Suspense

This was my introduction to Poe and my first ever book penned with his name over it. I was young when I got into Poe, actually got into Poe before Lovecraft, and he is one of the gothic giants. I read it cover to cover in middle school by my own choice and interest. Poe is more famous for his poetry than his stories but either one is a must-read for any literature fan and horror enthusiast. With prose endemic to 19th century writers that seem over-educated and melodramatic with a hint of romance, but he was ahead of his time and a true dark visionary. With elements of irony, psychological, grotesque, symbolism and supernatural - his work is far from boring. ( )

This is a monster of a book, and something as career spanning as this simply had to be taken in smaller bites. I decided almost immediately to read it in roughly 100-page chunks.

Almost five months after starting it, I've decided that Poe simply ain't my cup of tea. I remain a fan of his greatest hits—there's a reason that he has a few things he's really known for.

The first few stories in this collection are virtually unreadable, the science so stunningly outdated (even when you realize how old the stories are) and, even with me as a fan of both math and science ([b:The Martian|18007564|The Martian|Andy Weir|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413706054l/18007564._SY75_.jpg|21825181], anyone?), they were terrible.

I have to admit, I originally intended to read every single word in this collection. I pretty much gave up on that within the first 100-page gulp, and gave a story only two or three paragraphs to entice me before angrily tossing it aside and flipping the pages to the next story.

Poe's greatest hits are hits for a reason. But damn, when the man was bad, he was baaaaaad. 5 stars for the good stuff. -200 stars for the other crap.

Glad this monster is done. ( )

Man, these classic works always gives me the creeps but in a good way. There's nothing to compare to sitting down for a good read in the fall with a hot cup of java and a book of Edgar Allan Poe. Satisfaction guaranteed! ( )

This is a great Poe collection. I love the darkness and torment within Poe's soul. Brilliant. writing and artistic expression. ( )