Twenty-five spine-tingling tales and poems from the preeminent writer of American gothic fiction, Edgar Allan Poe, now available in a Harper Perennial Olive Edition. Of all the American masters, Edgar Allan Poe staked out perhaps the most unique and vivid reputation, as a master of the macabre. Even today, in the age of horror movies and high-tech haunted houses, Poe is the first choice of entertainment for many who want a spine-chilling thrill. Of all the preeminent 19th century American writers, Edgar Allan Poe staked out the most vivid reputation as a master of the macabre. Poe remains the first choice of entertainment for many who want a spine-chilling thrill. A prolific writer of poetry and criticism in addition to fiction, Poe was known not only for the eerie beauty of his prose but his formidable satire. He is revered as one of the foremost American gothic stylists. The best of Poe´s short fiction is collected here, including the timeless masterpieces "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Pit and the Pendulum," and "The Masque of the Red Death."