Author
Edgar Allan Poe
1809-1849
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Edgar Allan Poe
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of literary works, including short stories and essays, written during the early to mid-19th century. This volume contains a range of tales that delve into themes of mystery, horror, and the uncanny, showcasing Poe's mastery of suspenseful and psychological storytelling. Notable pieces include "The Purloined Letter," which features the brilliant detective C. Auguste Dupin as he solves a complex crime involving a stolen letter of great importance, highlighting both the ingenuity of the detective and the folly of the authorities. The opening of the volume features "The Purloined Letter," where the narrator and Dupin engage in deep contemplation over previous mysteries when they are visited by Monsieur G, the Prefect of the Parisian police. The Prefect brings details of a perplexing case involving a missing letter that holds significant political power, stolen by the Minister D. As the Prefect describes his failed attempts to recover the letter, Dupin's insights reveal that the straightforward nature of the theft has eluded the authorities. The narrative sets a tone of intellectual intrigue as Dupin prepares to outsmart both the Prefect and the clever Minister, emphasizing Poe’s exploration of human intellect and the nature of perception.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of various literary works, likely written in the mid-19th century. This volume presents a comprehensive look at Poe’s contributions to the genres of horror, mystery, and poetry, showcasing his unique ability to navigate themes of melancholy and the supernatural. This collection includes not only the celebrated tales such as "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Tell-Tale Heart," but also illuminating prefaces and analyses of his life and works, inviting readers to delve into the mind of one of America's most iconic writers. The beginning of this volume contains a preface, touching upon Poe's life, struggles, and literary achievements, and it sets the tone for the exploration of his works. Notably, it includes reflections on his early life, detailing his adoption by John Allan, his education, and his tumultuous relationships, as well as mentions of his formative experiences and the challenges he faced in his literary career. The opening gives readers insight into the origins of works that blend the macabre with the poetic, suggesting that Poe's life experiences deeply influenced his storytelling. Moreover, it serves as an introduction to the themes of despair, beauty, and complexity that define his body of work, preparing readers for the profound explorations ahead.
The Cask of Amontillado
"The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story first published in November 1846. Set during Carnival in an Italian city, it follows nobleman Montresor as he enacts revenge against fellow noble Fortunato for perceived insults and injuries. Told from the murderer's perspective, the tale lures Fortunato into the catacombs beneath Montresor's home with the promise of rare amontillado wine. What awaits is a carefully planned trap that ends in live burial. The story's central mystery lies not in detection, but in understanding Montresor's true motives for such extreme vengeance.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition Table Of Contents And Index Of The Five Volumes
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition" by Edgar Allan Poe is a comprehensive collection of his literary output, likely compiled in the late 19th century. This collection spans various genres, including poetry, essays, and gothic tales, showcasing Poe's distinctive style and exploration of themes like love, death, and the macabre. The book presents significant works such as "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and many others, illustrating Poe's profound influence on American literature and his mastery of suspense and psychological depth. At the start of this collection, the reader is introduced to a preface that sets the stage for understanding Poe's life and literary journey, giving insights into the struggles he faced, both personally and professionally. The subsequent sections outline key works and achievements in his career, detailing his early poetry, notable prose tales, and his lasting impact on both poetry and fiction. The opening expresses deep admiration for Poe's unique genius, highlighting the interplay between his troubled life and his art, thus creating an engaging entry point for readers new to Poe's work or revisiting it with a fresh perspective.
The Fall of the House of Usher
"The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story first published in 1839. A narrator visits his ailing childhood friend Roderick Usher at his decaying family mansion. There he encounters Roderick's mysterious twin sister Madeline, who suffers from a strange illness. As the atmosphere grows increasingly oppressive, the house itself seems alive with malevolent energy. When Madeline is entombed within the estate, terrifying sounds begin echoing through the halls, building toward a shocking climax that binds the fate of the twins to their ancestral home.
The Masque of the Red Death
"The Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story first published in 1842. Prince Prospero and a thousand nobles seal themselves inside an abbey to escape a deadly plague called the Red Death. During a lavish masquerade ball in seven color-coded rooms, a mysterious masked figure appears, dressed as a plague victim. As the stranger moves through each chamber, terror spreads among the guests. This Gothic tale explores themes of mortality, isolation, and the futility of escaping death's inevitable reach.
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket Comprising the details of a mutiny and atrocious butchery on board the American brig Grampus, on her way to the South Seas, in the month of June, 1827.
"The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket" by Edgar Allan Poe is a novel written and published in 1838. Young Arthur Gordon Pym stows away on a whaling ship, launching a harrowing maritime adventure filled with mutiny, shipwreck, and survival against impossible odds. As Pym journeys ever southward toward the Antarctic, his voyage grows increasingly strange and unsettling. Poe's only complete novel blends realistic seafaring detail with mysterious elements that defy easy explanation, culminating in an enigmatic ending near the South Pole.
