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December 15, 1947

 Although Arthur Machen died (December 15) in 1947, he is a transitional figure from Victorian supernatural fiction (which adjective apparently means relating to magic and ghost stuff) to the modern examples of this genre. In fact Machen is a good model for Stephen King in his ability to build the spooky from strands of the ordinary. His 1895 novel, The Three Imposters is a good example. Herein we meet a thoughtful fellow who notes that the foulness of witches has given way to a "diabalerie of old women and broomsticks and a comic cat with outstretched tail." Well you can take it from there.

Machen himself was a cat keeper--he eulogized his black cat, as having 'served with distinction for 16 years the house of Machen.

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