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Edgar Allan Poe

Virtually ignored when first published and almost lost entirely, these are the first published works of one of America's great writers.

Edgar Allen Poe's 'Tamerlane and Other Poems' contains many early sparks of his creative genius and writing power.

The poems were inspired by a who's who of great poets: Percy Bysshe Shelley, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron.

The main poem, 'Tamerlane', tells of a great conqueror on his death bed, wishing he had stayed with his childhood sweetheart and ignored his ambition.

Others focus on the themes of love, loss, rejection, egotism, and death.

Having been called "the trumpet blast announcing that a new poet has stepped upon the stage", Poe's entrance into the literary world is confident and filled with promise.

'Tamerlane and Other Poems' is ideal for those interested in reading Poe's first published work.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural. He is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction.

In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.

His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

SAGA Egmont

Horror Classics

Tamerlane and Other Poems

In England, fans of Charles Dickens were gripped by the four ghosts that visited Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' to get him to change his mean ways.

At the same time, Edgar Allen Poe's 'Angel of the Odd', made out of a keg and wine bottles, drops in on the narrator, who does not believe in strange occurrences.

He chases the angel away and has a booze-induced afternoon nap.

When he wakes, his house is on fire. A ladder appears at the window and down he climbs - only to collide with a pig, fracturing his arm in the fall.

Things cannot get worse, can they? They sure can! For he is given the elbow by his would-be wife, who notices that he wears a wig because it was burnt off in the blaze.

The mishaps just keep coming. But when the 'Angel of the Odd' reappears, will the poor man swallow his pride and halt the barrage of blows?

'Angel of the Odd' is the ideal read for those interested in Poe's lesser-known works. 

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories and tales of the supernatural. He is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction.

In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.

His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

The Angel of the Odd

For inventiveness and front, Slippin' Jimmy from 'Better Call Saul' takes some beating. He had at least his equal, though, way back in the 1840s - in the shape of Peter Profitt, the anti-hero of 'The Business Man'.

After a nurse cracked his head against a bedpost, young Profitt lost the capacity for regularity or systems.

Convinced that it is his fate, he becomes an entrepreneur after a fall-out with his employer over a penny

His first business is to build filthy, rundown hovels - spite houses - next to new mansions and then demand 500pc of their value to demolish them.

Next, he starts fights and sues the victim for attacking him before he demands money from people for him not to splash mud on them.

With a demanding dog becoming his partner, as well as deliberation on whether Profitt should run for office or not, the hilarious story careers through a host of businesses and wild ideas.

If you like Poe's crazy characters and comical street scenes, you will love 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories and tales of the supernatural. He is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. 

In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.

His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

The Business Man

When the narrator boards the ship "Independence" for a summer trip from Charleston to New York City, the days ahead look idyllic. His old college friend Cornelius Wyatt is also aboard, with his wife and two sisters, so it promises to be a sociable journey.

However, there is one mysterious addition to the guest list - an oblong box measuring six feet by two-and-a-half feet. The box, which has a noisome odour, is kept in Wyatt's and his wife's room.

When the narrator hears nightly outbreaks of wailing and crying from Wyatt's room, he investigates. He is closing in on the terrible truth when a hurricane hits the ship - and Wyatt refuses to leave the box behind.

His heartbreaking secret will soon be revealed.

This book is ideal reading for fans of 'The Riddle of the Sands' by Erskine Childers.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. In a brief life, he was renowned for his poetry, short stories and tales of the supernatural. He is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. 

Born in Boston, he was abandoned by his father a year after his birth. Then, when his mother died the following year, he was taken in and raised by John and Frances Allan of Richmond, Virginia.

After falling out with Mr Allan in 1827 over his gambling debts, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection 'Tamarlane and Other Poems' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went.

When his wife died of tuberculosis in 1847, Poe's life descended into drinking and alleged substance abuse. He died in 1849, aged 40, with the cause of death unknown. His most famous works include 'The Raven', 'The Black Cat' and 'The Gold-Bug'.

The Oblong Box

A dark comedy, threaded through with an unsettling plot twist, "The System" follows a bumbling narrator through a tour of a mental institution in southern France. The peculiar Monsieur Maillard, architect of this institution, hosts his visitor to a most peculiar evening with the most unusual guests. The Monsieur and his extraordinary host of friends, provide an evening of unsettling, haphazard and absurd company, full of strange happenings, beautifully described through Poe's eye for detail. Poe's flair for the absurd and hilariously satirical shines bright in this short story, as evidenced by the numerous adaptations that have followed, most notably 2014s "Stonehearst Asylum" starring Kate Beckinsale and Sir Michael Caine.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is a titan of literature. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural and macabre, his body of work continues to resonate to this day. Poe is widely regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether

This short story, told in the Gothic tradition represents Poe's first work to be printed, and represents the foundation of what would constitute much of his future work. The tale, set in Hungary, recounts the later years of an interminable feud between two noble houses, the Metzengersteins and the Berlifitzings. This third person narration follows the young orphaned Baron of the Metzengersteins, Frederick, as he inherits his family's fortune and their feud. 