The Raven
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe is a narrative poem first published in January 1845. On a bleak December night, a grief-stricken student mourning his lost love Lenore receives an unexpected visitor: a mysterious raven that speaks only one word—"Nevermore." As the bird perches ominously above his chamber door, the narrator descends from curiosity to anger to madness, asking questions he knows will bring only despair. This haunting tale explores undying devotion and the torment of memory.
The Complete Poetical Works of Edgar Allan Poe Including Essays on Poetry
"The Complete Poetical Works of Edgar Allan Poe" by Edgar Allan Poe is a comprehensive collection of the renowned poet's poems, likely compiled in the late 19th century. This edition, edited by John H. Ingram, includes both well-known poems and previously unpublished works. The book serves as a significant exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the macabre, capturing the essence of Poe's unique style and profound emotional depth. The opening of this collection features a preface by John H. Ingram, who outlines the uniqueness of this edition compared to earlier collections, emphasizing the inclusion of previously unprinted poems. It provides insights into Poe's life, shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding him and highlighting his struggles with personal tragedy and societal perception. Following the preface, the book begins with a rich selection of some of Poe's most famous works, including "The Raven" and "The Bells," infusing the early chapters with a haunting sense of melancholia and lyrical brilliance characteristic of Poe's poetry.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 5
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 5" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of literary works, likely gathered during the mid-19th century. This volume includes a variety of essays, short stories, and poetry, showcasing Poe's range in exploring macabre themes and philosophical musings, as well as his craft in conveying deep emotional experiences through language. The opening portion of the volume features "Philosophy of Furniture," where Poe critiques and examines the aesthetics of home decor, reflecting on how cultural backgrounds influence taste and aesthetic judgment, particularly contrasting American and European styles. He details the importance of coherence and artistic arrangement in interior decoration, offering keen observations and critiques of various nations' approaches to furnishing their homes. This analytical essay sets a tone that blends both satire and seriousness, creating a foundation for deeper explorations of human taste and ethics found throughout the volume.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 4
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 4" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of literary pieces likely written in the mid-19th century. This volume contains a blend of short stories and essays, showcasing Poe's mastery in exploring themes of horror, the supernatural, and human psychology, which is evident from the titles listed in the contents like "The Devil in the Belfry" and "The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether." The beginning of the volume introduces readers to "The Devil in the Belfry," where we are transported to the quaint Dutch borough of Vondervotteimittiss, characterized by its peculiar architecture and the strange behaviors of its inhabitants. The narrative humorously describes the monotonous lifestyle of the townsfolk, who are obsessed with their clocks and cabbages, until an odd little man arrives and disrupts their orderly existence. As the clock unexpectedly strikes thirteen, chaos ensues, showcasing Poe's satirical take on societal norms and the nature of time. In this opening chapter, the grotesque blend of humor and horror sets the tone for the unique tales that follow in the collection.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 3
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 3" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of narratives and short stories likely compiled during the mid-19th century. This volume includes significant works such as "Narrative of A. Gordon Pym," which introduces the titular character whose adventures at sea encompass themes of exploration, danger, and survival. The narrative intertwines fictional elements with the real-life experiences of its characters, inviting readers into a richly imaginative and suspenseful world. The beginning of this volume presents an introductory note by Arthur Gordon Pym detailing his extraordinary adventures in the South Seas, which prompted him to share his story. Pym recounts his upbringing and relationships, particularly with his friend Augustus Barnard, which sets the stage for their eventual ill-fated expedition at sea. Their reckless decision to sail out on a cold night leads to chaos when Barnard descends into intoxication, leaving Pym to manage their dangerously unsound vessel alone. The opening climaxes with a dramatic encounter that highlights the perils of their venture, ending with Pym's miraculous rescue after a harrowing sequence of events, laying the groundwork for further adventures to come.
The Raven, and The Philosophy of Composition
"The Raven, and The Philosophy of Composition" by Edgar Allan Poe is a narrative poem and essay published in 1845-1846. The poem tells of a grieving student haunted by a mysterious raven that endlessly repeats a single word while he mourns his lost love, Lenore. The accompanying essay reveals Poe's methodical approach to crafting the piece, explaining how he deliberately constructed every element to achieve maximum emotional impact. Together, they offer both a haunting tale of obsession and descent into madness, and a rare glimpse into the artistic process behind one of literature's most famous poems.
