Great Horror Stories
By Edgar Allan Poe
Dover Large Print Classics, (2001)
ISBN: 0-486-41783-2
Genre: Fiction, Horror Stories
Reviewed by Anna Dogole - September 28, 2001
Edgar Allan Poe is often referred to as the father of the murder, a title which is well earned. Born in 1809, Poe's first book, Tamerlane and Other Poems was published in 1827. Throughout his lifetime, he authored extensive, and somewhat eclectic body of work. He wrote only one novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, which was published in 1838. For the most part, Poe concentrated on his short stories and poems, but he also wrote articles for magazines and worked as a critic. Overall, however, he is best remembered for his horror stories, and his dark and moody poems, such as The Raven, which was published in 1849, the year of his death. No matter what genre Poe worked in, his work was noted for its superb literary content, and deep psychological insights.
Poe is heralded as not only a wonderful poet, but also as the creator of the modern mystery and detective story genre. Poe is not only judged as a literary powerhouse for his skill at composing riveting stories and lyrical poems, but also because of the symbolism inherent in his work. Without exception, Poe's work is engaging the reader's senses, transporting them to a realm resplendent with the sights and sounds of the story's locals. Poe is a master when it comes to creating an 'atmosphere' with the written word.
In this collection, Great Horror Stories, Dover Publications has gathered nine of Poe's finest horror stories.
This anthology includes:
Ligeia
The Fall of the House of Usher
The Murders in the Rue Morgue
This story features the private detective, C. Auguste Dupin. With Dupin, Poe created the first modern, literary detective. Like many of the fictional detectives that were to follow, Dupin uses his wits, his imagination, and his powers of observation to solve his 'cases'.
The Masque of the Red Death
The Pit and the Pendulum
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Gold-Bug
The Black Cat
The Cask of Amontillado
Not only is each of these stories finely crafted, from a literary sense, but they evoke such a sense of horror and suspense that it is almost palatable. No matter how many time you read them, the hair on the back of your neck will still stand up, and cold shivers will rack your body. Always, always, read these stories in a well-lit room. And, never read them when you are home alone for they are sure to give you a rampaging case of the willies! This collection is definitely one that deserves the title Great Horror Stories. They will terrorize both young and old, and they are particularly suited for retelling around a campfire - enjoy....
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