An ancient prophecy is all that remains of the origins of this feud, one that has seemingly come true when Frederick is suspected of the murder of the Berlifitzings patriarch. It is this prophecy that drags these two families to a conclusion teeming with tragedy, mystery, violence, madness and the supernatural. For any fans of Poe, mystery or the supernatural it is a must read.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is a titan of literature. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural and macabre, his body of work continues to resonate to this day. Poe is widely regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

Metzengerstein

"Bon-Bon", is a banterous, satirical tale synonymous of Poe's talents. It follows a famed chef and self-styled philosopher Pierre Bon-Bon, on a snowy winters night of solitary drinking, abruptly disturbed by the embodiment of evil itself, the Devil. A surprisingly pleasant house guest, Pierre invites the devil to a night of indulgent drinking in an attempt to extract some potent ethical statements he can publish as his own. This story is characterised by sharp satirical jabs at classical philosophers, genuinely witty exchanges and a healthy dose of euphemism, made all the more impactful by the absurdity of this chance encounter. This tale will leave readers with something to chew on.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is a titan of literature. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural and macabre, his body of work continues to resonate to this day. Poe is widely regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

Bon-Bon

When Hans Pfaal’s creditors begin to circle, there is only one thing he can do. Construct a magnificent, science defying balloon and escape to the moon! Hans records the details of this voyage with vivid otherworldly description, and impressive scientific knowhow. This fascinating, hallucinatory adventure, is regarded as one of the first examples of the modern science fiction genre, inspiring works by later writers such as Jules Verne and H. G Wells.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is a titan of literature. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural and macabre, his body of work continues to resonate to this day. Poe is widely regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall

A biting satirical piece, this short story takes aim at modern societies superiority complex. Through poking, prodding and mindless electrocution , a group of bumbling friends awaken a mummy from its slumber. After an evening of discourse, these men will begin to understand just how little they truly know about themselves and the world around them. Poking fun at the Egyptmania, and the casual attitudes towards scientific practice of the day, Poe delivers a scathing, humorous critique of his contemporaries. With witty dialogue, fascinating character development and an interesting twist, this short is perfect for anyone in the mood for a laugh with a dash of self reflection.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is a titan of literature. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural and macabre, his body of work continues to resonate to this day. Poe is widely regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

Some Words with a Mummy

A satirical story with a moral tint, "Never Bet the Devil Your Head" follows a narrator, fashioned after Poe himself, who is attacked by critics for his inability to produce a moral literary piece. To counter his critics, the narrator tells the story of a friend fond for rhetorically invoking the Devil, and his unusual end. A blend of supernatural and the bizarre, make the story a light-hearted, provocatively funny read that is doomed to be loved by anyone.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is a titan of literature. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural and macabre, his body of work continues to resonate to this day. Poe is widely regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

Never Bet the Devil Your Head

Perhaps fitting for a horror short story, the devil is in the details in Poe’s "The Oval Portrait" (1842).

A benighted traveller finds shelter in an abandoned mansion in the Apennine Mountains of Italy. Inside he gets absorbed by a stunning painting and decides to delve into its origins with the help from a book he finds on a pillow. 

The story revolves around the complex and often tragic relationship between life and art. As per usual Poe can’t help himself to play with layers, and most of the story is told as an embedded narrative.

The intense emotional and psychological depths of the narrator’s infatuation with the portrait and the enticing volume that helps to shed a light on the painting make this short story another fascinating and haunting and Poesque tale which succinctly glorifies the immortality of art.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

The Oval Portrait

Poe is the master of unreliable narration and deceptive oratory. So, should we believe him when he professes to exonerate the innocent and illuminate the guilty?

"Thou Art the Man" (1844) is an early detective story by the man who is often accredited with inventing the detective fiction genre.

Alarm spreads when Barnabas Shuttleworthy’s horse returns home without him. A search is commenced and soon follows an accusation. The tribulations of the accused man and his road to redemption are depicted in a macabre way inviting a good dose of gallows humour into the narrative mix. 

This macabre Poe concoction has received little attention and less praise. "Thou Art the Man" clearly shows that artful rhetoric ultimately – and always – leads to truth. 

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

Thou Art the Man

When Poe takes us to sea, we get sucked in.

