Let Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle cast a spell on you. With an afterword by Donna Tartt written exclusively for this illustrated Folio Society edition.
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‘Shirley Jackson’s stories are among the most terrifying ever written.’
Donna Tartt
‘Merricat, said Connie, would you like a cup of tea? Oh no, said Merricat, you’ll poison me.’ Deeply unsettling, subversive and wickedly funny, We Have Always Lived in the Castle is widely regarded as Shirley Jackson’s masterpiece – a dark gem in a career of sinister treasures. Artist Angie Hoffmeister worked on The Haunting of Hill House and has returned to create a volume rich with atmosphere and ominous imagery, including an illustrated slipcase and a binding that introduces us to the Blackwood daughters. Legendary author Donna Tartt, one of the modern masters of American Gothic, has written an illuminating afterword exclusively for this edition, examining how Jackson’s empathy for outsiders and eccentric domestic life were the crucible for her remarkable works.
Frontispiece and 6 colour illustrations, including 2 double-page spreads
10 integrated tailpieces
Printed slipcase
8¾˝ x 5½˝
A writer like no other
‘This novel brings back all my faith in terror and death. I can say no higher of it and her.’
Dorothy Parker
Donna Tartt describes Jackson as ‘a genius who sprang up in full fire’, calling for greater appreciation of a writer whose voice was so unique her influence can be felt in every corner of the literary world, with authors such as Stephen King and Joyce Carol Oates praising her books and stories as essential works. Merricat, the dark beating heart of We Have Always Lived in the Castle, is her most iconic character, brought to life in Hoffmeister’s deliciously eerie watercolours, across five colour illustrations and two double-page spreads.
All the omens spoke of change
‘Our house was a castle, turreted and open to the sky.’
Six years ago, the majority of the Blackwood family died agonising deaths in the middle of a lavish dinner, poisoned by a liberal dose of arsenic in their sugar. Now, the Blackwood daughters live a reclusive life with their invalid uncle. Constance cooks and cleans, never straying further than their garden, and ever-vigilant Merricat watches over their home, keeping the dreaded villagers out and prowling the borders with her cat, Jonas. For Merricat it is the perfect life, the only blemish on her existence the weekly trips to buy groceries from the people who despise her. But change is coming in the form of avaricious Cousin Charles, and Merricat will have to act to save her world, regardless of the destruction it will bring.
Biographies
About Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson (1918–65) was one of the greatest American gothic writers of the 20th century – an heir to the tradition of Hawthorne and Poe. Jackson was brought up in California and educated in Syracuse, New York, where she met the man she would marry. The couple settled in North Bennington, Vermont, where Jackson spent the last 20 years of her life. Her career writing short stories was lucrative, and for some time she was highly regarded as the author of Life Among the Savages (1952), a witty fictionalised memoir about life as a mother; but this work has now been eclipsed by Jackson’s reputation as the author of horror and ghost-story masterpieces such as the controversial short work ‘The Lottery’ (1948, Folio 2025) and the novels The Haunting of Hill House (1959, Folio 2022) and We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962, Folio 2023).
About Angie Hoffmeister
Angie Hoffmeister (born in Quedlinburg, Germany, in 1989) is an illustrator and printmaker based in Düsseldorf, where she was educated at the Kunstakademie. She uses a range of media – including drypoint, pencil and watercolour – she has also illustrated a number of graphic novels.
About Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt is an American Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. After studying at the University of Mississippi, she moved to Bennington College, known for its courses in liberal arts, including writing. Her first novel, The Secret History (1992), went on to become a bestseller and her second novel, The Little Friend (2002), won the WH Smith Literary Award. The Goldfinch (2013) won many literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction in 2014.
Reviews Powered By
Average Score for 26 Review(s)
absolutely amazing
Review by
Rachele Crotti
on 4th March 2025
Lovely story and illustrations. Well bound. My step-daughter was a very happy person to have received the bookfor X-mas
Review by
Mark Zwizlo
on 27th January 2025
Also, it looks very nice.
Review by
KEVIN AYERS
on 4th January 2025
Excellent quality
Review by
JO HUGHART
on 1st January 2025
Very pleased
Review by
Mr Antonio Mena Salido
on 31st December 2024
The Folio Society presents a bewitching limited edition of Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Illustrated by Angie Hoffmeister and with a brilliant new afterword by Donna Tartt, this edition is limited to just 500 copies and has been signed by both contributors.
A taut, gripping thriller, Misery is arguably Stephen King’s greatest novel. Award-winning illustrator Edward Kinsella's deeply haunting artwork and striking binding design make this the ultimate collector's edition.
Comedian, writer and broadcaster Frank Skinner introduces the new Folio edition of Ray Bradbury’s dark fantasy masterpiece Something Wicked This Way Comes, with thrilling illustrations by artist Tim McDonagh.
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SKU 24750242 - Get your tractor revved up for this one of a kind, heavy-duty 40 Gallon 3-Point Sprayer. Featuring a top-of-the-line pumping system that includes a robust Everflo 2.2 GPM 12V on-demand diaphragm pump, pressure gauge, adjustable pressure regulator and a shut-off valve that controls water flow to spray boom. In minutes, easily mount the heavy-duty all-steel frame to any category one tractor. Comes standard with 12v wire harness that features on/off switch and alligator clamp connection. UV resistant tank.
