09-14-2007, 08:14 PM
Okay, I'm going to add to my own list since nobody else has yet. 
7. "The Ivy Tree" by Mary Stewart--I know Stewart is already on this list with "Nine Coaches Waiting," but she deserves more than one place on this list. "The Ivy Tree" breaks some of the Gothic conventions and is so literate, surprising and atmospheric, it deserves a place here.
8. "Winterwood" by Dorothy Eden--Superior Gothic from this prolific author. It's a traditional entry in the genre but well written and effectively told. Eden deserves some representation on this list, and--unless anyone thinks differently--"Winterwood" would be my pick.
9. "Green Darkness" by Anya Seton. I debated putting this or "Dragonwyck" on the list, both which represent Seton's effective fictionalizing of historical research. In the end, though "Green Darkness" may be more innovative with its reincarnation theme, I prefer "Dragonwyck." But apparently, I'm in the minority, so "Green Darkness" it is.
10. "The Watcher in the Woods" by Florence Engel Randall. Randall wrote Gothics for adults, but "Watcher" was marketed to a juvenile/teen crowd. I suspect that's because the publisher wasn't quite sure what to do with it. It's an effective, spooky traditional Gothic up to a point, and then it introduces science fiction elements that are surprisingly effective. Forget the poor film version made by Disney--the novel is the real thing, and it gets my vote for most underrated Gothic.
11. Something by Virginia Coffman? Any ideas? I'm not very familiar with her work but she was quite prolific in the genre and seemed to have an interesting perspective as she used elements of late 60's/early 70's counterculture to pepper her supernatural Gothics. Heck, she had real supernatural elements in her novels, which sets her apart from the crowd!
12. "Houses of Stone" by Barbara Michaels. Here's another Master of the genre. Most any of her books are worthy examples of the genre done well, but "Houses" is a step above. Michaels effectively incorporates the history of the genre itself into the story, and for lovers of classic Gothics, it's a great read. Add a literate, unconventional heroine (who is neither young or exceptionally beautiful) and you have a mature, sophisticated Gothic.
13. Something by Willo Davis Roberts? Again, any suggestions for a superior title from her? Her Gothics were all nicely crafted, intelligent, and well written.
14. Something by Susan Howatch? I've only read "April's Grave" and it wasn't particularly distinguished--but I've read some of her others are very skillfully done.
7. "The Ivy Tree" by Mary Stewart--I know Stewart is already on this list with "Nine Coaches Waiting," but she deserves more than one place on this list. "The Ivy Tree" breaks some of the Gothic conventions and is so literate, surprising and atmospheric, it deserves a place here.
8. "Winterwood" by Dorothy Eden--Superior Gothic from this prolific author. It's a traditional entry in the genre but well written and effectively told. Eden deserves some representation on this list, and--unless anyone thinks differently--"Winterwood" would be my pick.
9. "Green Darkness" by Anya Seton. I debated putting this or "Dragonwyck" on the list, both which represent Seton's effective fictionalizing of historical research. In the end, though "Green Darkness" may be more innovative with its reincarnation theme, I prefer "Dragonwyck." But apparently, I'm in the minority, so "Green Darkness" it is.
10. "The Watcher in the Woods" by Florence Engel Randall. Randall wrote Gothics for adults, but "Watcher" was marketed to a juvenile/teen crowd. I suspect that's because the publisher wasn't quite sure what to do with it. It's an effective, spooky traditional Gothic up to a point, and then it introduces science fiction elements that are surprisingly effective. Forget the poor film version made by Disney--the novel is the real thing, and it gets my vote for most underrated Gothic.
11. Something by Virginia Coffman? Any ideas? I'm not very familiar with her work but she was quite prolific in the genre and seemed to have an interesting perspective as she used elements of late 60's/early 70's counterculture to pepper her supernatural Gothics. Heck, she had real supernatural elements in her novels, which sets her apart from the crowd!
12. "Houses of Stone" by Barbara Michaels. Here's another Master of the genre. Most any of her books are worthy examples of the genre done well, but "Houses" is a step above. Michaels effectively incorporates the history of the genre itself into the story, and for lovers of classic Gothics, it's a great read. Add a literate, unconventional heroine (who is neither young or exceptionally beautiful) and you have a mature, sophisticated Gothic.
13. Something by Willo Davis Roberts? Again, any suggestions for a superior title from her? Her Gothics were all nicely crafted, intelligent, and well written.
14. Something by Susan Howatch? I've only read "April's Grave" and it wasn't particularly distinguished--but I've read some of her others are very skillfully done.
