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Horror· Switzerland

The Black Spider

by Jeremias Gotthelf
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1842German
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About This Book

Few works of horror have earned the sustained critical attention that The Black Spider (1842) by Jeremias Gotthelf continues to receive. The Black Spider is a classic horror novella that combines folklore with a moral allegory. Set in a rural Swiss village, the story revolves around a pact with the devil and the ensuing terror brought by a mysterious black spider. Gotthelf's work is notable for its vivid depiction of rural life and its exploration of good versus evil, making it a timeless piece of Swiss literature. Themes of good vs. evil, folklore, rural life run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorJeremias Gotthelf
Published1842
Country of Origin🇨🇭 Switzerland
LanguageGerman
Category👻 Horror
ISBN9781847493150
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

👻 Horror

Fiction designed to frighten, unsettle, or disturb the reader.

Explore all Horror books →
Country of Origin

🇨🇭 Switzerland

This book is part of Switzerland's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1842, Jeremias Gotthelf's The Black Spider is a work of horror that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with good vs. evil, folklore, rural life, supernatural gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Black Spider among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 0 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to The Black Spider for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of good vs. evil, folklore, rural life, supernatural is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within Switzerland's literary landscape, Jeremias Gotthelf occupies a significant position. The Black Spider is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
✍️
About the Author
Jeremias Gotthelf
Switzerland
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Jeremias Gotthelf is a Switzerland author whose work in horror has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Black Spider about?

The Black Spider is a classic horror novella that combines folklore with a moral allegory. Set in a rural Swiss village, the story revolves around a pact with the devil and the ensuing terror brought by a mysterious black spider. Gotthelf's work is notable for its vivid depiction of rural life and its exploration of good versus evil, making it a timeless piece of Swiss literature.

Who wrote The Black Spider?

The Black Spider was written by Jeremias Gotthelf, from Switzerland. First published in 1842.

What awards has The Black Spider won?

The Black Spider has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Black Spider worth reading?

The Black Spider is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in good vs. evil, folklore, rural life.

Where can I buy The Black Spider?

You can buy The Black Spider on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Black Spider?

The Black Spider is classified as Horror. Fiction designed to frighten, unsettle, or disturb the reader.

What country is The Black Spider from?

The Black Spider originates from Switzerland's literary tradition. Explore more books from Switzerland on our country page.

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