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

The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Vol. IV (in Ten Volumes): Tales — photo 1

The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Vol. IV (in Ten Volumes): Tales — photo 2

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

Name: The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Vol. IV (in Ten Volumes): Tales
Price: 21.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781605208534

✍️ Edgar Allan Poe

Reader Score

4.6

(2 reviews)

$21.99 ~~$36.00~~ Save $14.01 (38%)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A ten-volume collection featuring Poe's Gothic tales and detective stories illustrated by Coburn.

This set reproduces the 1902 Cosimo Classics edition of Poe's oeuvre. It includes an introduction by Charles F. Richardson and artwork by Frederick Simpson Coburn. Volume IV focuses on short fiction, presenting stories that blend mystery with supernatural elements. The text preserves the original layout and artistic style of the early twentieth century. Readers receive ten volumes total, allowing for a comprehensive study of Poe's output. The inclusion of Richardson's critical notes provides context for the literary historian. Coburn's illustrations accompany the text, maintaining the visual aesthetic of the era. This format appeals to those interested in book history as much as literary content.

Key Themes

Gothic fiction detective genre supernatural tales

Literary Context

Poe shaped American literature by inventing detective fiction and popularizing Gothic romance in the nineteenth century. This 2009 Cosimo Classics reprint revives a 1902 edition, preserving the work of illustrator Coburn and editor Richardson for modern audiences interested in historical literary forms.

Edgar Allan Poe

📚 all books by this author (764) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Arthur Conan Doyle · H.P. Lovecraft · Mary Shelley · Bram Stoker

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Gothic

🏛 Cosimo Classics 📅 2009 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781605208534

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

Edgar Allan Poe pioneered American detective fiction and popularized romantic Gothic tales in the nineteenth century. This tenth volume of his complete works presents a curated selection of his short stories, offering readers direct access to the narratives that defined his literary legacy. The text is presented as part of a ten-volume set, specifically reproducing the 1902 edition with illustrations by Frederick Simpson Coburn and an introduction by Charles F. Richardson. Volume IV contains distinct tales that showcase Poe's range. Readers will encounter the philosophical dialogue in "The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion" alongside the foundational detective story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." The collection also includes "A Descent into the Maelstrom," which explores maritime peril, and "The Masque of the Red Death," a narrative dealing with plague and isolation. Other works featured are "The Island of the Fay," "Never Bet the Devil Your Head," and "Eleonora." These stories draw upon Gothic traditions and early American literary forms. This edition suits collectors who appreciate historical book design and readers seeking primary sources for Poe's short fiction. It may not appeal to those preferring modern psychological horror over nineteenth-century romanticism. The volume stands as a tangible artifact of late Victorian publishing, complete with period illustrations and critical commentary.

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

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

The ten-volume format allows for a thorough examination of the author's oeuvre, supported by Richardson’s critical introduction and Coburn’s evocative artwork. However, it may not appeal to those preferring modern psychological horror over nineteenth-century romanticism or readers seeking contemporary narrative styles. Those interested only in plot-driven thrillers might find the philosophical dialogues and early American literary forms less engaging. Ultimately, this set is a scholarly artifact for enthusiasts of book history and Gothic literature rather than a casual reading experience for general audiences.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a comprehensive study of Poe’s output will find immense value in this ten-volume set, which offers direct access to the narratives that defined his literary legacy. The inclusion of Charles F. Richardson’s critical notes provides essential context for literary historians, while Frederick Simpson Coburn’s illustrations maintain the visual aesthetic of the era. This edition is particularly suited for collectors who appreciate historical book design and those interested in book history as much as literary content. It allows for a deep dive into foundational works like 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' alongside philosophical dialogues and tales of maritime peril, presenting a curated selection that showcases Poe's range within Gothic traditions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

Seekers of psychological dread and Gothic atmosphere will find their spirits stirred by these foundational tales. However, if you prefer modern jump scares or fast-paced action over atmospheric suspense and complex prose, this classic collection may not satisfy your appetite for horror.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 2 reviews

Mark C.

December 11, 2025

Added this to the shelf next to the ones I reread. The prose is clean and the scares land because the characters feel real.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Yes, this specific volume reproduces the 1902 edition featuring illustrations by Frederick Simpson Coburn, allowing you to experience the visual atmosphere intended for historical readers.

This installment features diverse narratives such as the philosophical dialogue 'The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion,' the first detective story 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue,' and gothic classics like 'The Masque of the Red Death.'

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

Edgar Allan Poe stands as the architect of modern horror and detective fiction, fundamentally shaping how we perceive fear in literature. By revisiting his early nineteenth-century works, readers engage with the very roots of the supernatural genre. This volume preserves the era’s aesthetic sensibilities, offering a direct line to the Romantic Gothic movement that prioritized emotion, terror, and the sublime over rational explanation.