I like Ramsey Campbell a lot. He is one of those authors that many find hard to connect with. I find his stuff extremely creepy. I agree that starting with his short stories is the way to go. Great video as always!
New to book tube and finding my way around. Not keen on horror but it is great we have different taste. Best wishes with your reading choices in 2024. I hope you get some great reads.
Thank you so much for watching! There is absolutely nothing wrong with having different tastes! Browse around, I am sure you will find what you are looking for. If you ever decide to venture into the dark side... I'll be waiting. 😁 Happy 2024!
The Grin of the Dark was the first Campbell I read, and it scared the hell out of me. Some of the imagery in that book still comes to mind sometimes. I am a sucker for any book about haunted or cursed media/performers though.
I run hot and cold on Ramsey Campbell myself, for all the reasons you mentioned. I often find his writing obtuse and hard to get a hold of, but I also own a lot of his books and have read a few things I've really liked. I really enjoyed his book "Ancient Images," about a lost horror film. "Grin of the Dark" sounds quite similar, and I own a copy of it, so I'll have to check that out. I also own his short story collection "Dark Companions," and hearing what you've said about his short stories, I might check that out soon too. As you mentioned, short stories are a little easier to swallow and get a handle on whether you like an author or not. Wonderful overview! I appreciate your passion and knowledge, and your accent is lovely to listen to. 😊And I can tell you have great taste just from your bookshelves alone. 😛
Thank you so much for the kind words! I will have to give Ancient Images a try but I definitely prefer his short stories. I will revisit his work later in the year, but in the meantime there are so many other books to read.
Hi Cliff thanks for the video !! I’m really amazed that I’ve never heard of Ramsey Campbell before ?? I mean I’m into my books and I’m from the UK !! Anyway thanks for bringing him to my attention
I’ve only read one Campbell and it was the midnight sun. I really enjoyed it (gave it a 5star) it was very slow burn cosmic horror. I had never heard of the author and it popped up in my Amazon kindle dollar deal day at the beginning of the year. I’ll definitely check out more of his works.
Thanks for sharing, Cliff. Both The Grin in the Dark and Hungry Moon sound interesting. Maybe we can do a buddy read when you get to 'em. I'd be up for reading them too.
Ramsey Campbell is my favourite Horror writer, and Nazareth Hill is my favourite Horror novel. I’m an outlier, in that I prefer the novels over the short stories…but I have tried out some more of his short stories recently, after a hiatus, and am more in tune with what to expect, including confusion at first. Of the three you showed which you have not read - I very much enjoyed The Hungry Moon, but if I had to recommend one over the other, I suggest Obsession. It’s one of my faves. I know it’s highly regarded - and as a Ramsey Campbell fanatic this is a bit embarrassing - but I have not got to The Grin in the Dark; but it’s nice to have a popular one left to read. My Top 5 Ramsey Campbell novels: Nazareth Hill The Count of Eleven Incarnate The Lonely Lands Obsession I found Midnight Sun just a little too quiet and slow, so that’s one where I seem to differ with the consensus. By contrast, I recall being quite happy with The Long Lost, whereas it seems your reaction is pretty common. I read the short story books Cold Print, and Dark Feasts - both considered brilliant - when I was younger, and was underwhelmed. But I can say that when I went to the tales in Ghosts and Grisly Things only months ago, I took the time to absorb the stories and of course was more prepared for the way Campbell ends many of his shorties. I probably should re-read the older collections these days. I still go to the very recent novels - I’ve loved Fellstones, and Somebody’s Voice, and I started this year with The Lonely Lands which somehow became one of my favourites. But I’m not sure any of those should be part of the ‘Ramsey Campbell Starter Kit’, especially Somebody’s Voice (which I think every fan of the author should certainly get to…but not first or second). To love Ramsey Campbell is to love: (a) snarky, petty, snippy-comment characters, who refuse to say one thing pleasant, and pick pick pick pick, snipe snipe snipe, until you would like to push them off a cliff. (b) a constant and somehow growing sense of unease, starting with the environment itself, or how the troubled character perceives the environment - anything normally harmless can seem sinister, even just for a second - and this combined with situations slowly descending into full-scale Horror, can perhaps be scratching on a blackboard for some readers. I was put off and yet still fascinated by the guy’s writing for about two books, and then his unique style sort of broke through the side effect of aggravation I was having, and I came to want this, this feeling, this weird feeling, over and over again. But, I prefer to go to Ramsey Campbell only now and then; I would not read a lot of his books over a short span of time. I think that I would start to get tired of that special feeling only he gives me. He also kind of exhausts me, in a good way. Maybe that pleasurable exhaustion is something I can’t get from the short stories, that real put-through-the-wringer feel that he doesn’t go for in the short work. (c) Finally, to love Ramsey Campbell is to love even the ‘minor’ works, even the heavily disliked (ie. low-rated at Goodreads) stuff…like Ghosts Know, Creatures of the Pool, The Claw - heck, my favourite short story collection so far is the neglected book Strange Things and Stranger Places, which contains ‘Old Clothes’, one of my favourite short Horror stories (I said I was an outlier). Given the popular opinion that the short stories are the place to start for an intro, I think you are right to hype them most of all…but I would say this: if you find you don’t much like the short stories, please try one of the novels; they have a somewhat different effect. I love the author, so I had to speak my piece, and also…Subscribe to the channel. Thanks for the video!
