Set for release on February 18th 2025 is the Folio Society's stunning limited edition of ‘The Lottery and Other Dark Tales' by acclaimed American writer Shirley Jackson. The news will delight fans of gothic horror and literary craftsmanship. This title follows the success of their deluxe editions of ‘The Haunting of Hill House‘ and ‘We Have Always Lived in the Castle‘, making the latest in the range of Shirley Jackson's catalogue an essential addition to any collector’s library.
Limited to just 250 copies, this meticulously crafted edition brings together 20 of Jackson’s most haunting short stories in a single volume for the first time. Each tale is a chilling exploration of human nature. This sense of unease is evoked by the ink-and-watercolour illustrations of Angie Hoffmeister, which bring an eerie visual depth to Jackson’s unsettling prose. The book also features a specially commissioned giclée print of the author, adding a unique artistic touch to this release.
The edition includes a new introduction by Ruth Franklin, the acclaimed biographer behind ‘Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life'. Franklin delves into the recurring themes of isolation, paranoia, and suppressed desires that permeate Jackson’s stories, offering a fresh perspective on her lasting literary influence.
Best known for the titular story, ‘The Lottery', which remains one of the most controversial and discussed short stories in American literature, this collection also features lesser-known gems that showcase Jackson’s mastery of psychological horror and suspense. From quiet domestic unease to full-fledged terror, her stories resonate with an unsettling familiarity that lingers long after reading.
Shirley Jackson's ‘The Lottery and Other Dark Tales' will be available exclusively through The Folio Society’s website for £250. With only 250 copies produced, this is an opportunity for collectors to own a definitive compendium of stories by of the 20th Century’s most influential writers.
