The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Writings: Edgar Allan Poe (Penguin Classics)
£5.70
The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Writings is a collection that displays the full force of Edgar Allen Poe’s mastery of both Gothic horror and the short story form. This Penguin Classics edition is edited with an introduction and notes by David Galloway.
This selection of Poe’s critical writings, short fiction and poetry demonstrates his intense interest in aesthetic issues, and the astonishing power and imagination with which he probed the darkest corners of the human mind. ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ is a slow-burning Gothic horror, describing the final hours of a family tormented by tragedy and the legacy of the past. In ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’, a murderer’s insane delusions threaten to betray him, while stories such as ‘The Pit and the Pendulum’, ‘The Raven’ and ‘The Cask of Amontillado’ explore extreme states of decadence, fear and hate.
In his introduction David Galloway re-examines the myths surrounding Poe’s life and reputation. This edition includes a new chronology and suggestions for further reading.
Although dissipated in his youth and plagued by mental instability towards the end of his life, Boston-born Edgar Allan Poe (1809-49) had a variety of occupations, including service in the US army and magazine editor, as well as his remarkable literary output.
If you enjoyed The Fall of the House of Usher, you might like Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, also available in Penguin Classics.
‘The most original genius that America has produced’
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
‘Poe has entered our popular consciousness as no other American writer’
The New York Times Book Review
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by Mr Mark
Well presented book with great stories
by Clare
The language in this narrative is incredible and is a far cry compared to the vaguely inept linguisism of today
by S. C. Young
I first saw this as a teenager and fell in love with it. The acting is spot on and the sets are beyond imagination. It’s amazing that the original book was only about twenty pages long but so immersive. Of course, Vincent didn’t have to do much acting … he just turned up on set, put on a costume and started being himself. Love it.
by Joanne
I bought this book for my holiday read. It contains a variety of Poe’s work and as the print is small the book is quite easily carried in hand luggage – yes, so is a kindle but I wouldnot carry one of them down to the pool and have a swim while I left it on the side.
by John Moseley
It took me a while to get round to reading Poe, but a recent spate of reading Victorian Gothic horror drew attention to the fact that Poe was a gap in my reading. If truth be told, I’m also a little dismissive of American authors, who I feel often lack the depth of British writers.
Not so in Poe’s case. His short stories are superb. He has an uncanny ability to create a sense of dark, brooding grotesquery in the space of a few sentences. The best stories for me in this collection are ‘The Pit and the Pendulum’, ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’, ‘The Murders in the Rue Morgue’ and ‘The Purloined Letter’. Added to which, this edition also contains some of his poetry as well as essays, reviews and other collected writings, making it a great introduction to a great writer. Best read with the light on!
by S. Ahmed Sohawon
Edgar’s writing is on a different level. His use of words are exact descriptions of expression. I just loved it.
one need to read Edgar’s book in a relax mood to fully understand his thoughts.
by Jem Diablo
Couldn’t really put it down. I loved it! I’m new to Poe’s work and I’m certainly interested in learning more.
by Joshua Riches
I had never read Poe prior to this, but I definitely will be in the future; his words are beautiful and some quotes very memorable.
Though it is a short story I understand why it has been a big influence; Poe creates a theatrical drama in his poetry.