Where to Start with Gaslamp Horror

I spend a lot of time talking about gaslamp horror, but there may be some of you who don’t know what it is. In this post, I aim to explain what it is and recommend some authors, books & films to make the genre accessible to more people.

What is Gaslamp Horror?

Gaslamp horror is a sub-genre that combines fantasy & horror elements with historical fiction. Gaslamp Horror differs slightly from pure fantasy like JRR Tolkien, and from pure crime like Sherlock Holmes, because of the supernatural elements that it introduces.

These are things like:

• Magic

• Fantastical Creatures

• Demons

• Ghosts

• Monsters

It also brings forward a lot of the themes of gothic literature to insight dread, suspense, tension and apprehension.

The particular historical period is the Victorian era (1837-1901). However, the entire 1800s as well as the Edwardian era (1901-1914) up to the start of World War One also qualify.

When stories were written in the Victorian and Edwardian era, they didn’t count as ‘historical fiction’ because they were current. Stories set in that time qualify as Gaslamp Horror, whether they were written back then or written in modern times.

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Where did the term come from?

The term ‘Gaslamp Fantasy’ was coined as recently as 2006 by Kaja Foglio. Kaja & husband Phil are the creators of the graphic novel series, Girl Genius.

Kaja came up with the term to differentiate her work from the steampunk sub-genre. She said:

‘I called it gaslamp fantasy because around the time we were bringing Girl Genius out, there was a comic called Steampunk on the shelves and I didn’t want any confusion.

Plus, I’ve never liked the term steampunk much for our work - it’s derived from cyberpunk, a term which I think actually fits its genre well, but we have no punk and we have more than just steam and using a different name seemed appropriate.

I misremembered a term that I had come across in the foreword to an H Rider Hagard book where the author was talking about Jules Verne, HG Wells, Rider Hagard and that sort of pre-pulp adventure material and came up with gaslamp fantasy.

I felt a bit foolish when I discovered I had made up my own term, but it works and I like it.’

I like it too, Kaja!

Gaslamp horror is not steampunk, which focuses on the steam-powered technology of that era. Gaslamp horror doesn’t necessarily focus on the machinery and technology of the era at all.

Classic vs Contemporary

Classic gaslamp horror, rooted in the Victorian era, often embodies the aesthetics and sensibilities of the period, featuring gloomy Gothic settings, intricate language, and themes of societal repression and existential dread. Works from this era delve into the supernatural, exploring the darker facets of human nature and societal anxieties.

In contrast, contemporary gaslamp horror retains elements of the Victorian era but incorporates modern sensibilities and storytelling techniques. While still drawing on Gothic atmospheres and themes, contemporary works may offer more nuanced characterisations, diverse perspectives, and commentary on contemporary issues. Additionally, contemporary gaslamp horror often blends genres, incorporating elements of mystery, thriller, and even romance, to create a more dynamic and multifaceted narrative experience.

Short vs Long

Short gaslamp horror often focuses on capturing a moment of terror or suspense within a limited narrative scope, relying on concise storytelling and evocative imagery to create a sense of dread. These short stories, such as those found in anthologies or magazines, often emphasise atmosphere and mood over extensive character development or plot intricacies, delivering quick, intense bursts of horror.

In contrast, long gaslamp horror, typically found in novels or serialised formats, allows for more extensive world-building, character arcs, and thematic exploration. These longer works have the space to delve into complex narratives, multifaceted characters, and layered themes, offering a more immersive and detailed experience for readers. While short gaslamp horror excels at delivering immediate shocks and thrills, long gaslamp horror offers a deeper exploration of Victorian-era settings, societal dynamics, and psychological horror.

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Anthology vs Collection

Gaslamp horror anthologies and story collections both offer readers a diverse array of tales set in the Victorian era, but they differ in their presentation and focus. Anthologies typically gather stories from multiple authors, offering a variety of perspectives on gaslamp horror themes and settings. These collections often showcase a range of writing styles and voices, providing readers with a broad sampling of the genre.

In contrast, story collections are typically authored by a single writer, offering a more cohesive exploration of gaslamp horror through interconnected narratives or recurring themes. While anthologies provide a platform for multiple contributors to contribute their unique perspectives, story collections offer a deeper dive into the imagination of a single author, allowing for a more unified reading experience with recurring motifs and stylistic elements.

