things to read. The narrative compliments to sublime aura of the book that his photography conjures and, sat in the dead of night, it's easy to allow your imagination to run riot.

I'll be returning to this one when I comes time to write some more horror.

Thanks Simon.

The b&w photography is beautifully presented. Lyrically haunting as befits the short summaries of the possible haunting(s) of the homes accompanying the photos.

L'auteur a parcouru la France à la recherche de lieux hantés - surtout des châteaux abandonnés et des cimetières. Le texte est intéressant; Marsden est très sensible à l'esprit des lieux, parfois il suggère des choses que je me suis déjà demandé (la mémoire des pierres dans le cristal et le silicone, est-ce que nous pouvons hériter de la mémoire de nos ancêtres), parfois il se sent observé dans ces lieux insolites. Ce qui me plaît surtout ce sont les photographies, extraordinaires, du noir-blanc sur film intrarouge qui donne une impression étrange de présences à peine cachées. Elles fichent tellement la trouille que mon mari, qui avait acheté ce livre, n'ose pas les regarder!

Absolutely fabulous pictures throughout, and lovely to look at otherwise (great coffee table display book!). The stories are just in-depth enough to satisfy, and "lightly" written for entertainment. We all knew France is a fascinating, historical gold mine - who knew it was also creepy? Terrific book for everyone, treasure for collectors!½

I bought this title expecting some wonderful ghost stories. The pictures are better than the text. This turned out to be a travel log of the author through sites that are supposedly haunted. Personally, I would have liked to hear about the tales of the places and less about the authors experiences.

Although not quite as interesting or well-written as some of the more cheaply produced, less well-known local guides out there "This Spectred Isle" is a sumptuous pictorial journey throughout the haunted castles and secret locations across England. Some of the stories you may know others might be new but I never go anywhere in England without taking this book with me. Several of the properties or locations mentioned are owned by English Heritage (who produced the book) or by the National Trust and are great visits in and of themselves, while other areas mentioned are areas of outstanding natural beauty.
It was this book that caused me to make a trip to Lydford Gorge and this book that encouraged me to visit Rochester castle (among many others) and I am exceptionally pleased I did. Again, if you aren't into ghosts ignore the ghost stories and take this book as a guide to some of the best castles, houses, stone circles, and natural wonders across England.

Beautifully and hauntingly photographed images of haunted properties in the British Isles. Photographs and text.

Location : NWS - CI/SfB : 999 / UDC : 7.036.6(43)

old Parson's library book