The Shelf https://plotpourri.com/ A shelf of freshly-minted short stories, refreshed daily across genres. en-us Sun, 25 Oct 2026 18:38:08 +0000 Wuthering Heights https://plotpourri.com/classics/wuthering-heights/index.html classic-wuthering-heights Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 1801—I have just returned from a visit to my landlord—the solitary neighbour that I shall be troubled with. This is certainly a beautiful country! In all England, I do not believe that I could have fixed on a situation… A classic novel by Emily Brontë.

1801—I have just returned from a visit to my landlord—the solitary neighbour that I shall be troubled with. This is certainly a beautiful country! In all England, I do not believe that I could have fixed on a situation…

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]]> Romance The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2 https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-works-of-edgar-allan-poe-—-volume-2/index.html classic-the-works-of-edgar-allan-poe-volume-2 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 Radiant palace—reared its head. In the monarch Thought’s dominion— It stood there! Never seraph spread a pinion Over fabric half so fair. Banners yellow, glorious, golden, A classic novel by Edgar Allan Poe.

Radiant palace—reared its head. In the monarch Thought’s dominion— It stood there! Never seraph spread a pinion Over fabric half so fair. Banners yellow, glorious, golden,

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]]> Horror The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1 https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-works-of-edgar-allan-poe-—-volume-1/index.html classic-the-works-of-edgar-allan-poe-volume-1 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 Of “never—never more!” This stanza from “The Raven” was recommended by James Russell Lowell as an inscription upon the Baltimore monument which marks the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe, the most interesting and… A classic novel by Edgar Allan Poe.

Of “never—never more!” This stanza from “The Raven” was recommended by James Russell Lowell as an inscription upon the Baltimore monument which marks the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe, the most interesting and…

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]]> Horror The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-works-of-edgar-allan-poe,-the-raven-edition/index.html classic-the-works-of-edgar-allan-poe-the-raven-edition Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 other means he had managed to lay by a tolerable sum of money. He was more attached to myself, I believe, than to any other person in the world, and I expected to inherit the most of his property at his death. He sent… A classic novel by Edgar Allan Poe.

other means he had managed to lay by a tolerable sum of money. He was more attached to myself, I believe, than to any other person in the world, and I expected to inherit the most of his property at his death. He sent…

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]]> Horror The Woman in White https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-woman-in-white/index.html classic-the-woman-in-white Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 It was the last day of July. The long hot summer was drawing to a close; and we, the weary pilgrims of the London pavement, were beginning to think of the cloud-shadows on the corn-fields, and the autumn breezes on the… A classic novel by Wilkie Collins.

It was the last day of July. The long hot summer was drawing to a close; and we, the weary pilgrims of the London pavement, were beginning to think of the cloud-shadows on the corn-fields, and the autumn breezes on the…

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]]> Mystery & Thriller The Turn of the Screw https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-turn-of-the-screw/index.html classic-the-turn-of-the-screw Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 I remember the whole beginning as a succession of flights and drops, a little seesaw of the right throbs and the wrong. After rising, in town, to meet his appeal, I had at all events a couple of very bad days—found… A classic novel by Henry James.

I remember the whole beginning as a succession of flights and drops, a little seesaw of the right throbs and the wrong. After rising, in town, to meet his appeal, I had at all events a couple of very bad days—found…

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]]> Horror The Picture of Dorian Gray https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-picture-of-dorian-gray/index.html classic-the-picture-of-dorian-gray Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of… A classic novel by Oscar Wilde.

The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of…

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]]> Horror The Phantom of the Opera https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-phantom-of-the-opera/index.html classic-the-phantom-of-the-opera Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 Author of “The Mystery of the Yellow Room” and “The Perfume of the Lady in Black” Contents Chapter PROLOGUE I IS IT A GHOST? A classic novel by Gaston Leroux.

Author of “The Mystery of the Yellow Room” and “The Perfume of the Lady in Black” Contents Chapter PROLOGUE I IS IT A GHOST?

