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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
Well, Mr. Poe's certainly a great writer. I really loved reading his short stories. While I dislike most of his early works (except for "The Loss of Breath"), his later works (1839-1849) work on so many levels. It's no wonder that he inspired so many great writers. His Inspector C. Auguste Dupin (featured in "The Murders in the Rue Morgue", "The Mystery of Marie Roget" and "The Purloined Letter") inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. Poe's "Oval Portrait", albeit short, inspired Wilde's [b:The Picture of Dorian Gray|5297|The Picture of Dorian Gray|Oscar Wilde|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1424596966s/5297.jpg|1858012]. Some stories, such as "Pit and the Pendulum" and "Premature Burial", instill the fear in you. Poe plays with our fears and brings them to life. He's also very good at writing about guilt as seen in "Telltale Heart" and "Black Cat". There are also some weird "experiment stories" such as "The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether" or one of the best short stories "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" (It could've served as an inspiration for Lord Voldemort's name. Yeah, I know, there is that French word theory)
Poe also wrote about revenge in "Cask of Amontillado" and "Hop Frog"
Other stories worth mentioning: William Wilson (doppelganger story), Masque of the Red Death (unavoidable death) and Gold Bug (treasure hunt).
Now, onto the poems. I really like his writing style. I've already known of "Anabel Lee" and "The Raven", but now I really like "The happiest day", "A Dream Within A Dream" and others.
For years I've known Poe as a poet, but I've never read his stories. Now I believe that he's a better writer than a poet.
Poe also wrote about revenge in "Cask of Amontillado" and "Hop Frog"
Other stories worth mentioning: William Wilson (doppelganger story), Masque of the Red Death (unavoidable death) and Gold Bug (treasure hunt).
Now, onto the poems. I really like his writing style. I've already known of "Anabel Lee" and "The Raven", but now I really like "The happiest day", "A Dream Within A Dream" and others.
For years I've known Poe as a poet, but I've never read his stories. Now I believe that he's a better writer than a poet.
On page 93/1040.
This has been here for quite a bit, and I have NO idea when I'll finally start getting to and through these short stories, so I'm putting it on this shelf for now!
This has been here for quite a bit, and I have NO idea when I'll finally start getting to and through these short stories, so I'm putting it on this shelf for now!
I have awarded the collective works of Poe with three stars. At his absolute best, Poe’s short stories and poetry are five star gothic brilliance. The language is archaic which means that his writing style is often difficult to get into. If the story was interesting, the language framed it quite nicely. However, if the story completely failed to capture me, I found it incredibly dull. Poe’s work is a mixed bag to a modern reader such as myself. The edition I read was 1026 pages of tiny text. I did not manage to read it all in its entirety, particularly the ‘Narrative of Gordon A. Pym’. This was towards the end of my edition, just before the poetry. I had been reading the book for about a month and was ready to finish it and so I skipped ahead to the poetry.
Even if you don’t love all of Poe’s work, you cannot deny his influence. He was arguably the inventor of detective fiction, inspiring Arthur Conan Doyle as well as a pioneer of science fiction and horror writing. I am not going to comment on every single story and poem that I read but absolutely will comment on those that stood out. My review will feature some spoilers which I have tried to hide (this feature may not work on mobile phones)
THE UNPARALLELED ADVENTURE OF HANS PFALL – 2 stars
Arguably one of the first science fiction stories written, inspiring Jules Verne, I found the faux pseudoscientific text a bit of a slog. When published, it was intended as a hoax (think Orson Wells and his War of the Worlds hoax only less dramatic and less convincing even to the contemporary reader). To a 21st century reader, the idea of a man travelling to the moon in a hot air balloon is somewhat adorable in our eyes but then, how was Poe to know the grisly effects the vacuum of space has upon the human body? It is amusing to us that he believed that one could survive space with some kind of bag over your head filtering air. If I remember rightly, I think the man was in significant debt when he left for his moon voyage and I’m quite impressed at his dedication to avoid his creditors. I’m not impressed he took a cat with him. There is another story called ‘The Balloon Hoax’. I didn’t enjoy this at all as it felt too similar to the Hans Pfall tale and didn’t capture my interest.
