The Great God Pan

The book begins with Dr. Raymond and his attempts to perform a highly dangerous experiment on a young woman named Mary so that she may make a connection to the spiritual world. His friend Clarke witnesses the horrifying brain surgery from which Mary awakes in awe, claiming to have been in the presence of the great god Pan. But Mary quickly deteriorates, and what follows are many strange, and often deathly, events.

The Great God Pan was first published in 1894 and was condemned for its sexual content and horrifying imagery. Machen’s enduring reputation as one of the greatest writers of fantastical horror has influenced the likes of Bram Stoker and H.P. Lovecraft, as well as contemporary horror writer, Stephen King.