SOURCE: Review of Under the Sunset, by Bram Stoker. Academy XX, no. 501 (10 December 1881): 431-32.

In the following review, the anonymous critic deems Under the Sunset too frightening for children.

White vellum binding, gilt edges, and creamy paper make this [Under the Sunset] far too dainty a volume even for the book-spoilt children of the present age. Fortunately, its contents will be rather improved than injured by being orally conveyed to the minds of those for whom it has been written, for a word of explanation is occasionally needful; and a judicious mother may prefer to omit some of the Shadow-builder's dismal doings, which might banish sleep from the children's pillows. There is, too, a terribly grim picture (clever enough in its way) which might haunt any little one's imagination for many a night; while the words in which the scene is described are, in nursery language, decidedly “creepy...