THE GOLDBUG – 2.5 stars
Pirates, treasure and a gentleman behaving in a mad fashion. Going by this description, I feel like I should have enjoyed this more than I did. I wasn’t massively interested in the cryptography side of the tale. Through my modern mind, I found the depiction of the Black character somewhat unsettling and when he used the ‘N’ word repeatedly to describe himself, I felt uncomfortable. He was portrayed as a fool who didn’t know his left from right. It was mildly racist although I understand the likelihood of most white men during Poe’s being mildly racist if not outright and overtly racist.
THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF M. VALDEMAR – 3 stars
I didn’t enjoy most of Poe’s tales involving mesmerism but this was the first tale I read in the collection where I obtained a glimpse of the dark writing that Poe is capable of. The story has a wonderfully ghastly ending.
THE THOUSAND AND SECOND TALE OF SCHEHERAZADE – 3 stars
I felt at a disadvantage for having not read ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, otherwise known as ‘Arabian Nights’. There’s this fantastic section where it describes inventions that were brought into the world by the time Poe was alive. Describing photography, he writes:
‘Another directed the sun to paint his portrait and the sun did’
A DESCENT INTO THE MAELSTROM – 3 stars
I enjoyed this, particularly as I learnt what a maelstrom was, namely the Lofoten maelstrom in Norway. Seeing photos of it, it looks like something that some Lovecraftian monster could emerge from which is an interesting thought as Lovecraft was influenced by Poe. The effects that the whirlpool had on the narrator makes me wonder if it was some sort of time travel portal. It changes his hair white. I’ve had some pretty stressful days in the office but no grey hairs. Yet!
THE MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE – 3.5 stars
The first proper detective story written by Poe that went on to inspire Conan Doyle. I loved the inclusion of a certain beast.
THE PURLOINED LETTER – 2.5 stars
Another detective story involving blackmail of a queen.
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER – 3 stars
A macabre tale which explores catalepsy (which I will discuss later). Given the famous name of this tale, I expected to be blown away by it but I wasn’t overly fussed.
THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH – 2 stars
After two years of a global pandemic, I thought this story would capture me better than it did. Was just rather ‘ho hum’ for me.
***THE CROWN JEWELS OF POES WORK***
THE BLACK CAT – 5 stars
Finally, a story which really shows of Poe’s genius. A macabre tale exploring alcoholism, insanity and superstition.
THE PREMATURE BURIAL – 5 stars
‘When nature could endure wakefulness no longer, it was with struggle that I consented to sleep – for I shuddered to reflect that upon awaking, I might find myself the tenant of a grave.
This tale spooked me when I was a teenager and still spooks me today. It sparked a fear of being trapped or buried alive. It’s kind of ironic that I want a natural burial one day (rather than cremation). Thankfully, my desire to become one with a tree has overridden my terror at the idea of waking up alive in a coffin. This story explores catalepsy, a fascinating and terrifying condition.
THE TELL-TALE HEART – 5 stars
An absolutely sublime tale of murder and guilt. Like ‘The Raven’, it was an episode of ‘The Simpsons’ which introduced me to this timeless tale.
THE SYSTEM OF DOCTOR TARR AND PROFESSOR FETHER – 5 stars
Unexpectedly brilliant story about an asylum.
‘I have always understood the majority of lunatics were of the gentler sex’ – Ahem, excuse me? Bleedin' Victorians and their attitudes towards women.
THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO – 4 stars
Oooh. Another buried alive scenario. Yes please but no thanks.
THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM – 4 stars
‘Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!’ It’s fiction but I could certainly imagine a set up this this happening. I’ll say no more.
THE OVAL PORTRAIT – 4 stars
I really feel I would ruin this by saying to much about the story. They talk of the tortured artist but this is something else.
HOW TO WRITE A BLACKWOOD ARTICLE – 4 stars
The work mocks the Scottish Blackwood Magazine with its sensationalist writings. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Every so often Poe demonstrates such fantastic wit. There is a wonderful line where the writer states:
‘Here I assured him I had an excellent pair of garters, and would go hang myself forthwith’
It’s more amusing with the context but I just love that line.