The poems of Edgar Allan Poe
"The poems of Edgar Allan Poe" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of poems written in the mid-19th century. It assembles his celebrated lyrics alongside earlier pieces and a few prose reflections on poetics, with themes centered on love, loss, beauty, death, and hypnotic sound. Readers can expect atmospheric ballads and elegies in which speakers are haunted by idealized, often lost women, and by dreamlike or macabre visions. The opening of the volume presents publisher material and a detailed contents list, followed by a substantial introduction that defends Poe’s character, sketches his hard-pressed life and career, and explains his craft—his emphasis on melody, refrain, brevity, and the non-didactic “poetic principle”—while reassessing “The Raven” among his other lyrics. It then reprints Poe’s modest 1845 preface and his dedication to Elizabeth Barrett Barrett. After this, the collection launches into signature poems—“The Raven,” “The Bells,” “Ulalume,” “Lenore,” “Annabel Lee,” and others—that stage grief, longing, and the supernatural through rich sound patterns and refrains, before moving into pieces like “The City in the Sea,” “The Conqueror Worm,” and “The Haunted Palace,” which deepen the gothic mood. The section closes by turning to poems written in youth, where early romantic yearning, classical invocations, and nocturnal imagery already show the seeds of his later voice.
Cuentos Clásicos del Norte, Primera Serie
"Cuentos Clásicos del Norte, Primera Serie" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of classic short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology features some of Poe's most renowned works, showcasing his mastery of macabre themes and profound psychological insights. Through captivating tales, the collection delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural, presenting complex characters and suspenseful plots. The opening of this collection begins with an introduction that sets the stage for the featured stories, emphasizing the unique qualities of the four writers represented: Poe, Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edward Everett Hale. The introduction highlights the idealistic nature of American literature at the time, contrasting with the realism that emerged later. Following this, the story "El Barril de Amontillado" opens with a narrator who seeks vengeance against a man named Fortunato, setting a tone of suspense and intrigue. As the narrator lures Fortunato into the depths of his home during a carnival, the reader is pulled into an atmosphere of deceit and imminent dread, encapsulating Poe's talent for creating tension and exploring themes of revenge and madness.
Eureka: A Prose Poem
"Eureka: A Prose Poem" by Edgar Allan Poe is a non-fiction work published in 1848. Adapted from a lecture, this ambitious essay presents Poe's intuitive vision of the universe's nature, exploring the physical and spiritual cosmos, man's relationship with God, and the soul's destiny beyond death. Poe considered it his greatest achievement—more important than Newton's discovery of gravity. Though contemporaries found it absurd, some ideas surprisingly anticipate modern cosmology. The work blends science, metaphysics, and Poe's trademark ratiocination in an unprecedented philosophical meditation.
Selections from Poe
"Selections from Poe" by Edgar Allan Poe, edited by J. Montgomery Gambrill, is a collection of poems and tales that showcases the works of one of America's most iconic writers, created in the late 19th century. The compilation presents a thorough exploration of Edgar Allan Poe's range—from his melancholic poetry to his haunting short stories—illustrating the themes of love, loss, and the human condition that permeate his oeuvre. Through its selections, the editor aims to provide insights into Poe's complex character and literary artistry. At the start of the book, the editor outlines the challenges of introducing Poe's work due to his controversial legacy and the subjective nature of his writing. The introductory material delves into Poe's life, highlighting his tumultuous experiences from childhood to adulthood, including his early education, struggles with poverty, and the deep affection for his wife, Virginia, whose illness and death profoundly impacted him. The opening effectively sets the stage for a deeper understanding of Poe, touching upon key themes such as beauty, melancholy, and mortality, which resonate throughout the poems and stories that follow in the collection.
The Raven Illustrated
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe is a narrative poem first published in January 1845. It tells of a grief-stricken lover mourning his lost Lenore who receives a midnight visit from a mysterious raven. The bird perches above his door and repeatedly speaks a single haunting word: "Nevermore." As the narrator questions the raven, he descends from amusement to anger and finally into madness, unable to escape the shadow cast by both the bird and his overwhelming grief.
The Bells, and Other Poems
"The Bells, and Other Poems" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of poems written during the early to mid-19th century. This literary work encapsulates themes of love, loss, beauty, and existential contemplation, reflecting the emotional complexities and darker elements characteristic of Poe's writing. It particularly explores the interplay of sound and emotion through various lyrical forms, showcasing his mastery of rhythm and language. The collection features some of Poe's most renowned poems, including "The Bells," "Annabel Lee," and "The Raven." Through these poems, readers encounter a range of poignant experiences: the joyful jingling of wedding bells contrasted with the sorrowful tolling of funeral bells; the innocent and eternal love described in "Annabel Lee," which resonates with tragic beauty; and the haunting presence of the raven, which symbolizes loss and despair. Each poem evokes vivid imagery and intense emotion, often illustrating the complexities of human experience, the inevitability of death, and the pursuit of beauty amid darkness. Overall, this collection is a profound exploration of the human soul, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by poetic expression and the theme of mortality.
