THE OCTOBER COUNTRY

This 1955 collection includes revised versions of fifteen of the stories in Dark Carnival, combined with four previously uncollected stories. Most of these tales were written for "the pulps," early in Bradbury's career.

The October Country focuses on the author's darker tales and "weird fiction." Stories like "The Emissary" and "The Skeleton" are examples of Bradbury at his spookiest. 

But this book also has a friendlier side. Many of the stories are infused with humor and warmth. For instance, "The Homecoming" and "Uncle Einar" are based on Bradbury's memories of his extended family in his hometown of Waukegan, Ill. Of course, within the boundaries of The October Country, Bradbury's relatives become vampires, witches, psychics and werewolves. 

PUBLISHING INFORMATION: (possibly incomplete)

  • First Edition: Ballantine, New York, 1955. Illustrated by Joe Mugnaini.
  • Ballantine, New York, 1956. (#F139) Includes an untitled prefatory note by Bradbury. Nine printings through June 1972. 
  • First UK edition: Rupert Hart-Davis, London, 1956. 
  • First UK paperback edition: Ace, London, 1961.
  • Foursquare, London, 1963.
  • Knopf, New York, 1970.
  • Paperback reissue ( 25th printing): Ballantine Del Rey, 1989. 
  • Mass Market Paperback: Ballantine Books, 1993
  • Reprint Trade Paperback: Ballantine Del Rey, 1996. Cover art by Janet Woolley. 
  • Paperback reissue: Ballantine Books, Inc., 1996. Features a new introduction by Bradbury and the original paperback cover art and illustrations by Joe Mugnaini. 
  • Hardcover reprint: Gauntlet Press, Springfield, PA, 1997. Includes the original introduction written in 1955 by Bradbury but never used.
  • 40th Anniversary Edition: Gauntlet Press, Springfield, PA, 1997. Slipcased hardcover edition, limited to 500 copies. Includes the original introduction written in 1955 by Bradbury but never used. Also includes original illustrations by Joe Mugnaini, plus previously unpublished working sketches by Mugnaini and Bradbury. Signed by Bradbury, Dennis Etchison (who wrote the new introduction) and Robert R. McCammon (who wrote the afterword.) Includes a preface which was written by Bradbury for the original edition, but never published. 
    .

CONTENTS:

  • The Dwarf
  • The Next in Line
  • The Watchful Poker Chip of H. Matisse
  • Skeleton
  • The Jar
  • The Lake
  • The Emissary
  • Touched with Fire
  • The Small Assassin
  • The Crowd
  • Jack-in-the-Box
  • The Scythe
  • Uncle Einar
  • The Wind
  • The Man Upstairs
  • There Was an Old Woman
  • The Cistern
  • Homecoming
  • The Wonderful Death of Dudley Stone