THE PREDICAMENT – 4 stars
I was thrilled to read a story set in my beloved city of Edinburgh. The tale takes quite an abrupt turn when
PHILOSOPHY OF FURNITURE – 4 stars
This one REALLY surprised me. I have found that the Poe stories I tend to rate mostly highly are the dark and macabre ones. However, this is a write up about interior design and Poe’s wit is exemplary throughout. He refers to the ‘Scotch’ as ‘poor decorists’. Well, F you Poe. Haven’t you heard of Charles Rennie Mackintosh? Oh wait, he hadn’t because Mackintosh was born years after Poe died. This story also features wonderful bits of writing such as…
‘The Dutch have, perhaps, an indeterminate idea that a curtain is not a cabbage’ (Err. Yes?)
‘In Spain they are all curtains – a nation of hangmen’ – Just an absolutely brilliant line. Even when talking about interior design and furniture, Poe sneaks in a dark reference.
HOP-FROG – 4 stars
Another surprising story about…
POE’S POETRY:
I think most can agree that ‘The Raven’ is a masterpiece. It is a wonderful work to read aloud and I sometimes treat myself by imagining that Vincent Price is reading it in his base tones. I am not a fan of poetry but I really enjoyed some of Poe’s work. I especially enjoyed the work that had rhythm and was repetitious but repetitious with purpose. I really believe that a lot of Poe’s work is best enjoyed read out loud, even if you are in your room alone. Even in my girlish Scottish accent. I enjoyed reading out ‘Ulalame’. I didn’t fully understand it but I loved its rhythm and it frequently mentions October (the month I am in now). There is an absolutely mad piece of poetry called ‘The Bells’ which is a fun one to read aloud and features the word ‘tintinnabulation’. That’s a difficult word to say even when sober. I also enjoyed Annabel Lee, a tragic love story which, like many of Poe's tales/poems could be semi-autobiographical.
Further comments:
• I skim read some of the mesmerism tales. So utterly dull.
• There’s one story called ‘Mellonta Tauta’ that I didn’t enjoy a huge amount but did find it cute that Poe thought we’d be travelling by balloon in 2848. But hey, who am I to criticise? We thought we’d have hoverboards by now.
• I didn’t enjoy underlying racism and touches of antisemitism in some stories.
• Berenice – a Bizarre tale about a man who had a thing for teeth.
• In the story, ‘The Duc De L’Omelette’, it seems that the man, after eating an olive, ‘expired in a paroxysm of disgust’. I would do so as well if I was forced to eat what, I call, an ‘evil grape’.
• I found Poe’s short segments in French and Greek frustrating as it feels like he assumes everyone had the classic and language training he had to be able to interpret his stories.
All in all, Poe is best when he writes gothic horror. He had a dark imagination that flourished when he wrote about grisly and/or dark events.
Even if you don’t love all of Poe’s work, you cannot deny his influence. He was arguably the inventor of detective fiction, inspiring Arthur Conan Doyle as well as a pioneer of science fiction and horror writing. I am not going to comment on every single story and poem that I read but absolutely will comment on those that stood out. My review will feature some spoilers which I have tried to hide (this feature may not work on mobile phones)
THE UNPARALLELED ADVENTURE OF HANS PFALL – 2 stars
Arguably one of the first science fiction stories written, inspiring Jules Verne, I found the faux pseudoscientific text a bit of a slog. When published, it was intended as a hoax (think Orson Wells and his War of the Worlds hoax only less dramatic and less convincing even to the contemporary reader). To a 21st century reader, the idea of a man travelling to the moon in a hot air balloon is somewhat adorable in our eyes but then, how was Poe to know the grisly effects the vacuum of space has upon the human body? It is amusing to us that he believed that one could survive space with some kind of bag over your head filtering air. If I remember rightly, I think the man was in significant debt when he left for his moon voyage and I’m quite impressed at his dedication to avoid his creditors. I’m not impressed he took a cat with him.