Audio vs Print

Gaslamp horror audiobooks and print editions both offer captivating experiences, but they cater to different preferences and sensory experiences. Audiobooks bring gaslamp horror to life through immersive narration, evocative sound effects, and atmospheric music, enhancing the storytelling with an auditory dimension. Listeners can immerse themselves in the eerie ambience of gaslit streets and shadowy mansions while engaging in other activities. Another benefit is that a lot of the classics are available for free on YouTube (try the channel Horrorbabble), and Audible (try The Signalman by Charles Dickens).

In contrast, print editions allow readers to savour the written word at their own pace, offering a more tactile and visual experience. Readers can delve into descriptive prose, envisioning the intricate details of Victorian settings and characters' innermost thoughts. Whether through the auditory immersion of audiobooks or the tactile engagement of print, gaslamp horror captivates audiences with its blend of historical settings, supernatural elements, and Gothic atmosphere. You can also find cheap/free ebooks of the classics on Amazon.

Adaptations

Gaslamp horror adaptations into film and TV leverage the visual medium to bring the eerie and atmospheric elements of Victorian settings to life. Through cinematography, set design, and costume, filmmakers recreate the gaslit streets, sprawling mansions, and fog-shrouded landscapes that characterise the genre. These adaptations often embellish the source material with cinematic techniques such as lighting, sound design, and special effects to heighten suspense and evoke a sense of dread.

Additionally, the medium allows for the exploration of character depth and interpersonal dynamics through nuanced performances by actors. TV adaptations, with their longer format, provide opportunities for more intricate storytelling and character development, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the intricate plotlines and richly detailed worlds of gaslamp horror over multiple episodes or seasons. Whether on the big screen or the small screen, gaslamp horror adaptations offer audiences a visual feast of Victorian Gothic aesthetics, supernatural intrigue, and chilling suspense.

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Gaslamp Horror in Print

Here is a short list of Gaslamp Horror stories to read.

Dracula

Bram Stoker wrote one of the most popular and iconic horror/fantasy novels in history - Dracula (1897). This masterpiece has never been out of print. Dracula by Bram Stoker is a Gothic horror novel that follows the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England in order to spread the undead curse and find new blood. The novel is primarily composed of journal entries, letters, and newspaper articles, offering multiple perspectives on the events surrounding Dracula's reign of terror. As the characters fight against the vampire's influence, they confront themes of superstition, sexuality, and the clash between modernity and the ancient forces of evil. Stoker's novel is a classic of horror literature, renowned for its atmospheric setting, memorable characters, and enduring exploration of the vampire mythos.

The Silent Companions

Laura Purcell is a contemporary author who has written several Gaslamp Horror novels - Bone China (2019) and The Silent Companions (2017). The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell is a chilling Gothic tale set in Victorian England. After her husband's death, Elsie moves to his family estate where she discovers unsettling wooden figures called silent companions. As strange occurrences escalate, Elsie unravels dark family secrets tied to the silent companions, leading to a terrifying climax revealing the truth behind their malevolent presence. Purcell masterfully weaves suspense and horror, blending psychological tension with supernatural elements to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge until the final page.

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley also wrote one of the most popular and iconic horror/sci-fi novels in history - Frankenstein (1818). At over 200 years old, it has stood the test of time! Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a seminal Gothic novel that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque creature in a scientific experiment. Horrified by his creation, Frankenstein abandons the creature, which then seeks revenge by terrorising him and his loved ones. The novel explores themes of ambition, responsibility, alienation, and the consequences of playing god.

The Woman In Black

In Susan Hill's novel The Woman in Black, Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor, is tasked with settling the estate of a deceased client. As he ventures to the isolated Eel Marsh House, he encounters a malevolent spectre, the Woman in Black, whose presence is linked to tragic events in the village. Kipps delves deeper into the mystery, uncovering secrets shrouded in darkness and facing the chilling consequences of disturbing the past. Hill's narrative evokes a sense of dread through its Gothic atmosphere and explores themes of grief, guilt, and the supernatural. It even had a stage play that was first performed in 1987, then ran in London’s west end from 1989 to 2023. The Woman In Black is required reading for fans of Gaslamp Horror.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic novella exploring the duality of human nature. Dr. Jekyll, seeking to separate his good and evil sides, creates a potion that transforms him into the monstrous Mr. Hyde. As Hyde, he indulges in vice and violence without consequences. However, the transformations become uncontrollable, leading to moral and psychological turmoil. The story delves into themes of morality, the nature of evil, and the consequences of unchecked desires.