Thank you so much for this! It is awesome to hear from a true fan and I love the passion in your response. This is the kind of comment I would like to print and literally read out on my channel! Although I prefer his short stories, I will definitely take your recommendations seriously and I think I will add Obsession to a tbr in future, possibly February! I will also be on the lookout for Nazareth Hill when I have finished my 100 book challenge. Thank you for taking the time to "speak your piece". I love the passion and dedication you have towards the author and his works.I think it is truly special how you pointed out WHY you love the author. This has made me think about WHY I love my favorites and that kind of introspection is always healthy. I also appreciate longer comments personally because it shows that my video impacted and touched the viewer on a deeper level. I sincerely hope you enjoy more of my content in future! Take Care!
While Campbell's novels are hit or miss for me, he is tied with M.R. James for my absolute favorite short story writers (and of course, a lot of Campbell's short stories show James' influence). He's written several short stories that actually have scared me, which doesn't happen all that often. Of his novels that I've read, my favorite by far is Nazareth Hill.
Thanks for watching! I do enjoy his short stories more then the novels I have read so far. I will try Nazareth Hill one day, thanks for the recommendation.
I like Ramsey Campbell a lot. He is one of those authors that many find hard to connect with. I find his stuff extremely creepy. I agree that starting with his short stories is the way to go. Great video as always!
Thanks so much Michael! His work is dark and very creepy. I enjoy his short stories but have definitely struggled with his novels.
New to book tube and finding my way around. Not keen on horror but it is great we have different taste. Best wishes with your reading choices in 2024. I hope you get some great reads.
Thank you so much for watching! There is absolutely nothing wrong with having different tastes! Browse around, I am sure you will find what you are looking for. If you ever decide to venture into the dark side... I'll be waiting. 😁 Happy 2024!
The Grin of the Dark was the first Campbell I read, and it scared the hell out of me. Some of the imagery in that book still comes to mind sometimes. I am a sucker for any book about haunted or cursed media/performers though.
Thanks for watching! I will definitely get to it, you make it sound very interesting!
Great overview of a fascinating author - thanks Cliff
Thank you Roy! Happy you enjoyed the video!
Fantastic video , I always learn something awesome from you my friend. I will definitely keep a look out for this author 😊
Thanks Bad!
I run hot and cold on Ramsey Campbell myself, for all the reasons you mentioned. I often find his writing obtuse and hard to get a hold of, but I also own a lot of his books and have read a few things I've really liked. I really enjoyed his book "Ancient Images," about a lost horror film. "Grin of the Dark" sounds quite similar, and I own a copy of it, so I'll have to check that out. I also own his short story collection "Dark Companions," and hearing what you've said about his short stories, I might check that out soon too. As you mentioned, short stories are a little easier to swallow and get a handle on whether you like an author or not. Wonderful overview! I appreciate your passion and knowledge, and your accent is lovely to listen to. 😊And I can tell you have great taste just from your bookshelves alone. 😛
Thank you so much for the kind words! I will have to give Ancient Images a try but I definitely prefer his short stories. I will revisit his work later in the year, but in the meantime there are so many other books to read.
Hi Cliff thanks for the video !! I’m really amazed that I’ve never heard of Ramsey Campbell before ?? I mean I’m into my books and I’m from the UK !! Anyway thanks for bringing him to my attention
It's a pleasure James! So glad you enjoyed the video.
I’ve only read one Campbell and it was the midnight sun. I really enjoyed it (gave it a 5star) it was very slow burn cosmic horror. I had never heard of the author and it popped up in my Amazon kindle dollar deal day at the beginning of the year. I’ll definitely check out more of his works.
Thank you for the recommendation Mandy! I definitely do want to read more by the author.
Interesting video! I definitely learned a lot, having never read Ramsey Campbell 🙂
Thank you Nym! I enjoy learning about new authors too.
Thanks for sharing, Cliff. Both The Grin in the Dark and Hungry Moon sound interesting. Maybe we can do a buddy read when you get to 'em. I'd be up for reading them too.
That's a great idea Michael! How about March/ April! I have a buddy read lined up for February already.