Spoiler
A pregnant one. Poor pregnant cat. She gave birth on the journeyTHE GOLDBUG – 2.5 stars
Pirates, treasure and a gentleman behaving in a mad fashion. Going by this description, I feel like I should have enjoyed this more than I did. I wasn’t massively interested in the cryptography side of the tale. Through my modern mind, I found the depiction of the Black character somewhat unsettling and when he used the ‘N’ word repeatedly to describe himself, I felt uncomfortable. He was portrayed as a fool who didn’t know his left from right. It was mildly racist although I understand the likelihood of most white men during Poe’s being mildly racist if not outright and overtly racist.
THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF M. VALDEMAR – 3 stars
I didn’t enjoy most of Poe’s tales involving mesmerism but this was the first tale I read in the collection where I obtained a glimpse of the dark writing that Poe is capable of. The story has a wonderfully ghastly ending.
THE THOUSAND AND SECOND TALE OF SCHEHERAZADE – 3 stars
I felt at a disadvantage for having not read ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, otherwise known as ‘Arabian Nights’. There’s this fantastic section where it describes inventions that were brought into the world by the time Poe was alive. Describing photography, he writes:
‘Another directed the sun to paint his portrait and the sun did’
A DESCENT INTO THE MAELSTROM – 3 stars
I enjoyed this, particularly as I learnt what a maelstrom was, namely the Lofoten maelstrom in Norway. Seeing photos of it, it looks like something that some Lovecraftian monster could emerge from which is an interesting thought as Lovecraft was influenced by Poe. The effects that the whirlpool had on the narrator makes me wonder if it was some sort of time travel portal. It changes his hair white. I’ve had some pretty stressful days in the office but no grey hairs. Yet!
THE MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE – 3.5 stars
The first proper detective story written by Poe that went on to inspire Conan Doyle. I loved the inclusion of a certain beast.
THE PURLOINED LETTER – 2.5 stars
Another detective story involving blackmail of a queen.
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER – 3 stars
A macabre tale which explores catalepsy (which I will discuss later). Given the famous name of this tale, I expected to be blown away by it but I wasn’t overly fussed.
THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH – 2 stars
After two years of a global pandemic, I thought this story would capture me better than it did. Was just rather ‘ho hum’ for me.
***THE CROWN JEWELS OF POES WORK***
THE BLACK CAT – 5 stars
Finally, a story which really shows of Poe’s genius. A macabre tale exploring alcoholism, insanity and superstition.
THE PREMATURE BURIAL – 5 stars
‘When nature could endure wakefulness no longer, it was with struggle that I consented to sleep – for I shuddered to reflect that upon awaking, I might find myself the tenant of a grave.
This tale spooked me when I was a teenager and still spooks me today. It sparked a fear of being trapped or buried alive. It’s kind of ironic that I want a natural burial one day (rather than cremation). Thankfully, my desire to become one with a tree has overridden my terror at the idea of waking up alive in a coffin. This story explores catalepsy, a fascinating and terrifying condition.
THE TELL-TALE HEART – 5 stars
An absolutely sublime tale of murder and guilt. Like ‘The Raven’, it was an episode of ‘The Simpsons’ which introduced me to this timeless tale.
THE SYSTEM OF DOCTOR TARR AND PROFESSOR FETHER – 5 stars
Unexpectedly brilliant story about an asylum.
Spoiler
What if the insane took over the asylum? What horror would ensue?‘I have always understood the majority of lunatics were of the gentler sex’ – Ahem, excuse me? Bleedin' Victorians and their attitudes towards women.
THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO – 4 stars
Oooh. Another buried alive scenario. Yes please but no thanks.
THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM – 4 stars
‘Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!’ It’s fiction but I could certainly imagine a set up this this happening. I’ll say no more.
THE OVAL PORTRAIT – 4 stars
I really feel I would ruin this by saying to much about the story. They talk of the tortured artist but this is something else.
HOW TO WRITE A BLACKWOOD ARTICLE – 4 stars
The work mocks the Scottish Blackwood Magazine with its sensationalist writings. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Every so often Poe demonstrates such fantastic wit. There is a wonderful line where the writer states:
‘Here I assured him I had an excellent pair of garters, and would go hang myself forthwith’
It’s more amusing with the context but I just love that line.
