Valley So Low: Southern Mountain Stories

Wellman died last year after a nearly 60-year writing career. This collection, edited by Karl Edward Wagner, brings together 26 stories of the sort Wellman was best known for: folklorish tales of the Appalachian mountains, with emphasis on the supernatural. Here we find vampires and ghosts and sorcerers and, most especially, seductive evil women, and they all meet their match in Wellman's most famous continuing character, the itinerant folksinger named John, and lesser knowns, like John Thunstone and Judge Pursivant. Dating from the last 15 years of Wellman's life, these tales are charming and expertly written, but for the most part, they lack the impact and atmosphere of his best work. Some, however, particularly ""The Dakwa,'' ``The Petey Car'' and ``Chastel'' are quite good. (December 18)