OK. We'll talk abou it in March and see where we're at. I'll be moving to a new country in March. (Don't know which one yet...)@@CliffsDarkGems
All the best for the move!@@Michael_Wertenberg
Ramsey Campbell is my favourite Horror writer, and Nazareth Hill is my favourite Horror novel. I’m an outlier, in that I prefer the novels over the short stories…but I have tried out some more of his short stories recently, after a hiatus, and am more in tune with what to expect, including confusion at first.
Of the three you showed which you have not read - I very much enjoyed The Hungry Moon, but if I had to recommend one over the other, I suggest Obsession. It’s one of my faves. I know it’s highly regarded - and as a Ramsey Campbell fanatic this is a bit embarrassing - but I have not got to The Grin in the Dark; but it’s nice to have a popular one left to read.
My Top 5 Ramsey Campbell novels:
Nazareth Hill
The Count of Eleven
Incarnate
The Lonely Lands
Obsession
I found Midnight Sun just a little too quiet and slow, so that’s one where I seem to differ with the consensus. By contrast, I recall being quite happy with The Long Lost, whereas it seems your reaction is pretty common. I read the short story books Cold Print, and Dark Feasts - both considered brilliant - when I was younger, and was underwhelmed. But I can say that when I went to the tales in Ghosts and Grisly Things only months ago, I took the time to absorb the stories and of course was more prepared for the way Campbell ends many of his shorties. I probably should re-read the older collections these days.
I still go to the very recent novels - I’ve loved Fellstones, and Somebody’s Voice, and I started this year with The Lonely Lands which somehow became one of my favourites. But I’m not sure any of those should be part of the ‘Ramsey Campbell Starter Kit’, especially Somebody’s Voice (which I think every fan of the author should certainly get to…but not first or second).
To love Ramsey Campbell is to love:
(a) snarky, petty, snippy-comment characters, who refuse to say one thing pleasant, and pick pick pick pick, snipe snipe snipe, until you would like to push them off a cliff.
(b) a constant and somehow growing sense of unease, starting with the environment itself, or how the troubled character perceives the environment - anything normally harmless can seem sinister, even just for a second - and this combined with situations slowly descending into full-scale Horror, can perhaps be scratching on a blackboard for some readers. I was put off and yet still fascinated by the guy’s writing for about two books, and then his unique style sort of broke through the side effect of aggravation I was having, and I came to want this, this feeling, this weird feeling, over and over again. But, I prefer to go to Ramsey Campbell only now and then; I would not read a lot of his books over a short span of time. I think that I would start to get tired of that special feeling only he gives me. He also kind of exhausts me, in a good way. Maybe that pleasurable exhaustion is something I can’t get from the short stories, that real put-through-the-wringer feel that he doesn’t go for in the short work.
(c) Finally, to love Ramsey Campbell is to love even the ‘minor’ works, even the heavily disliked (ie. low-rated at Goodreads) stuff…like Ghosts Know, Creatures of the Pool, The Claw - heck, my favourite short story collection so far is the neglected book Strange Things and Stranger Places, which contains ‘Old Clothes’, one of my favourite short Horror stories (I said I was an outlier).
Given the popular opinion that the short stories are the place to start for an intro, I think you are right to hype them most of all…but I would say this: if you find you don’t much like the short stories, please try one of the novels; they have a somewhat different effect. I love the author, so I had to speak my piece, and also…Subscribe to the channel. Thanks for the video!
Thank you so much for this! It is awesome to hear from a true fan and I love the passion in your response. This is the kind of comment I would like to print and literally read out on my channel!
Although I prefer his short stories, I will definitely take your recommendations seriously and I think I will add Obsession to a tbr in future, possibly February! I will also be on the lookout for Nazareth Hill when I have finished my 100 book challenge.
Thank you for taking the time to "speak your piece". I love the passion and dedication you have towards the author and his works.I think it is truly special how you pointed out WHY you love the author. This has made me think about WHY I love my favorites and that kind of introspection is always healthy. I also appreciate longer comments personally because it shows that my video impacted and touched the viewer on a deeper level. I sincerely hope you enjoy more of my content in future! Take Care!
I see his books and have to agree they tend to have great covers 👌
Thanks Big Al! They certainly do!
While Campbell's novels are hit or miss for me, he is tied with M.R. James for my absolute favorite short story writers (and of course, a lot of Campbell's short stories show James' influence). He's written several short stories that actually have scared me, which doesn't happen all that often. Of his novels that I've read, my favorite by far is Nazareth Hill.
Thanks for watching! I do enjoy his short stories more then the novels I have read so far. I will try Nazareth Hill one day, thanks for the recommendation.
I read the doll that ate his mother because of the cover and I agree the story was nothing like the cover
Absolutely agree, thanks for watching!
I've read a several of his books. Most were okay but I found them to be very slow.
Thanks for watching Reggie! Agreed, his writing is very slow and sometimes tedious.