gothic – adj. 2. in the style of architecture prevalent in W. Europe in the 12th-16th c., characterized by pointed arches. 3 (of a novel, etc.) in a style popular in the 18th-19th c., with supernatural or horrifying events. 4. barbarous, uncouth.

The theme for this special edition is ‘gothic’ and modern, urban responses to what gothic means, or can mean, in modern Britain. From supernatural prophecies and revenge from beyond the grave to more psychological horrors, and social and economic underworlds.

Featuring

David Bowker David Bowker has worked as a journalist, written a column for The Times, and is the author of six novels, most recently Rawhead (2002) and Rawhead in Love (2004). The TV adaptation of his fourth novel From Stockport With Love, starring Martin Clunes, is soon to be filmed for ITV.

Tim Cooke Tim Cooke has been a lecturer, an internet 'imagineer', a magazine editor and a composer of music for television, and film. His unpublished novel 'The Zero-Sum Game' was the source for Penny Woolcock’s 2004 film The Principles of Lust.

Andy Murray Andy Murray writes for City Life and kamera.co.uk. After co-writing film study guides to A Hard Day’s Night (for Longman) and The Wicker Man (for Auteur), his biography of scriptwriter Nigel Kneale is due from Headpress next Spring.

Pete Humphreys Pete Humphreys has worked as an English teacher and civil servant, and is a recent graduate of the MA Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Alex Pheby Alex Phelby studied Critical Theory in Manchester in the nineties. He is currently finishing an MA in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths.

Lucy Ashley Originally from Richmond in London, Lucy Ashley studied English at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Buy Manchester Stories 7 now by mail order for £2 each (inc. postage and packing). Cheques should be made payable to 'Comma Press' and sent with a note specifying title(s) and return address to: Comma Press, 2nd Floor, 24 Lever Street, Manchester M1 1DW.