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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
This darkly comic story takes place in 1894, 'and tells of a Hungarian bank clerk, Basil Smorta, who falls hopelessly in lust with Volusia, aka 'the Australian Songbird'. He follows her across Europe in company with a group of Fundamental Darwinists led by Lord Malicide Sain. They pursue their 'Black Crusade' at first by cart and carriage, then in Ingel Brankel's Mobilator. One bizarre and gruesome adventure follows another. The Ordeal of the Five Senses in the monks' lavabo, the excruciating apotheosis of Brother Dragorian, the doting love of the Love-Vampires, the bomb-throwing police force of Orblast, the sleep-tranced villagers in Morbol Villica and the sarcophagus of the Great One, the legendary marquis himself.'
Source: Author website http://www.richardharland.net/ (Sighted 07/01/2010)
Australian Popular Medievalism
Notes
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'Publisher's warning: reading The Black Crusade may cause feelings of nausea, blindness, loss of status and social embarrassment. Do not read this book on public transport, in crowded places or in the company of senior citizens. Do not read this book aloud. Do not read Chapter 6, Chapter 18 or Chapter 22 under any circumstances.' (Source: LibrariesAustralia)
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Sequel to The Vicar of Morbing Vyle.
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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The Australian Horror Novel Since 1950
2012
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Sold by the Millions : Australia's Bestsellers 2012; (p. 112-127) According to James Doig the horror genre 'was overlooked by the popular circulating libraries in Australia.' In this chapter he observes that this 'marginalization of horror reflects both the trepidation felt by the conservative library system towards 'penny dreadfuls,' and the fact that horror had limited popular appeal with the British (and Australian) reading public.' Doig concludes that there is 'no Australian author of horror novels with the same commercial cachet' as authors of fantasy or science fiction. He proposes that if Australian horror fiction wants to compete successfully 'in the long-term it needs to develop a flourishing and vibrant small press contingent prepared to nurture new talent' like the USA and UK small presses.' (Editor's foreword xii) -
The Black Crusade by Richard Harland
2006
single work
review
— Appears in: Infinitas Newsletter , October vol. 15 no. 10 2006; (p. 3)
— Review of The Black Crusade 2004 single work novel -
Shock, Horror, the Dark Side Wins
2005
single work
review
— Appears in: The Courier-Mail , 29 January 2005; (p. 6)
— Review of The Black Crusade 2004 single work novel
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Shock, Horror, the Dark Side Wins
2005
single work
review
— Appears in: The Courier-Mail , 29 January 2005; (p. 6)
— Review of The Black Crusade 2004 single work novel -
The Black Crusade by Richard Harland
2006
single work
review
— Appears in: Infinitas Newsletter , October vol. 15 no. 10 2006; (p. 3)
— Review of The Black Crusade 2004 single work novel -
The Australian Horror Novel Since 1950
2012
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Sold by the Millions : Australia's Bestsellers 2012; (p. 112-127) According to James Doig the horror genre 'was overlooked by the popular circulating libraries in Australia.' In this chapter he observes that this 'marginalization of horror reflects both the trepidation felt by the conservative library system towards 'penny dreadfuls,' and the fact that horror had limited popular appeal with the British (and Australian) reading public.' Doig concludes that there is 'no Australian author of horror novels with the same commercial cachet' as authors of fantasy or science fiction. He proposes that if Australian horror fiction wants to compete successfully 'in the long-term it needs to develop a flourishing and vibrant small press contingent prepared to nurture new talent' like the USA and UK small presses.' (Editor's foreword xii)
Awards
- 2005 shortlisted Ditmar Awards — Best Novel
- 2004 winner Aurealis Awards for Excellence in Australian Speculative Fiction — Golden Aurealis — Novel
- 2004 winner Aurealis Awards for Excellence in Australian Speculative Fiction — Horror Division — Novel
- Europe,
- 1894