This book proposes a comparative approach to the supernatural short stories of Machado de Assis, Henry James and Guy de Maupassant. It offers an alternative to predominantly novel-centric and Anglo-centric perspectives on literary pre-modernism by investigating a transnational and multilingual connection between genre, theme and theory, i.e., between the modern short story, the supernatural and the problem of knowledge. Incorporating a close analysis of the literary texts into a discussion of their historical context, the book argues that Machado, James and Maupassant explore and reinvent the supernatural short story as a metafictional genre. This modernized and innovative form allows them to challenge the dichotomies and conventions of realist and supernatural fiction, inviting their past and present readers to question common assumptions on reality and literary representation.

Night is more than just a period of time between sunset and sunrise. It is another world, fascinating and mysterious to children curious about the night and its nocturnal inhabitants. In Native cultures mighttime is a crucial part of the Great Circle and balance in the universe, and "Keepers of the Night" features Native wisdom to help young people learn valuable lessons about the natural world.
In the tradition of the best-selling "Keepers of the Earth" and "Keepers of the Animals," this book offers eight carefully selected Native North American stories. Field-tested, hands-on activities include nighttime observational activities and walks to teach sensory awareness, puppet shows to teach understanding of how nocturnal animals live, stargazing to understand constellations and the myths and legends surrounding them, campfire talks that relate a sense of being a part of the Great Circle, and traditional dances--such as one to celebrate the bear, a symbol of courage--to enjoy and learn their significance.
Perfect for anyone teaching children about nature and the outdoors, "Keepers of the Night" offers unique ideas about understanding the natural world--by looking at night.