King in Yellow, The

English, translator unknown, c. 1895
The original is in French, apparently, but that edition was seized and destroyed by the Third Republic just after publication.
The English edition is a thin black octavo volume, across the front cover of which is embossed a large Yellow Sign. Until the book has been read, the Sign has no effect on the viewer, except to imbue a sense of curiosity.
The text is an ambiguous, dreamlike play that opens readers to madness. Uniquely, readers cannot opt to disbelieve what is written here. Those of an artistic bent will feel compelled to reread the play. It is said that those who read the book become obsessed with "Carcosa" and "The King In Yellow".