🩸 Horror Fiction −38%

The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherezade

✍️ Edgar Allan Poe
Reader Score
4.6
(3 reviews)
$15.99 $26.00 Save $10.01 (38%)
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A comical sequel featuring a retired Sinbad seeking new adventure.

The narrative shifts focus from the famous frame story to a lighthearted adventure involving a veteran sailor. Poe uses the character of Sinbad to explore themes of aging and the restless desire for exploration even in retirement. The story serves as a humorous counterpoint to the darker tales typically associated with the author's name. Readers interested in the evolution of American literature will find value in seeing Poe experiment with genre conventions outside his primary domain of mystery.

Key Themes
retired Sinbad Scheherazade escape comical sequel
Literary Context

Edgar Allan Poe lived from 1809 to 1849. He was an American author who helped establish the short story form and invented detective fiction. This 1845 work reflects his early career period before his death, showcasing his versatility beyond horror.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic experiments · Shirley Jackson's domestic psychological horror · Bram Stoker's Gothic epistolary structures · Arthur Conan Doyle's detective foundations
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Obscure Press 📅 2012 📖 26 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781447465911

📝 Description: The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherezade

This volume presents Edgar Allan Poe's 1845 short story titled The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherezade. Published by Obscure Press in November 2012, the text follows Scheherazade as she attempts to recount another narrative to the king immediately after escaping death. The plot centers on a retired Sinbad who decides to pursue fresh adventures rather than resting in his old age. This work functions as a comical sequel to the classic Sinbad tales, offering a distinct tone compared to Poe's usual mystery and horror genres. Poe remains widely recognized as one of the first American short story writers and the inventor of the detective fiction genre. His career spanned roles as an author, editor, poet, and critic before his death in 1849. This edition includes a specially commissioned new biography of the author to provide context for his literary contributions. The book is formatted as a standard physical volume with ISBN 9781447465911. The text suits readers who appreciate the short story form and those familiar with Poe's broader body of work. It may not appeal to individuals seeking traditional horror or supernatural fiction, as this specific tale leans toward comedy. Antiquarian copies of such works are becoming rare and expensive, making this affordable reprint a practical option for collectors and casual readers alike.

💎 Our verdict on The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherezade

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
While it succeeds as a comical sequel to the Sinbad tales, exploring themes of aging and restless exploration, it explicitly leans toward comedy rather than horror. Consequently, individuals seeking traditional supernatural fiction or psychological dread will likely find this volume unsatisfying and disconnected from their expectations. However, for those willing to engage with Poe’s versatility as an editor and critic, the text provides a fascinating glimpse into his capacity for humor. The physical formatting and included biography make it a practical addition for scholarly study rather than casual fright-seeking.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the short story form and those familiar with Poe's broader body of work will find significant value in this unique text. It offers a distinct tonal shift, serving as a humorous counterpoint to the darker tales typically associated with the author's name. Those interested in the evolution of American literature will discover how Poe experimented with genre conventions outside his primary domain of mystery. Additionally, collectors and casual readers alike benefit from this affordable reprint, as antiquarian copies of such works are becoming rare and expensive. The inclusion of a specially commissioned biography provides essential context for his literary contributions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —
⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
Readers who cherish Poe’s versatility beyond his grim works will delight in this comedic interlude. It suits fans of Arabian Nights adaptations and literary history buffs. However, those seeking visceral horror or supernatural dread should look elsewhere, as this tale prioritizes humor over fear.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 3 reviews
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V
Victor K.
May 15, 2026
Genuinely scary

Been meaning to get this one for a while. The binding held up to being carried around for a week. The prose is clean and the scares land because the characters feel real. Already eyeing my next order.

S
Steven J.
October 5, 2025
Genuinely scary

A friend from my book club recommended it. The ending is bleak and honest, not a twist for the sake of one. Great value for what you get.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Not at all. Unlike his usual tales of dread and psychological terror, this work is a comedic sequel to Sinbad adventures, focusing on humor rather than supernatural horror.
Yes, it features a specially commissioned new biography that provides essential context for Poe’s literary contributions and his role in shaping American short fiction and detective genres.

📖 Who should read this

Readers who cherish Poe’s versatility beyond his grim works will delight in this comedic interlude. It suits fans of Arabian Nights adaptations and literary history buffs. However, those seeking visceral horror or supernatural dread should look elsewhere, as this tale prioritizes humor over fear.

📜 Historical context

Poe’s legacy is anchored in gothic atmosphere and logical deduction, yet he occasionally wandered into whimsy. This 1845 narrative bridges the gap between his dark masterpieces and lighthearted satire. By reimagining Sinbad as a reluctant retiree, Poe subverts traditional adventure tropes, offering a rare glimpse into his playful side before his untimely death in 1849.

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