Anthologies

You can sample Gaslamp Horror in the form of an anthology. The British Library has a growing list of anthologies packed with classic short horror. I recommend one Called Weird Woods (tales from the haunted forests of Britain) or Into the London Fog (eerie tales from the weird city). You can also try one of the many anthologies Edited by Hugh Lamb, Gaslit Nightmares being one of them. My work falls into the Gaslamp Horror sub-genre and you can find my stories in the horror anthologies Served Cold and Lurking in the Dark.

From Hell

From Hell is a graphic novel by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell that delves into the Jack the Ripper murders of Victorian London. It offers a speculative fiction take on the events, exploring conspiracy theories, psychological insights, and societal themes. Through detailed artwork and intricate storytelling, it presents a chilling and atmospheric portrayal of the notorious crimes, blending historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling.

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Gaslamp Horror on Screen

Here is a short list of Gaslamp Horror to watch. Some are TV. Some are films. They range from supernatural to crime to fantasy.

Carnival Row

Carnival Row is an Amazon Original series set in a Victorian fantasy world. It follows the lives of mythical creatures who have fled their war-torn homeland and settled in a bustling city. Amidst political intrigue and social unrest, a human detective and a refugee faerie navigate a dangerous investigation, unravelling mysteries that threaten to ignite tensions between the city's different communities. The show combines elements of horror, fantasy, romance, and noir-style detective drama to explore themes of discrimination, immigration, and societal divisions. 

The Alienist

The TV series The Alienist, based on Caleb Carr's novel, follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, (referred to as an "alienist" in the historical context), who teams up with a newspaper illustrator and a diverse group of colleagues to investigate a series of gruesome murders. Their pursuit leads them into the underbelly of society, grappling with issues of mental illness, social inequality, and the burgeoning field of forensic psychology. As they delve deeper, they uncover dark secrets and face personal challenges while racing against time to catch the perpetrator. It offers a dark and atmospheric portrayal of the era. There are two seasons available and I highly recommend it.

The Woman in Black

In the 2012 film adaptation of "The Woman in Black," Arthur Kipps, a young lawyer, is sent to a remote village to settle the estate of a deceased widow. As he uncovers dark secrets surrounding her mansion and the vengeful spirit haunting it, he becomes entangled in a sinister mystery that threatens his sanity and his life. The film combines atmospheric horror with psychological tension, drawing on themes of grief, guilt, and supernatural vengeance.

Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak is a 2015 gothic romance film directed by Guillermo del Toro. Set in the late 19th century, it follows Edith Cushing, an aspiring author, who marries Sir Thomas Sharpe and moves to his decaying mansion in England with him and his sister, Lady Lucille. As Edith explores the mansion, she uncovers dark secrets and ghostly apparitions. The film combines elements of horror, romance, and mystery as it explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of greed.

From Hell

From Hell is a 2001 film starring Johnny Depp, based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell. Set in Victorian London, Inspector Abberline, played by Depp, investigates the Jack the Ripper murders. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy involving the British monarchy and the Freemasons. The film explores themes of corruption, social inequality, and the pursuit of justice in the face of power.

Sleepy Hollow 

Sleepy Hollow"is a 1999 supernatural horror film directed by Tim Burton, based on The Legend of sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. Set in 1799, it follows Ichabod Crane, a constable sent to investigate a series of murders in the village of Sleepy Hollow. Crane discovers that the killings are linked to the legend of the Headless Horseman, a vengeful spirit. As Crane delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers dark secrets involving witchcraft, betrayal, and a quest for revenge. The film combines elements of horror, mystery, and fantasy, with Burton's signature visual style and Gothic atmosphere.

The Wolfman

The Wolfman (2010) follows Lawrence Talbot, who returns to his family's estate after his brother's mysterious disappearance. Investigating, he's attacked by a werewolf, becoming cursed. As the full moon rises, he transforms into a savage creature, terrorising the town. With the help of his father and a group of hunters, he seeks to end the curse. The film blends gothic atmosphere and intense action sequences.