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]]> Horror The Parasite: A Story https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-parasite-a-story/index.html classic-the-parasite-a-story Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 March 24. The spring is fairly with us now. Outside my laboratory window the great chestnut-tree is all covered with the big, glutinous, gummy buds, some of which have already begun to break into little green… A classic novel by Arthur Conan Doyle.

March 24. The spring is fairly with us now. Outside my laboratory window the great chestnut-tree is all covered with the big, glutinous, gummy buds, some of which have already begun to break into little green…

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]]> Horror The Mysteries of Udolpho https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-mysteries-of-udolpho/index.html classic-the-mysteries-of-udolpho Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:11 +0000 For parting us—Oh! and is all forgot? And will you rend our ancient love asunder? MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM In the evening, when Emily was at length informed, that Count De Villefort requested to see her, she guessed that… A classic novel by Ann Ward Radcliffe.

For parting us—Oh! and is all forgot? And will you rend our ancient love asunder? MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM In the evening, when Emily was at length informed, that Count De Villefort requested to see her, she guessed that…

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]]> Horror The Monkey's Paw https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-monkey-s-paw/index.html classic-the-monkey-s-paw Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Father and son were at chess, the former, who possessed ideas about the game involving… A classic novel by W. W. Jacobs.

Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Father and son were at chess, the former, who possessed ideas about the game involving…

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]]> Horror The Monk: A Romance https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-monk-a-romance/index.html classic-the-monk-a-romance Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 Is more to bread than stone. MEASURE FOR MEASURE. Scarcely had the Abbey Bell tolled for five minutes, and already was the Church of the Capuchins thronged with Auditors. Do not encourage the idea that the Crowd was… A classic novel by M. G. Lewis.

Is more to bread than stone. MEASURE FOR MEASURE. Scarcely had the Abbey Bell tolled for five minutes, and already was the Church of the Capuchins thronged with Auditors. Do not encourage the idea that the Crowd was…

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]]> Horror The Lair of the White Worm https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-lair-of-the-white-worm/index.html classic-the-lair-of-the-white-worm Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 Transcribed form the 1911 W. Foulsham & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM To my friend Bertha Nicoll with affectionate esteem. CHAPTER I—ADAM SALTON ARRIVES Adam… A classic novel by Bram Stoker.

Transcribed form the 1911 W. Foulsham & Co. Ltd. edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM To my friend Bertha Nicoll with affectionate esteem. CHAPTER I—ADAM SALTON ARRIVES Adam…

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]]> Horror The House on the Borderland https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-house-on-the-borderland/index.html classic-the-house-on-the-borderland Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 THE FINDING OF THE MANUSCRIPT Right away in the west of Ireland lies a tiny hamlet called Kraighten. It is situated, alone, at the base of a low hill. Far around there spreads a waste of bleak and totally inhospitable… A classic novel by William Hope Hodgson.

THE FINDING OF THE MANUSCRIPT Right away in the west of Ireland lies a tiny hamlet called Kraighten. It is situated, alone, at the base of a low hill. Far around there spreads a waste of bleak and totally inhospitable…

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]]> Horror The hills of the dead https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-hills-of-the-dead/index.html classic-the-hills-of-the-dead Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 The twigs which N’Longa flung on the fire broke and crackled. The upleaping flames lighted the countenances of the two men. N’Longa, voodoo man of the Slave Coast, was very old. His wizened and gnarled frame was stooped… A classic novel by Robert E. Howard.

The twigs which N’Longa flung on the fire broke and crackled. The upleaping flames lighted the countenances of the two men. N’Longa, voodoo man of the Slave Coast, was very old. His wizened and gnarled frame was stooped…

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]]> Horror The Fall of the House of Usher https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-fall-of-the-house-of-usher/index.html classic-the-fall-of-the-house-of-usher Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 Radiant palace—reared its head. In the monarch Thought’s dominion— It stood there! Never seraph spread a pinion Over fabric half so fair. Banners yellow, glorious, golden, A classic novel by Edgar Allan Poe.

