6. In the Shadow of the Master: Classic Tales by Edgar Allan Poe edited by Michael Connelly

Category: 50 Books

6. In the Shadow of the Master: Classic Tales by Edgar Allan Poe edited by Michael Connelly

I just finished this slightly gimmicky anthology celebrating the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe. It was very entertaining. There would be a classic Poe story or poem and afterward there would be an essay by a modern mystery writer/Edgar Award winning/nominated author telling about their love of Poe or their first experience with Poe. That kind of thing. So it was kind of a “Best of Poe” with bonus essays that were entertaining and not critical essays.

My favorite essay (I had three or four faves, but this one was my favorite fave) was Laurie R. King’s (not because I just read one of her series) but because it was so funny.

It was also interesting to find out that many of today’s mystery authors were introduced to Poe through those Roger Corman B-movies that are so awesome in their badness.

My favorite Poe story will remain Cask of Amontillado, but I also like Descent into the Maelström, and not just because it has an umlaut in the title. I did not like The Gold-Bug, which you’d think I’d love, I mean, code breaking and pirate treasure? Who doesn’t love that? But to me the story was weak, and of course the way he wrote the slave was way too condescending. I mean, I know EAP was from the south and probably owned a slave at one time or another, but it was just too much. So I wasn’t too keen on that one.

Oh, and while I was reading William Wilson I couldn’t help thinking hmm, Fight Club? Awesome. I am Jack’s homage to Edgar Allan Poe.

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