From the back of the book:
A Century ends... and Horror begins.
Long ago, the Mists of Ravenloft parted for a brief moment in time, and a terrible force invaded Earth. Now, in the waning years of the 19th century, its carefully woven plans come together. Only a few brave souls risk their lives to prevent the conquest of darkness.
Within these pages lies an alternate Earth of the 1890s, filled with wondrous inventions, dynamic energy, a thirst for knowledge, rare magics - and untold terror! Featuring a comprehensive campaign setting, new prestige classes, revised magic rules, lairs of evil and numerous adventure hooks, [b]Masque of the Red Death[/b] allows you to visit the world of Arthur Conan Doyle, Edgar Allan Pe and Jack the Ripper. Explore the horrors of Ravenloft in a new time and place!