Complete Tales and Poems

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The first few stories in this collection are virtually unreadable, the science so stunningly outdated (even when you realize how old the stories are) and, even with me as a fan of both math and science ([b:The Martian|18007564|The Martian|Andy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 show more 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. show less

Before reading this book I only knew Poe by reputation, but was already halfway toward disliking him. Now, after 800+ pages, I am a convert.
The Castle Books version of his complete tales is cheap and nasty. The stories are not in chronological order, or in any other logical order that I could spot - which irritated me. There is a useful introduction - but it is an introduction to Poe, and not to this book, so it sheds little light on the volume. There were misprints that annoyed.
But even starting with a prejudice, and battling with a stupid editorial process, I found myself captivated by the stories and Poe. He bubbles with creativity, and he created genres that still thrive today. I loved his science-based tales - not all accurately show more founded by today's knowledge, but when you consider his era - roughly between Austen and Dickens, they are marvellously creative and fresh. Poe also does well in his "detective fiction".
The "gothic" tales were less successful for me - impressive as example of writing to a style, but not particularly enjoyable as a read.
The volume ends with the novel Narrative of A. Gordon Pym, which I was surprised to find as number 10 in the Guardian's 100 greatest novels. That wouldn't be my rating, but still interesting in an era well before others attempted such flights of fancy.
So, enjoyed the writing, annoyed by poor editing, and Poe rehabilitated from my unfounded prejudice.
Read - June/July 2016 show less

The stories are written in the finest tradition of early 19th-century American literature. However, for me as a 21st-century reader, this very quality made them feel lengthy and, at times, tedious. Poe’s philosophical explorations are thorough and intricately detailed, expressed in the ornate language of a bygone era. Reading through the entire collection was both a challenge and a personal endurance test.

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.

Morbid and dark, so I loved it. Some of my favorites, The Cask of Amontillado, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Raven and The Black Cat. Poe's dark tales have fascinated readers of all ages. Don't look for much symbolism in Poe's stories/poems. It's more based on diction/syntax. Worth it.

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!

Poe is honestly a genius. Everything he wrote, turned into gold. If you have a dark sense of humor, or even like anything on the more morbid side, he is your man. Great read. Also, the short stories make it easier to read one and come back to the rest later.