From Edgar Allan Poe—the master of the short story and lyric poem—comes this rare treasury of classics. The outstanding works "A Descent into the Maelstrom," "Annabelle Lee," "Eldorado," "The Bells," and "The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall," illustrate Poe's meticulous sense of construction, with signature themes of romance and melancholy that characterized his short and troubled life. Short stories such as "MS. Found in a Bottle," "Some Words with a Mummy," "A Tale of the Ragged Mountains," and "The Thousand and Second Tale of Scheherazade" typify Poe's original literary style—one that is still copied in today's detective stories and gothic tales.

This worthy collection, dramatized by Oscar-winning actor Paul Scofield, will enthrall all enthusiasts of Poe's work.