Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe (1991, Hardcover, Reissue)

A sudden fancy took me (upon a midnight dreary, of course) to start exploring all of the writings of Edgar A. Poe. I didn't really know where to start. I couldn't possibly afford to buy vintage books nor anthologies consisting of only a few stories or poems. It all seemed hopeless before it started.

I searched eBay and this particular volume came up. I couldn't actually believe it contained all his works but figured for the good price to go for it. I was so surprised! Every poem and short story Poe ever did was in fact included! Of course, his academic essays weren't included as that is a whole different persuit.

I was overjoyed at this collection! Some volumes tend to update the language of older authors making it more in keeping with modern English. I was pleased to see that this volume in particular uses the exact words Poe wrote! A dictionary is a handy companion to have nearby when reading this book as some antiquated terms may confuse the casual reader.

It's interesting that many are not aware that not only did Poe write poems and stories of morbid rumination, but he also was quite clever with comedy, and is the father of all detective mystery stories. But he will always foremost represent the originator of the gothic horror story. Who knows what other masterpieces he would have given the world had he not died mysteriously at the tender age of 40?!

This book has every last word in Poe's fictional career and is sure to fill many hours with great storytelling for the reader, but please note that it has no illustrations.

Considered to be the first Detective story writer, Poe can still tell a story better than some contempory writers.

Written in the early 1800's the style is of the time, but descriptions tell much about the author. "The life of Edgar Allen Poe was, like so many of his tales, short, poignant and strangely haunted." to quote from his short biography at the end of the book.

Published in 1991 by Doubleday, in great condition, I an very satified with the book.

I had visited Baltimore and gone to Poe's Grave site. If you go take a new penny and add it to the hundreds that are in every crevice, or wherever a penny can be placed and read the story of the pennys.

By chance I found this book on e-Bay and got it - best bargin I ever got.

My oldest daughter is studying Edgar Allan Poe in school. We were going to buy the book brand new but it was pretty pricey. Decided toget on E-bay and check out the book section and we found the exact book she was looking for. The book we recieved was in excellent condition and very well taken care of, glad we bought it.