The Shining Pyramid: The Definitive Edition by: Arthur Machen

The Shining Pyramid is a classic tale of supernatural horror rooted in ancient folklore. First published in 1895, the story follows a man investigating strange symbols and mysterious disappearances near his country estate, eventually uncovering a hidden race of pre-human creatures lurking beneath the surface of modern Britain. This definitive edition includes restored text, annotations, and contextual material that highlight Machen’s influence on weird fiction and his obsession with the eerie overlap between the ancient world and the present.

Published on February 1, 2024, The Shining Pyramid: The Definitive Edition combines the complete contents of both the 1923 and 1925 versions into a single collection. It features stories and essays that showcase Machen’s range as a storyteller and cultural commentator. The title story, written during the same period as The Great God Pan and The White People, stands as a cornerstone of folk horror. This volume also includes shorter tales such as Out of the Earth, The Happy Children, The Lost Club, and Drake’s Drum, alongside non-fiction writings like The Secret of the Sangraal, in which Machen explores the Holy Grail’s deeper lore, as well as essays reflecting his views on Christianity, paganism, and socio-economic concerns.

About the Author: Arthur Machen
Arthur Machen (1863–1947) was a Welsh author, mystic, and essayist whose works deeply shaped the development of supernatural and weird fiction. Best known for masterworks like The Great God Pan, The White People, and The Hill of Dreams, Machen’s writing explores the thin veil between the seen and unseen, often revealing ancient, hidden forces at play in the modern world.

Machen’s worldview was shaped by his Anglo-Catholic beliefs and a brief affiliation with esoteric circles. In the late 1890s, he was loosely associated with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the occult society known for members like W.B. Yeats and A.E. Waite. His involvement was minimal and short-lived; letters and personal writings suggest he respected the group’s mystical aspirations but remained skeptical of its ceremonial practices.

Although not a Freemason, Machen was connected to several spiritual and literary movements promoting Christian mysticism and sacramentalism. He also maintained personal relationships with clergy and thinkers in Anglo-Catholic and Catholic mystical circles.

By the 1920s and 1930s, Machen was recognized as a foundational figure in modern supernatural fiction. Writers such as H.P. Lovecraft openly credited him as a major influence in shaping the genre of cosmic horror.