W. F. Harvey was a British author known for his contributions to the genre of supernatural fiction. Born in 1885, he spent much of his life in the English countryside, which influenced the atmospheric settings of his stories. Harvey's most notable work, 'The Beast with Five Fingers,' published in 1928, showcases his talent for blending psychological tension with the uncanny, a hallmark of his writing style. His stories often explore themes of fear, the unknown, and the fragility of sanity, earning him a place among the notable writers of ghost stories in the early 20th century. In addition to 'The Beast with Five Fingers,' Harvey wrote several other short stories and collections, including 'The Complete Short Stories of W. F. Harvey.' His work is characterized by a subtle, understated approach to horror, often leaving much to the imagination of the reader. Harvey's influence can be seen in the works of later writers who embraced the psychological aspects of horror, and he remains a significant figure in the canon of supernatural literature, appreciated for his ability to evoke dread through ordinary settings and situations. His legacy continues to inspire contemporary authors in the genre, ensuring that his contributions to literature are not forgotten.
“But when the world and all that’s behind it and in it seem black, I tell myself that self-respect and self-mastery are not everything, that faith and belief in the power of prayer are not so wonderful as what we call the ordinary love of two apparently very ordinary people.””
“I have had what I believe to be the most remarkable day in my life, and while the events are still fresh in my mind, I wish to put them down on paper as clearly as possible. -From “August Heat””
“Swann, W. B., Jr., Gómez, A., Seyle, C., & Morales, F. (2009). Identity Fusion: The Interplay of Personal and Social Identities in Extreme Group Behaviour. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96: 995–1011. Swann, W. B., Jensen, Jolanda, Gómez, Ángel, Whitehouse, Harvey, & Bastian, Brock (2012). When Group Membership Gets Personal: A Theory of Identity Fusion. Psychological Review,””