A review by dominic_piacentini
Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book is the size of a AP textbook, and it is not conducive to reading at the beach, in the bath, or anywhere besides a desk seemingly. It’s got it all — the classics (Red Death, Black Cat, Tell-Tale Heart, Pit & Pendulum, Amontillado, etc.) and also array of others that stretched my expectations for what a Poe story is. Like — WTF is going on with Berenice’s teeth?! 
I knew Poe for gothic horror and mystery; I didn’t realize until I read Lionizing that he was also funny. While Murders in the Rue Morgue is great fun, it’s sequel and the longest story in the lot (The Mystery of Marie Rogêt) is certainly not. Other standouts that were new to me included William Wilson, King Pest, and The Man of the Crowd. 
Harry Clarke’s intricate illustrations were memorable. I only wish there were more of them.