The Monkey’s Paw” is a classic “three wishes” story that doubles as a horror story and a cautionary tale, reminding us that unintended consequences often accompany the best intentions. This widely anthologized story is a favorite in classrooms around the world. The story was first published in 1902 and then featured in The Lady of the Barge, published in 1911.

A full collection of stories by W.W. Jacobs is available at the Nashville Public Library under the title The Monkey’s Paw and Other Tales of Mystery and the Macabre.

“The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs…we begin….