PANDEMONIUM: STORIES OF THE APOCALYPSE EDITED BY ANNE C PERRY AND JARED SHURIN.  Jurassic London £14.99, www.pandemonium-fiction.com

Reviewed by Matthew Johns

A collection of short stories, including some by BFS members all themed around the end of the world may sound like quite hard work, but the tales within this collection are surprisingly engaging and not as depressing as you may think.  This is linked to an exhibition of the artist John Martin’s work at the Tate, where you can also buy limited edition hardcover versions of the book.

The stories range from a tale of a slightly bemused priest finding himself on the front line of a war against hell, having a sword thrust into his hands by an angel and his realisation that this reality isn’t what he’d believed in and preached about for years, to a born again Christian couple convinced that an alien invasion is the Biblical end of the world, to a ragtag crew of minor league baseball players playing the last ever game of baseball as the world ends around them.

My personal favourite is the final tale in the collection, set in Germany during World War II – “Not the End of the World”, by Sophia McDougall.  A mixed group find themselves stuck in a house in the middle of air raids, reliving the same day over and over.  A school teacher finds herself marking the same homework over and over, and the gradual realisation of her predicament really drew me in.

Pandemonium: Stories of the Apocalypse will be launched on Friday 4 November 2011 as part of Tate Britain’s “Late at Tate” night. The anthology contains eighteen original stories of the end of the world, as seen by Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Lauren Beukes, Jonathan Oliver, Lou Morgan, Scott K. Andrews, S.L. Grey and other science fiction, fantasy and horror writers.

This free late night event will explore apocalyptic visions from a contemporary viewpoint through a vibrant mix of performance, music, film and readings.

Entry is free (except for special exhibits) and anyone who registers as one of Pandemonium’s guests will receive special offers throughout the evening – including 2-for-1 tickets to the John Martin: Apocalypse exhibition and a free poster (while supplies last).

For more information visit the registration page

Special Ticket Offer to John Martin: Apocalypse

Now at Tate Britain

Until 15 January 2012

(offer available until 30 November 2011)

Visionary, eccentric, populist and epic, John Martin was a controversial but key figure in nineteenth century art. Like his canvases, this wildly dramatic artist with his visions of heaven and hell, was larger than life.

Organised in partnership with the Laing gallery, Newcastle, this is the first major exhibition dedicated to Martin’s work in over 30 years. It brings together his most famous paintings of apocalyptic destruction and biblical disaster from collections around the world, as well as previously unseen and newly-restored works.

This exhibition presents a spectacular vision, capturing the full drama and impact of John Martin’s paintings as they were originally displayed. Just as in the nineteenth century, these epic and often astounding works must be seen to be believed.

British Fantasy Society Members can now purchase tickets for the concessionary rate of £10.90 (offer available until 30 November 2011)

Book now at www.tate.org.uk

Or call 020 7887 8998

(see BFS email newsletter to all members for special discount code to quote)

NOTE – booking fee applies

Open 10:00 – 18:00 Saturday – Thursday, and late on Fridays until 22:00

Tate Britain, London, SW1

Tube: Pimlico

Train: Vauxhall

Terms and conditions:

This offer is available on full price tickets only to John Martin: Apocalypse  at Tate Britain until 30 November 2011 only. This offer is available via phone or online (£1.50 booking fee per transaction applies). Tickets usually £12.70. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or promotions. No cash alternatives. Subject to availability. The promoter reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time. Cannot be used for group bookings.