Radiant palace—reared its head. In the monarch Thought’s dominion— It stood there! Never seraph spread a pinion Over fabric half so fair. Banners yellow, glorious, golden,

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]]> Horror The Doors of Death https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-doors-of-death/index.html classic-the-doors-of-death Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 1936. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] [Sidenote: _A strange and curious story is this, about a banker whose only fear was that he might be buried… A classic novel by Arthur B. Waltermire.

1936. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] [Sidenote: _A strange and curious story is this, about a banker whose only fear was that he might be buried…

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]]> Horror The Confessions of St. Augustine https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-confessions-of-st.-augustine/index.html classic-the-confessions-of-st-augustine Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 Great art Thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Thy power, and Thy wisdom infinite. And Thee would man praise; man, but a particle of Thy creation; man, that bears about him his mortality, the witness of his… A classic novel by Saint of Hippo Augustine.

Great art Thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Thy power, and Thy wisdom infinite. And Thee would man praise; man, but a particle of Thy creation; man, that bears about him his mortality, the witness of his…

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]]> Literary Fiction The Castle of Otranto https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-castle-of-otranto/index.html classic-the-castle-of-otranto Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 Manfred, Prince of Otranto, had one son and one daughter: the latter, a most beautiful virgin, aged eighteen, was called Matilda. Conrad, the son, was three years younger, a homely youth, sickly, and of no promising… A classic novel by Horace Walpole.

Manfred, Prince of Otranto, had one son and one daughter: the latter, a most beautiful virgin, aged eighteen, was called Matilda. Conrad, the son, was three years younger, a homely youth, sickly, and of no promising…

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]]> Horror The blood of the vampire https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-blood-of-the-vampire/index.html classic-the-blood-of-the-vampire Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 It was the magic hour of dining. The long Digue of Heyst was almost deserted; so was the strip of loose, yellow sand which skirted its base, and all the tables d’hôtes were filling fast. Henri, the youngest waiter of… A classic novel by Florence Marryat.

It was the magic hour of dining. The long Digue of Heyst was almost deserted; so was the strip of loose, yellow sand which skirted its base, and all the tables d’hôtes were filling fast. Henri, the youngest waiter of…

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]]> Horror Pillar of Fire https://plotpourri.com/classics/pillar-of-fire/index.html classic-pillar-of-fire Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 The incinerator was open. It never closed. There was a wide entrance, all lighted up with hidden illumination, there was a helicopter landing table and a beetle drive. The town itself was dying down after another day of… A classic novel by Ray Bradbury.

The incinerator was open. It never closed. There was a wide entrance, all lighted up with hidden illumination, there was a helicopter landing table and a beetle drive. The town itself was dying down after another day of…

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]]> Horror Metamorphosis https://plotpourri.com/classics/metamorphosis/index.html classic-metamorphosis Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. He lay on his armour-like back, and if he lifted his head a little he could see his brown belly,… A classic novel by Franz Kafka.

One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. He lay on his armour-like back, and if he lifted his head a little he could see his brown belly,…

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]]> Literary Fiction Life Blood https://plotpourri.com/classics/life-blood/index.html classic-life-blood Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 gets us way, way ahead of the story. My name, by the way, is Morgan Smyth James, after two grandmothers, and I’m thirty-eight and single and strive to be eternally optimistic. That morning, however, in spite of… A classic novel by Thomas Hoover.

gets us way, way ahead of the story. My name, by the way, is Morgan Smyth James, after two grandmothers, and I’m thirty-eight and single and strive to be eternally optimistic. That morning, however, in spite of…

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]]> Horror Isle of the Undead https://plotpourri.com/classics/isle-of-the-undead/index.html classic-isle-of-the-undead Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 A drab gray sheet of cloud slipped stealthily from the moon’s round face, like a shroud slipping from the face of one long dead, a coldly phosphorescent face from which the eyes had been plucked. Yellow radiance fell… A classic novel by Lloyd Arthur Eshbach.

