-25% 🔥 Bestseller The prose tales of Edgar Allan Poe. By: Edgar Allan Poe (second series): Tales (World's classic's) — Gothic

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The prose tales of Edgar Allan Poe. By: Edgar Allan Poe (second series): Tales (World's classic's)

Name: The prose tales of Edgar Allan Poe. By: Edgar Allan Poe (second series): Tales (World's classic's)
Price: 14.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781541008526

✍️ Edgar Allan Poe

Reader Score

4.4

(8 reviews)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A curated collection of Edgar Allan Poe's varied short prose works.

Edgar Allan Poe demonstrates his literary breadth in this compilation of short prose pieces. The text moves beyond standard horror to include satire, such as "Review of Stephens' Arabia Petraea," and speculative fiction like "The Man That Was Used Up." Readers encounter a wide spectrum of genres, from the absurdity of "The Angel of the Odd" to the philosophical depth of "The Colloquy of Monus and Una." The author’s skill in manipulating tone is clear across these pages. The book appeals to scholars and fans who wish to understand Poe’s full artistic scope. It does not cater to readers who prefer straightforward narratives without intellectual complexity.

Key Themes

satirical prose supernatural fiction philosophical fables

Literary Context

Edgar Allan Poe was a central figure in American Gothic literature during the nineteenth century. This collection reflects his engagement with contemporary literary debates and scientific curiosities of his era, presenting works that challenge genre boundaries through satire and speculative thought.

Edgar Allan Poe

📚 all books by this author (764) →

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

H.P. Lovecraft · M.R. James · Ambrose Bierce

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Gothic

🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2016 📖 322 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781541008526

📝 Description: The prose tales of Edgar Allan Poe. By: Edgar Allan Poe (second series): Tales (World's classic's)

This volume collects a diverse array of Edgar Allan Poe’s lesser-known prose works, offering readers a look beyond his famous tales of terror. The compilation includes satirical pieces like "How to Write a Blackwood Article" and philosophical musings such as "The Philosophy of Furniture." It also features speculative fiction, including the futuristic narrative "Melonta Tauta" and the surreal fable "Silence." Poe’s reputation for blending macabre themes with intellectual rigor is evident in stories like "The Man of the Crowd" and the dark comedy "Hop-Frog." The text draws on Gothic and supernatural traditions while frequently employing satire to critique literary trends and societal norms. Works such as "Diddling Considered as One of the Exact Sciences" highlight Poe’s sharp wit, whereas pieces like "The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion" explore existential dread. The book is organized chronologically by subject matter, presenting a mix of humor, horror, and philosophical inquiry. It suits readers interested in Poe’s versatility as a writer who mastered both fear and irony. Those seeking only traditional ghost stories may find the satirical sections less appealing. The collection serves as proof of his range, covering topics from chess machines to mummy lore.

💎 Our verdict on The prose tales of Edgar Allan Poe. By: Edgar Allan Poe (second series): Tales (World's classic's)

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This curated selection effectively demonstrates Poe’s versatility, blending macabre themes with intellectual sophistication. The inclusion of satirical pieces like 'How to Write a Blackwood Article' alongside philosophical musings provides a nuanced portrait of his craft. However, the book does not cater to readers who prefer straightforward narratives without intellectual complexity. Those seeking only traditional ghost stories may find the extensive satirical and speculative sections less appealing. The chronological organization by subject matter aids in understanding his stylistic evolution. While it serves as proof of his range, covering topics from chess machines to mummy lore, its demand for engagement with irony and abstract concepts means it suits a specific, more scholarly audience rather than casual genre fans.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking to understand the full artistic scope of Edgar Allan Poe will find this compilation invaluable. It reveals his literary breadth, moving beyond mere terror to include satire, speculative fiction, and philosophical depth. Scholars and fans interested in his manipulation of tone and intellectual rigor will appreciate works like 'The Man That Was Used Up' and 'The Philosophy of Furniture.' This collection highlights his sharp wit and mastery of irony, offering a comprehensive view of his range from absurdity to existential dread. It is essential for those who wish to explore the complexity behind his reputation, demonstrating how he critiqued societal norms through dark comedy and surreal fables rather than just straightforward horror narratives.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

Seekers of Poe’s sharp intellect and satirical bite will adore this diverse collection beyond his standard horrors. However, if you crave only traditional, straightforward ghost stories without irony or philosophical depth, this volume may not satisfy your expectations for pure terror.

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 8 reviews

Andrew L.

August 13, 2026

Worth every penny

Took a chance on it after reading the description here. The atmosphere builds slowly and then does not let go. Already eyeing my next order.

Diana J.

July 26, 2026

Worth the read

Got it as a gift for a friend who loves the genre. The setting is practically a character, and a hostile one. Good introduction if you have not read this author before. Recommended with reservations.

Tom G.

July 15, 2026

Read it in one night

Not my usual subgenre but wanted to branch out. Slow burn, but the burn is the point. Already eyeing my next order.

Greg G.

March 23, 2026

Mixed feelings

Finally got around to ordering this. There's real craft in how much is left unsaid. Gorier than the description lets on, if that matters to you. Happy enough with the purchase.

Carol D.

August 24, 2025

Good addition to the shelf

Arrived quickly and well packaged. The prose is clean and the scares land because the characters feel real. Print is comfortable for late-night reading. My only quibble is that the middle third sags a little. Good, with the caveats above.

Hannah A.

May 14, 2025

Solid horror

Wanted something for October and it delivered. The ending is bleak and honest, not a twist for the sake of one. Gorier than the description lets on, if that matters to you. Recommended with reservations.

Sarah S.

May 5, 2025

Grabbed it for a long flight. Genuinely unsettling in places, and it earns it without cheap tricks. It is the kind of horror that rewards reading with the lights on. Already eyeing my next order.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, it features a wide range of genres including satire, philosophy, and speculative fiction alongside horror, showcasing Poe’s versatility rather than focusing solely on terror.

The works are arranged chronologically by subject matter, allowing readers to trace Poe’s evolving themes from dark comedy to intellectual inquiry throughout his career.

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy extends far beyond the established tropes of Gothic and supernatural fiction that he helped define. This volume illuminates his role as a critical satirist and speculative thinker, challenging the literary trends of his era. By including works like 'The Philosophy of Furniture,' it reveals how Poe used wit to critique societal norms while simultaneously exploring existential dread, proving his mastery over both fear and irony in nineteenth-century literature.