A beautiful edition of Edgar Allan Poe's extraordinary Gothic tales and other writings,A unique selection of 24 tales, placing the most popular alongside less well-known travel narratives, metaphysical essays, and satires,David Van Leer's Introduction considers Poe's place in American literature, the historical and political dimensions to his tales, and his use of the conventions which still dominate horror and detective fiction,Includes a note on the text, select bibliography, chronology of Poe's life, and helpful explanatory notes