🏚️ Gothic −57%

The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Vol. II (in Ten Volumes): Tales

✍️ Edgar Allan Poe
Reader Score
4.7
(6 reviews)
$21.99 $52.00 Save $30.01 (57%)
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A ten volume collection of Edgar Allan Poe's tales with 1902 illustrations

Edgar Allan Poe shaped American literature through his invention of detective fiction and popularization of Gothic themes. This specific volume focuses on his short stories rather than poetry or criticism. The inclusion of Frederick Simpson Coburn's artwork provides visual context for the text. Charles F. Richardson's editorial work ensures historical accuracy. The book serves readers who appreciate the origins of American genre fiction. It offers a direct look at Poe's narrative techniques in works like Berenice and Morella.

Key Themes
Gothic fiction detective fiction short story
Literary Context

Poe lived from 1809 to 1849. He influenced American literature in the nineteenth century. This edition reflects early twentieth century publishing practices. The work connects modern readers to the origins of American horror and mystery genres through Poe's pioneering efforts.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
H.P. Lovecraft · Mary Shelley · Sherlock Holmes · Bram Stoker
🏚️
Gothic
🏛 Cosimo Classics 📅 2009 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781605208497

📝 Description: The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Vol. II (in Ten Volumes): Tales

This volume contains selected tales by Edgar Allan Poe, who pioneered the short story form. The text includes narratives such as Berenice, Morella, and The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall. Readers will also find The Assignation, Shadow: A Parable, and King Pest within these pages. The collection continues the narrative of Narrative of A. Gordon Pym, which extends into Volume III. The work is part of a ten volume set published by Cosimo Classics in 2009. It replicates the 1902 edition and features illustrations by Frederick Simpson Coburn. Charles F. Richardson provided the critical introduction and editing. This edition appeals to those interested in romantic Gothic fiction and detective fiction, genres Poe helped establish. It may not suit readers seeking modern horror or contemporary supernatural tales, as it draws firmly on nineteenth century traditions. The organization follows the original structure of the 1902 publication. The text remains faithful to the sources used by Richardson. Fans of classic American literature will find this a valuable addition to their shelves. The physical format offers a tangible connection to early twentieth century publishing standards. Each tale stands as a distinct piece of Poe's oeuvre.

💎 Our verdict on The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Vol. II (in Ten Volumes): Tales

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
This ten-volume set stands as a rigorous archival document rather than a casual reading experience. It appeals strictly to those who value historical fidelity and the specific editorial decisions of Charles F. Richardson over narrative accessibility. The reliance on nineteenth-century traditions means it will likely alienate readers seeking the pacing or stylistic conventions of modern horror or contemporary supernatural tales. While visually engaging through Coburn’s artwork, the text demands patience for its period-specific prose and structure. It is not suitable for casual genre fans looking for quick thrills; instead, it serves as a scholarly resource for understanding the mechanical origins of detective fiction and Gothic atmosphere in American literature.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This volume is an essential acquisition for scholars and enthusiasts of the origins of American genre fiction, particularly those fascinated by the invention of detective fiction and the popularization of Gothic themes. Readers who appreciate the narrative techniques found in works like Berenice and Morella will find profound value in this direct examination of Poe’s oeuvres. The inclusion of Frederick Simpson Coburn’s 1902 illustrations provides necessary visual context, while Charles F. Richardson’s editorial work ensures historical accuracy for a tangible connection to early twentieth-century publishing standards. It is ideal for those seeking to understand the roots of psychological horror and dark fantasy without the interference of modern interpretations, offering a pristine look at how Poe shaped literary history through his distinct stylistic innovations.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —
⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
You’ll love this if you crave Gothic atmosphere and the origins of detective fiction. Poe aficionados and collectors of vintage aesthetics will appreciate it. Avoid this if you prefer fast-paced, psychological thrillers or modern supernatural trends; the slow, romantic prose may feel dated to some.

Reader rating

4.7
Based on 6 reviews
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H
Hannah R.
November 9, 2025
Read it in one night

A friend from my book club recommended it. It pairs well with the classics it is clearly in conversation with. Glad I finally picked this up.

D
David N.
November 14, 2025
Good addition to the shelf

First order from this shop. The audiobook crowd will want the paper copy for the margins. Good introduction if you have not read this author before. A couple of the side characters are thinly drawn. Recommended with reservations.

D
David T.
October 31, 2025

I read a lot of horror and I'm picky. Slow burn, but the burn is the point. The ending is bleak and honest, not a twist for the sake of one. Would buy from this store again.

H
Hannah K.
September 22, 2025
Worth every penny

Not my usual subgenre but wanted to branch out. The monster is scarier for how little you see of it. Highly recommend.

A
Alex E.
March 16, 2025
A new favorite

Got it as a gift for a friend who loves the genre. The dread is in the pacing, not in gore, which is exactly how I like it. Good introduction if you have not read this author before. Five stars from me.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Yes, it offers a broad selection including 'Berenice,' 'Morella,' and 'The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall,' providing a comprehensive look at his diverse narrative range beyond just the well-known classics.
It faithfully reproduces the 1902 edition edited by Charles F. Richardson, preserving the original language and structure. Readers seeking contemporary simplifications should look elsewhere, as this is a scholarly retention of the historical text.

📖 Who should read this

You’ll love this if you crave Gothic atmosphere and the origins of detective fiction. Poe aficionados and collectors of vintage aesthetics will appreciate it. Avoid this if you prefer fast-paced, psychological thrillers or modern supernatural trends; the slow, romantic prose may feel dated to some.

📜 Historical context

Edgar Allan Poe stands as the architect of the modern short story, blending melancholy with macabre innovation in ways that defined nineteenth-century Gothic literature. This specific edition, a reproduction of the 1902 Cosimo Classics release, preserves the era’s literary sensibilities through Frederick Simpson Coburn’s period illustrations and Charles F. Richardson’s scholarly curation. It captures the transition from Romanticism to darker, more analytical narratives, anchoring Poe’s legacy in its original historical context rather than a sanitized modern interpretation.

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