Dark Companions by Ramsey Campbell ; hardcover with dust jacket ; book club edition ; 1982 

Contents:

Mackintosh Willy • (1979) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
The Proxy • (1979) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
The Companion • (1976) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
The Chimney • (1977) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Conversion • (1977) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
The Depths • (1982) • novelette by Ramsey Campbell
The Show Goes On • (1982) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Down There • (1978) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Heading Home • (1978) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Drawing In • (1978) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Calling Card • (1982) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Call First • (1975) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
In the Bag • (1977) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
The Pattern • (1976) • novelette by Ramsey Campbell
Napier Court • (1971) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
The Little Voice • (1978) • novelette by Ramsey Campbell
Out of Copyright • (1980) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Above the World • (1979) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Baby • (1976) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
The Puppets • (1982) • novelette by Ramsey Campbell
The Invocation • (1982) • short story by Ramsey Campbell
Introduction (Dark Companions) • (1982) • essay by Ramsey Campbell

Dark Companions is a short story collection written by Ramsey Campbell, a renowned British author known for his contributions to the horror genre. Published in 1982, this collection showcases Campbell's masterful storytelling and his ability to create atmospheric and unsettling narratives.

The stories within Dark Companions delve into the realm of psychological horror, often exploring themes of isolation, madness, and the supernatural. Campbell's writing style is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, vivid descriptions, and his knack for building suspense.

One of the notable aspects of Dark Companions is Campbell's ability to create a sense of unease and dread through his exploration of the human psyche. The stories often revolve around ordinary people who find themselves confronted with terrifying and inexplicable occurrences. Campbell's focus on character development allows readers to form a connection with the protagonists, making their experiences all the more harrowing.

The collection features a variety of supernatural elements, ranging from ghosts and hauntings to ancient curses and malevolent entities. However, Campbell's approach to horror is not solely reliant on the supernatural; he often incorporates psychological and existential themes to create a deeper sense of fear and unease.

Campbell's writing is often described as atmospheric and evocative, with a strong emphasis on creating a sense of place. Through his vivid descriptions, he transports readers to eerie and unsettling settings, adding to the overall sense of dread and foreboding.

Dark Companions received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Campbell's ability to create a chilling and immersive reading experience. The collection showcases the author's versatility and his talent for crafting unique and memorable stories that linger in the minds of readers.

Overall, Dark Companions is a must-read for fans of horror and those who appreciate well-crafted, psychological tales of terror. Ramsey Campbell's ability to blend the supernatural with the psychological makes this collection a compelling and haunting read.