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The Pan Book of Horror Stories was a paperback series of short story anthologies first published in 1959.

Early editions were known for their lurid cover art and editor Herbert Van Thal’s pick of stories by new authors alongside classics of the genre. It was credited with introducing a new generation to the horror tradition – back in the 1960s, volumes were handed round in school playgrounds in the same way that kids trade computer games today.

The Second Pan Book of Horror Stories, published in 1962, was considered to be one of the best.

Anita Sullivan has selected five from this edition for her own fresh interpretation in this Omnibus.

* THE VERTICAL LADDER by William Sansom:
A dare turns into an exercise in fear limitation as Cleggy finds himself high up and hanging on. But he is not alone.

Gasometer ...... Pippa Haywood
Cleggy ...... Daniel Anthony
Leah ...... Kathryn Drysdale
Tyler ...... Toheeb Jimoh
Riz ...... Luke Thompson
Alice ...... Samantha Dakin

* THE SPECIALITY OF THE HOUSE by Stanley Ellin
A restaurant has a gourmet dish for only the select few. But what are its ingredients?

Costain …... Samuel Barnett
Vincent ..…. Kenneth Collard
Sbirro ..…. Timothy Watson
Haysou …... Adam James

* THE BLACK CAT by Edgar Allan Poe.
Dark classic about the psychology of guilt.

John …... Barnaby Kay
Louisa …... Samantha Dakin
Police …... Samuel Barnett/Kenneth Collard

* LEININGREN VERSUS THE ANTS by Carl Stephenson.
Classic story about a plantation owner who is pitted against an army of killer ants.

Leiningren …... Timothy Watson
Rica …... Kathryn Drysdale
Luiz ...... Adam James

* THE JUDGE'S HOUSE by Bram Stoker
A scholar moves into the former home of a judge with an evil reputation.

Malcolmson ..…. Luke Thompson
Mrs Witham ..…. Pippa Haywood
Dempster ..…. Kathryn Drysdale

Director: Karen Rose.

First broadcast on Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 4 in October 2018.

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