Approved for use with Round-Up® and other agricultural brand herbicides and insecticides. Backed by a two-year warranty on pump & components. Can be used with UTVs (side-by-side) after some minor modifications.
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Pesticides and herbicides require a high degree of accuracy during application, in order to prevent collateral damage. This Stihl backpack sprayer gives you a high level of precision and confidence.
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Fuel nozzle hooks are designed to attach to fuel nozzle spouts for easy storing when not in use. This fuel nozzle hook is designed to attach over a maximum 1.2" OD fuel nozzle spout.
SKU 61000557 - Free Standing Tanks are selected when transportable (non D.O.T. regulated) containment is required for indoor or outdoor applications. Tanks are equipped with molded-in legs to support the tank and band locators for tie down. Tanks are manufactured from medium- or high-density polyethylene with U.V. inhibitors and designed for containment of liquids of up to 1.7 specific gravity. Tank walls are translucent for level viewing and equipped with gallon indicators.
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SKU 61000201 - Large tank can be used to store a variety of fluids for transport or spray applications. Fits most full-size truck beds. Walls are translucent, allowing visible inspection of fluid levels.
SKU 24750190 - Strap yourself in & make spraying a breeze with the Master Manufacturing 4 Gallon Backpack Sprayer – Revolt Series. Designed for the homeowner & commercial user, this sprayer is light as a feather & has incredible comfort with adjustable shoulder straps. No pumping or wires are required, making it more convenient than ever to move about with your spraying. Featuring an Everflo 1.0 GPM diaphragm pump that is isolated internally in backpack. The Revolt backpack sprayer is equipped with a standard pistol grip spray gun that goes from stream to mist, a sturdy 6″ fill lid for gun storage and transportation, a translucent tank for easy filling, a 5′ braided nylon hose for hard-to-reach areas, and an easy to reach lighted power switch. Revolt Series Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery: The next evolution in spraying has arrived with the ground-breaking Revolt Series Lithium-Ion Battery System. With just a flick of a lighted switch, effortlessly spray up to 30 gallons on a single charge. With an internal docking compartment, easily protect your Revolt battery pack from weather and other harsh elements. When it comes time to charge your battery pack, easily connect it to the included charger and experience limited down-time with an incredible four-hour charge time. Spot Spraying: When it comes time to spot spray, un-holster your traditional spray gun and reach up to 18 feet vertically and 20 feet horizontally. As applications change, quickly adjust the nozzle from a steady stream to a wide mist. Traditional spray gun features a trigger lock to reduce hand fatigue and an in-handle filter for increased durability. Coverage: This backpack sprayer is designed to be used for spraying low volume isolated outdoor areas. Spray disinfectant indoors on counters, doorknobs, tables, and other high-traffic surfaces.
SKU: 55950021
The Valley Industries 23" Jet Stream aluminum spray gun is perfect for spraying weeds, cattle, trees, equipment and so much more. With a twist, the dripless nozzle can be changed from a wide spray to a pin point stream. Features the 360 degree handle for maximum control through out the spraying project. Can spray up to 400 PSI for a variety projects at hand. Aluminum barrel for increased longevity than standard guns. Includes 3/4" inlet fitting for the use with standard garden hoses.
SKU 5220403 - The FIMCO Bypass Tube Kit replaces item 5100809 on the Quick Connect Manifold. The Tube Kit includes a 1" x 5" formed bypass tube, a 3/8" quick connect hose barb and a 3/8" hose clamp. Built of NBR and PVC to be durable and flexible for increased reliability.
SKU 1050415 - Reign over your lawn or crops with the Harvest King Farm & Garden Sprayer from Farm and Home Supply. This three-gallon agricultural sprayer has a chemical-neutral polyethylene tank that's translucent so you can instantly see fluid levels. Other useful features include an anti-clog filter, an 18-inch curved spray wand, a built-in protective splash guard and an adjustable spray nozzle. Use the Harvest King sprayer to evenly spread herbicides, fertilizers and general cleaners so your landscape shines under the Midwestern sun.
SKU 55950053 - Valley Industries jet stream sprays weeds, cattle, trees, equipment and fence rows. It also works for industrial applications. It has a chemical resistant thermal plastic handle and provides a pattern from hollow cone to straight stream.
SKU 62902887 - The FIMCO 25 Gallon Pro Series Spot Sprayer provides superior professional grade performance and is ideal for projects where harsh chemicals are necessary. The UV resistant, molded polymer tank is completely drainable and has a 5 inch FIMCO Exclusive Measuring Lid for quick and easy access. This model features the best in class High Flo 2.2 GPM Pro Series 12 Volt Pump with inline fuse protection and clear bowl strainer. The ergonomically designed 13” High Pressure Handgun provides up to 38 feet of horizontal and 27 feet of vertical spray along with 25 feet of 3/8 inch hose. This versatile premium sprayer is excellent for any small scale liquid application.
SKU 61000081 - These tanks are designed to handle contents with a specific gravity of 1.7 at 73 degrees F. All tanks in this series have a sump bottom for better drainage.
