Well, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe is a must - read. It's a short but extremely intense horror story that gets into the mind of a deranged narrator. 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu is an early vampire story that predates 'Dracula' and has its own unique charm. Also, 'The Monkey's Paw' by W. W. Jacobs is a great public domain horror story. It shows how wishes can go horribly wrong in a very suspenseful way. These stories have endured over time because they are so effective at creating fear and unease.
There are quite a few excellent ones. 'The Fall of the House of Usher' by Poe is a masterpiece. The decaying mansion and the strange family within create a really eerie atmosphere. 'The Pit and the Pendulum' by Poe as well is very nerve - wracking. It describes the torture and horror of being trapped in a dungeon. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman can also be considered a horror story in a sense. It shows the psychological horror of a woman trapped in a room and slowly losing her sanity, which is a very different kind of horror from the more traditional supernatural ones.
One of the most famous is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It's a classic horror story filled with vampires and gothic elements. Another is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It deals with themes of creation and the monstrous. 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson is also great. It shows the duality of human nature in a very spooky way.
Well, 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is also among the top public domain horror novels. This novella by Robert Louis Stevenson explores the duality of human nature in a very dark and disturbing way. Then there's 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a chilling ghost story that leaves much to the reader's interpretation, with an ambiguous and spooky plot that keeps you on edge.
Good character development is also key. Even in a short story, the best ones make you care about the characters. In some public domain horror stories, the main character's fear and desperation are palpable, which draws you into the story. And many of them have unexpected twists. Like in some old Gothic horror short stories, the ending might completely change your perception of what was going on throughout the story.
The story of 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is also among the best public domain stories. It's a pioneering work of science fiction that delves into the moral and ethical implications of creating life. It shows the consequences of Victor Frankenstein's actions when he brings his monster to life. Additionally, 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain is a great public domain story. It gives a vivid picture of a boy's life in a small town along the Mississippi River, filled with adventures, pranks, and lessons about growing up.
Well, websites like Librivox are good places. They not only have the text of public domain horror stories but also audio versions, which is really cool. Also, some university libraries have online collections of public domain literature, and you can often find some excellent horror stories there. For example, the University of Michigan's digital library has a lot of old and rare works that could include some great horror finds.
One characteristic is their often - classic nature. Since they are in the public domain, many are from earlier eras when horror was more about psychological thrills and slow - building dread. For example, stories might focus on the unknown, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the woman's mental state deteriorates and the reader isn't sure what's real. Another characteristic is their simplicity in a way. They don't rely on excessive gore or modern special effects but rather on good storytelling. For instance, 'The Monkey's Paw' builds horror through the anticipation of what will happen when the wishes are made.
One of the best public domain novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England. The characters are vividly drawn, especially Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It introduced the world to the iconic vampire figure, with a chilling atmosphere and a gripping plot. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll is also among the best. Its absurd and imaginative world has fascinated readers of all ages for generations.
Some well-known horror short stories in the public domain include works by Edgar Allan Poe, such as 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Black Cat'.
One well - known public domain horror short story is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a classic that delves into the mind of a madman, with its intense psychological horror.
One well - known public domain short horror story is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a chilling tale of a man's descent into madness as he is haunted by the sound of his victim's beating heart. Another is 'The Monkey's Paw' by W. W. Jacobs. This story shows the dangerous consequences of making wishes with a magical object. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman can also be considered a horror story in a sense, as it delves into the psychological horror of a woman's confinement and her deteriorating mental state.
You can try websites like Project Gutenberg. It has a vast collection of public domain works, including short horror stories. Just search for 'horror' in its search bar and you'll likely find some great ones.