Arthur Machen

The Great God Pan Arthur Machen

When The Great God Pan appeared in print it was lambasted for its sex and horrific content. Of course this only made it's popularity soar. Arthur Machen, 1863-1947) was a Welsh novelist, short story writer, journalist and actor. He wrote horror, fantasy and supernatural fiction. His love of Celtic, Roman and medieval history is seen in many of his stories. The Great God Pan is a novella. Scientists destroy a woman's mind when they attempt to help her see the god of nature, Pan. Years later, a young woman named Helen arrives in London's social scene. Her presence disturbs many young men who commit suicide. It is discovered that Helen is the monstrous child of Pan and the woman from Wales.