Le Fanu

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish writer of Gothic tales, mystery novels, and supernatural fiction. He is considered one of the most important and influential figures in the development of the ghost story and the Victorian sensation novel. His works are characterized by psychological depth, atmosphere, and a pervasive sense of unease.

Le Fanu, often simply referred to as Sheridan Le Fanu, was born in Dublin into a literary family. He initially studied law but turned to journalism and writing. He served as the owner and editor of several newspapers, including the Dublin University Magazine.

Le Fanu's notable works include the collection In a Glass Darkly (1872), featuring the vampire novella Carmilla; the novel Uncle Silas (1864), a gothic mystery; and The House by the Churchyard (1863), a complex mystery novel set in Chapelizod, near Dublin. He also wrote numerous short stories, many of which deal with themes of the supernatural, isolation, and the dark side of human nature.

Le Fanu's writing style is often praised for its subtle horror and its ability to create a chilling atmosphere through suggestion rather than explicit description. His works have influenced many subsequent writers in the horror and supernatural genres.