The Purcell Papers — Volume 1
by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814–1873)
- Free to read
- 2 hours to read
- 5 chapters
- Reading level: 10th to 12th grade
"The Purcell Papers — Volume 1" by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a collection of stories written during the mid-19th century. The work presents a series of narratives that explore themes of the supernatural, mystery, and the complexities of human emotion, drawing on Irish folklore and traditions. The initial tales are likely to feature intriguing characters such as parish priest Francis Purcell, who serves as a collector of local legends and is central to the telling of these stories. The opening of this collection introduces readers to the life and legacy of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu through a detailed memoir that chronicles his early years, influences, and rise as a notable figure in Gothic fiction. Following this, the first story, "The Ghost and the Bone-setter," begins with Purcell discovering an engaging tale filled with rich Irish superstitions. This narrative hints at a blend of humor and horror, emphasizing the Irish cultural context through character dialogue and storytelling style. Academic interest in the collection may revolve around its depictions of the supernatural and the intricate interplay of folklore within the narratives, allowing readers to appreciate the social and historical implications embedded in Le Fanu's work.
- Fantasy fiction, English
- Ireland
Read the opening
The Ghost and the Bone Setter
In looking over the papers of my late valued and respected friend, Francis Purcell, who for nearly fifty years discharged the arduous duties of a parish priest in the south of Ireland, I met with the following document. It is one of many such; for he was a curious and industrious collector of old local traditions—a commodity in which the quarter where he resided mightily abounded. The collection and arrangement of such legends was, as long as I can remember him, his hobby; but I had never learned that his love of the marvellous and whimsical had carried him so far as to prompt him to commit the results of his inquiries to writing, until, in the character of residuary legatee, his will put me in possession of all his manuscript papers. To such as may think the composing of such productions as these inconsistent with the character and habits of a country priest, it is necessary to observe, that there did exist a race of priests—those of the old school, a race now nearly extinct—whose education abroad tended to produce in them tastes more literary than have yet been evinced by the alumni of Maynooth.
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About this edition
This free edition of The Purcell Papers — Volume 1 by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #509, released 2008-05-24. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Short Stories, Crime, Thrillers and Mystery, Mythology, Legends & Folklore, British Literature.
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