
A wandering narrator, fresh from Oxford and haunted by the loss of his parents, finds himself drawn into the quiet, almost enchanted world of a secluded pine forest. The opening paints a sun‑dappled grove where an unseen family lives in harmony with the trees, their lives a gentle hymn of purpose and mystery. Through lyrical prose the scene feels both timeless and slightly unreal, hinting at deeper forces that shape the land and its hidden inhabitants.
As the story unfolds, the narrator’s scholarly curiosity mingles with a yearning for meaning, leading him to a vast, ancient library that predates printing itself. Within its dusty halls he confronts mirrors, ravens, and whispered legends that blur the line between science and the supernatural. The tale promises a journey through eerie woods, forgotten churches, and secret chambers, inviting listeners to explore a world where imagination and philosophy walk hand in hand.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (499K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by John Bechard, and David Widger
Release date
1999-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1824–1905
A Scottish writer, poet, and preacher, he helped shape modern fantasy long before the genre had a name. His stories of wonder and spiritual searching went on to influence writers including C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.
View all books