Dark currents flow beneath the surface... powerful, deadly... ancient. Monsters churn the dark waters of the soul. VORTEX explores the folklore that inspired many great works of dark literature. From the introduction to "VORTEX: Essays from a Sea of Nightmares" They say a basis in fact underlies most legends. They say it all the time, all those Wise Elders in all those old horror films, the high priests, the scientists, the gypsy fortune tellers. On this single issue they agree unanimously. More to the point (certainly to the point of this book), deep currents of tradition and superstition swirl through most classic works of horror fiction. *** The critics about Robert Dunbar: "Dark, foreboding, menacing, eerie... seductive." ~ The Philadelphia Inquirer "One of the best authors working in dark literature today." ~ Literary Mayhem "A literary craftsman, a stylist." ~ Shroud Magazine "Unconventional and totally unique." ~ Nights & Weekends "Easily one of the best dark fiction writers around." ~ Heart of Horror "The catalyst for the new literary movement in horror." ~ Dark Scribe Magazine