قصة الكتاب :
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American author whose many works include poems, short stories and one novel. His works span various genres such as science fiction, adventure, horror fiction and detection fiction, a genre that he is credited with inventing. The works are all generally considered to be part of the Dark Romanticism movement. Poe was best known for his stories of mystery and macabre. He was one of the earliest American practitioners of the short story. He was also considered the quintessential American Gothic writer. A diverse and multi-faceted author, Edgar Allan Poe was one of the greatest and most influential figures in American literary history. \r\n
\r\nPoe commenced his literary career in 1827 with the publication of Tamerlane and other poems. This collection of poems did not receive much attention but he followed it up with Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane and Minor Poems in 1829. It was in 1832 that he started publishing short stories with Metzengerstein. The work he received the most credit for and which was most widely read was The Gold-Bug. It was this piece of prose that won him a $100 prize, the maximum amount that he ever received for a single work. The Murders in Rue Morgue published in 1841 is today considered the first detective story. Poe became very popular following the publication of the The Raven in 1845, although the book never fetched him much money. Most of the Poe’s stories were written with due consideration to mass market tastes. Although Poe is most remembered for his short fiction, his first preference as a writer was poetry which he started from his adolescent years. His was a life filled with tragedy. He struggled financially and also suffered from depression. His works were not critically acclaimed during his lifetime but did earn him due respect as a writer and poet.\r\n
\r\nPoe had several imitators and several attempts were made by people to cash-in on his fame and talent. This was a bit ironic considering the fact that Poe himself died penniless. He passed away in 1849 under mysterious circumstances at the age of forty. His poems and stories are unforgettable explorations of the darker side of life, which continue to provide insight into human behavior even today. Poe’s works were truly original and the compilation of his works in one place provides an excellent opportunity for readers to get a taste of his uncommon genius. \r\n