In "A Descent into the Maelstrom" (1841) Poe’s narrator recounts his horrific experience when he and his brother’s boat get sucked down in the world’s fastest moving current of water, the tumultuous maelstrom known as Moskenesstraumen. 

Constructed as a story within a story, "A Descent into the Maelström" is a beautiful and gripping tale about the rough life on the seven seas told in the manner of Coleridge’s "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."

In 1980, the legendary American composer Philip Glass composed a much-praised 66-minute piece based on the short story.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

A Descent into the Maelström

Ever wondered what would happen if Poe left his gloom and doom-hungry readers in the lurch to crack a few jokes?

The answer is Poe’s rare comedy in the form of "The Spectacles" (1844). The main character, a shortsighted and dim-witted fool (perhaps aptly) named Napoleon, inherits a large amount of money. Unfortunately, it turns out that his short-sightedness is as symbolic as it is literal, and it quickly becomes the reason behind a series of humorous escapades. 

While the story begins as romance, it goes through the pains of farce, only to end on note of morality. The readers will break into laughter as they learn that love at first sight isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

The Spectacles

An authentic description of an expedition across the heart of the Rocky Mountains that turned out to be an elaborate hoax.

"The Journal of Julius Rodman" is Edgar Allen Poe’s second attempt at producing a lengthier work and until recently even hardcore fans have missed out on this adventurous gem. 

It tells the story of the first expedition over the Rocky Mountains conducted by "civilized man" and is packed with wild and vivid nature descriptions, encounters with Native American tribes and supreme emotions bringing Leonardo DiCaprio’s "The Revenant" to mind. 

Intended as a serialized novel, it was published anonymously in six instalments in Burton’s Gentleman Magazine in 1839-40 while Poe was working as a contributing editor. This novel, though unfinished, is extremely enjoyable and even prominent Senators initially believed the expedition to be a true story. A must-read for bona fide Poe fans. 

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

The Journal of Julius Rodman

Ever wondered how to combat the deep-seated urge to do wrong? Maybe Edgar Allen Poe can help. 

In "The Imp of the Perverse" (1845) Poe sets out to explain the Imp – the archetype responsible for persuading us to do what we know in our minds we shouldn’t. Poe, supposedly distraught with his own self-destructive impulses, lets the story take place primarily in the narrator’s mind as he frets the day he will have to come clean.

At the heart of this short story is the question of how far we can justify our wrongdoings. It explores our self-destructive impulses and urges, the abandonment of reason and our inherent wickedness. 

Join Poe as he takes the reader from the sunny valleys of reason to the darkest regions of the human soul. A descent into madness. 
 

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

The Imp of the Perverse

A man stows away aboard a whaling ship and gets caught up in shipwreck, mutiny, cannibalism and, finally, utter weirdness.

Edgar Allen Poe’s only novel, "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket" (1838) recounts the grim, violent and often bizarre story of Pym and his companions as they set adrift at sea and gradually descent from terror to absolute horror.

The novel makes for a riveting and gruesome tale that influenced writers such as Jules Verne and Herman Melville, and even H. P. Lovecraft and Jorge Luis Borges. 

An engrossing tale that will speak to maritime and mystery enthusiasts alike. Poe at his best.

Listed on Robert MCCrum's '100 Best Novels Written in English' list published in The Guardian, January 2021.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket

The story is often labelled a sequel to "How to Write a Blackwood Article", and deals with Signora Zenobia, who comes across a stately cathedral and a giant clock, that soon will take her life. Both horrifying and hilarious, "A Predicament" is a bizarre story indeed, satirical in its entirety, verging on the nonsensical and the absurd. An extremely funny read, the story is definitely a dark comedy that continues the heroine’s predicament from the previous tale.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

A Predicament

A classic horror story that follows the arrival of a fiendish figure in a small town, "The Devil in the Belfry" draws its potency from the amusing, ironic, and extremely creative atmosphere. An ordered and perfect city is disturbed, while the author pays exquisite attention to the smallest of details, offering memorable descriptions and narrations. Presented with a dose of sarcasm and comedy, the story is actually a great read exactly because it is so different from the characteristic, supernatural stories of Poe.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

The Devil in the Belfry

A short story that is shrouded in mystery, "The Man that Was Used Up" follows a narrator who wants to learn more about an important military figure. A satirical tale that mocks a real person, its strengths as a literary piece lie in the grotesque and immensely humorous episode in which the General is presented. Comic and amusing, the story is a must for Poe fans, even though the supernatural element is left aside, while the paradoxical roams free.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

Horror Classics - The book series

Horror Classics - The book series

Horror Classics books in order

Listen and read