3 Review(s)

Indeed, it was Edgar Allan Poe who first used the technique of 'single effect', which laid the foundation of the short story. Poe shaped, defined and established the short story as a genre. He will also be esteemed as the precursor of the detective story. He ventured to probe the dark corners of human psyche in his memorable tales of horror and terror. A superb craftsman, Poe chiseled his pieces with meticulous effort and dexterity. His plots are well constructed. His literary principles dictate that a writer should never intend to be didactic. Present book contains some very gripping and horrifying tales by Poe. The Pit and the Pendulum is hair-raising, while The fall of the House of Usher is an insight into the isolation of Roderick Usher that throws him off balance mentally and ultimately devastates him. The Murders in the Rue Morgue contains all the essential ingredients of the detective story and should be read as the forerunner of the genre. The Black Cat and The Tell-Tale Heart testify that murder will out. The Cask of Amontillado is another horrifying tale of crime. In Ligeia, Poe deals with the theme of death and the human will. The Premature Burial and The Masque of the Red Death create stunning suspense.–Editor