A drab gray sheet of cloud slipped stealthily from the moon’s round face, like a shroud slipping from the face of one long dead, a coldly phosphorescent face from which the eyes had been plucked. Yellow radiance fell…

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]]> Horror Ghost Stories of an Antiquary Part 2: More Ghost Stories https://plotpourri.com/classics/ghost-stories-of-an-antiquary-part-2-more-ghost-stories/index.html classic-ghost-stories-of-an-antiquary-part-2-more-ghost-stories Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 The first six of the seven tales were Christmas productions, the very first (‘A School Story’) having been made up for the benefit of King’s College Choir School. ‘The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral’ was printed in… A classic novel by M. R. James.

The first six of the seven tales were Christmas productions, the very first (‘A School Story’) having been made up for the benefit of King’s College Choir School. ‘The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral’ was printed in…

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]]> Horror Ghost Stories of an Antiquary https://plotpourri.com/classics/ghost-stories-of-an-antiquary/index.html classic-ghost-stories-of-an-antiquary Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:10 +0000 incarnationis vero Dominiæ mdxxixo. “I suppose I shall have to translate this,” said the antiquary to himself, as he finished copying the above lines from that rather rare and exceedingly diffuse book, the _Sertum… A classic novel by M. R. James.

incarnationis vero Dominiæ mdxxixo. “I suppose I shall have to translate this,” said the antiquary to himself, as he finished copying the above lines from that rather rare and exceedingly diffuse book, the _Sertum…

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]]> Horror Dracula's Guest https://plotpourri.com/classics/dracula's-guest/index.html classic-dracula-s-guest Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:09 +0000 A few months before the lamented death of my husband—I might say even as the shadow of death was over him—he planned three series of short stories for publication, and the present volume is one of them. To his original… A classic novel by Bram Stoker.

A few months before the lamented death of my husband—I might say even as the shadow of death was over him—he planned three series of short stories for publication, and the present volume is one of them. To his original…

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]]> Horror Confessions of an English Opium-Eater https://plotpourri.com/classics/confessions-of-an-english-opium-eater/index.html classic-confessions-of-an-english-opium-eater Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:55:09 +0000 I here present you, courteous reader, with the record of a remarkable period in my life: according to my application of it, I trust that it will prove not merely an interesting record, but in a considerable degree… A classic novel by Thomas De Quincey.

I here present you, courteous reader, with the record of a remarkable period in my life: according to my application of it, I trust that it will prove not merely an interesting record, but in a considerable degree…

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]]> Literary Fiction The Count of Monte Cristo https://plotpourri.com/classics/the-count-of-monte-cristo/index.html classic-the-count-of-monte-cristo Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:20:41 +0000 On the 24th of February, 1815, the look-out at Notre-Dame de la Garde signalled the three-master, the Pharaon from Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples. As usual, a pilot put off immediately, and rounding the Château d’If, got… A classic novel by Alexandre Dumas.

On the 24th of February, 1815, the look-out at Notre-Dame de la Garde signalled the three-master, the Pharaon from Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples. As usual, a pilot put off immediately, and rounding the Château d’If, got…

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]]> Adventure Original Short Stories — Volume 11 https://plotpourri.com/classics/original-short-stories-—-volume-11/index.html classic-original-short-stories-volume-11 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:20:40 +0000 ALBERT M. C. McMASTER, B.A. A. E. HENDERSON, B.A. MME. QUESADA and Others VOLUME XI. THE UMBRELLA BELHOMME’S BEAST A classic novel by Guy de Maupassant.

ALBERT M. C. McMASTER, B.A. A. E. HENDERSON, B.A. MME. QUESADA and Others VOLUME XI. THE UMBRELLA BELHOMME’S BEAST

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]]> Literary Fiction