First Project Gutenberg Collection of Edgar Allan Poe
"First Project Gutenberg Collection of Edgar Allan Poe" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of classic short stories and poems crafted in the early to mid-19th century, during the Romantic era. This anthology showcases some of Poe's most famous works, including "The Raven," "The Masque of the Red Death," and "The Cask of Amontillado." The primary topics of this collection revolve around themes of death, despair, madness, and the supernatural, reflecting Poe's pivotal role in American Gothic literature. This collection presents a rich tapestry of dark and atmospheric narratives, characterized by their emotional depth and intricate storytelling. "The Raven" unfolds the haunting tale of a man who, mourning his lost love, is visited by a mysterious raven that only speaks the word "Nevermore," symbolizing eternal despair. "The Masque of the Red Death" depicts the futile attempts of Prince Prospero to escape a deadly plague by isolating himself and hosting a lavish masquerade, only to be confronted by the personification of the very death he seeks to evade. In "The Cask of Amontillado," a chilling tale of revenge, the narrator lures his unsuspecting foe into the catacombs under the pretense of tasting rare wine, culminating in a grim act of entombment. Together, these stories capture the essence of Poe's fascination with the macabre, leaving readers with thought-provoking reflections on mortality and the human psyche.
Le Corbeau = The Raven
"Le Corbeau = The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe is a narrative poem first published in January 1845. A distraught student mourns the loss of his beloved Lenore when a mysterious raven visits him one December night. Perched upon a bust of Pallas, the bird speaks only one haunting word: "Nevermore." As the narrator questions the raven, its repetitive answer drives him from grief into madness, trapping him in a shadow from which his soul shall be lifted nevermore.
Nouvelles histoires extraordinaires
"Nouvelles histoires extraordinaires" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of short stories written in the mid-19th century. This collection features a variety of dark and macabre tales that explore themes of madness, death, and the supernatural. Poe's signature style includes a deep psychological exploration of his characters, often immersing readers in their fears and obsessions, which adds a haunting quality to the narratives. The opening of the collection sets the stage with an introduction that discusses the nature of literature, suggesting that what many consider "decadence" in literary works may hold unexpected truths and pleasures. It then introduces stories like "Le Demon de la Perversité" and "Le Chat Noir," which delve into elements of human irrationality and the dark impulses that drive people to commit horrifying acts. The narrator of "Le Demon de la Perversité" reflects on the inexplicable urge to do wrong, while "Le Chat Noir" describes a man's descent into madness as he is haunted by guilt and the remnants of his cruel actions against a beloved pet. These themes of psychological torment and moral ambiguity establish a chilling atmosphere that is characteristic of Poe's work.
Histoires extraordinaires
"Histoires extraordinaires" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of short stories written in the mid-19th century. The book is known for its exploration of the macabre, mystery, and the supernatural, featuring themes of death, madness, and the complexities of the human psyche. Poe's mastery of horror and suspense sets the stage for captivating tales that delve into the darker aspects of human nature. At the start of this collection, the opening section, which is a preface by Charles Baudelaire, reflects on Edgar Allan Poe's troubled life and artistic genius. Baudelaire discusses the inherent tragedies that marred Poe's existence, describing him as a poet caught in a cruel reality that rejected him. The narrative hints at a deep connection between Poe's personal struggles and the themes of despair and anguish present in his stories. Additionally, Baudelaire presents a brief overview of Poe's life, suggesting that his literary creations are profoundly influenced by his experiences of love, loss, and societal rejection. This sets a poignant tone for the tales that follow, inviting readers to explore the extraordinary and often haunting elements of Poe's work.
Poemas
"Poemas" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of his poetry, published in 1919. This compilation showcases the lyrical and atmospheric quality of Poe's work, likely reflecting themes of love, death, and the supernatural, emblematic of the Romantic era. The poems explore human emotions through rich imagery and haunting tones, showcasing Poe's mastery of evocative language and rhythm. The collection features well-known poems such as "Annabel Lee," which tells a poignant story of love and loss, and "The Raven," a narrative poem that delves into themes of mourning and despair. In "Eldorado," the search for a mythical place symbolizes the quest for happiness, while other poems, like "Ulalume," evoke a deep sense of melancholy and longing. Throughout "Poemas," Poe's unique ability to intertwine beauty with darkness is on full display, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his soul and a reflection on the complexities of human experience. Overall, this collection serves as a testament to Poe's enduring legacy as one of the most influential poets in American literature.