THE PREDICAMENT – 4 stars
I was thrilled to read a story set in my beloved city of Edinburgh. The tale takes quite an abrupt turn when
Spoiler
the poor bastard finds himself slowly decapitated by the minute hand of a massive clock. The most bizarre part of this was the ability of the narrator to describe the events in such a level-headed way other than ‘SH*T! This bloody clock is cutting my head off.'PHILOSOPHY OF FURNITURE – 4 stars
This one REALLY surprised me. I have found that the Poe stories I tend to rate mostly highly are the dark and macabre ones. However, this is a write up about interior design and Poe’s wit is exemplary throughout. He refers to the ‘Scotch’ as ‘poor decorists’. Well, F you Poe. Haven’t you heard of Charles Rennie Mackintosh? Oh wait, he hadn’t because Mackintosh was born years after Poe died. This story also features wonderful bits of writing such as…
‘The Dutch have, perhaps, an indeterminate idea that a curtain is not a cabbage’ (Err. Yes?)
‘In Spain they are all curtains – a nation of hangmen’ – Just an absolutely brilliant line. Even when talking about interior design and furniture, Poe sneaks in a dark reference.
HOP-FROG – 4 stars
Another surprising story about…
Spoiler
a dwarf who is a court jester for a king. He goes a bit mad. I couldn’t help but imagine the actor who played Tyrion Lannister in this role. This story has a rather violent end.POE’S POETRY:
I think most can agree that ‘The Raven’ is a masterpiece. It is a wonderful work to read aloud and I sometimes treat myself by imagining that Vincent Price is reading it in his base tones. I am not a fan of poetry but I really enjoyed some of Poe’s work. I especially enjoyed the work that had rhythm and was repetitious but repetitious with purpose. I really believe that a lot of Poe’s work is best enjoyed read out loud, even if you are in your room alone. Even in my girlish Scottish accent. I enjoyed reading out ‘Ulalame’. I didn’t fully understand it but I loved its rhythm and it frequently mentions October (the month I am in now). There is an absolutely mad piece of poetry called ‘The Bells’ which is a fun one to read aloud and features the word ‘tintinnabulation’. That’s a difficult word to say even when sober. I also enjoyed Annabel Lee, a tragic love story which, like many of Poe's tales/poems could be semi-autobiographical.
Further comments:
• I skim read some of the mesmerism tales. So utterly dull.
• There’s one story called ‘Mellonta Tauta’ that I didn’t enjoy a huge amount but did find it cute that Poe thought we’d be travelling by balloon in 2848. But hey, who am I to criticise? We thought we’d have hoverboards by now.
• I didn’t enjoy underlying racism and touches of antisemitism in some stories.
• Berenice – a Bizarre tale about a man who had a thing for teeth.
• In the story, ‘The Duc De L’Omelette’, it seems that the man, after eating an olive, ‘expired in a paroxysm of disgust’. I would do so as well if I was forced to eat what, I call, an ‘evil grape’.
• I found Poe’s short segments in French and Greek frustrating as it feels like he assumes everyone had the classic and language training he had to be able to interpret his stories.
All in all, Poe is best when he writes gothic horror. He had a dark imagination that flourished when he wrote about grisly and/or dark events.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Didn't enjoy the stories as much as I thought I would. Other than The Fall of the House of Usher and The Pit and the Pendulum.
2.5 stars for the overall book. I found Edgar Allan Poe's poetry far more interesting than his short stories. I either lost interest in his stories or didn't understand them. There were two that I really enjoyed: The Tell-Tale Heart (obviously) and Silence - A Fable. My favorite poems I read of his were Alone, The Raven, Lenore, and Deep in Earth. If you love Edgar Allan Poe's work, you will love this book. His poems were amazing, but like I mentioned before, the stories just weren't for me.
Edgar Allan Poe is really hit or miss, some of his writings are incredible, some i dont connect to
But thats the beauty of written art
But thats the beauty of written art
I love Poe. In high school, I always wished I could have been his girlfriend.