The second book in a two volume collection by a giant of the gothic and macabre Everyone with an interest in the literature of the gothic, mysterious and macabre will be aware of the fiction, poetry and literary criticism of American author Edgar Allan Poe. He was an enigmatic figure whose life has become as intriguing as his fictional creations, and such is the quality of his work that he justifiably has a place among America's greatest literary figures. Poe published his first book of poetry in 1827 at the age of 22, while serving in the United States Army. He went on to become the first American to attempt to live solely from his income as a writer, and his life was financially difficult as a result. He remains an enduring master of the horror story, a major influence on the development of science fiction and is widely accepted as the originator of detective fiction-the Mystery Writers of America presents the Edgar, a prestigious annual award for excellence, named after him. The publication of his famous poem 'The Raven, ' in 1845 gave him some success. Today the titles of many of his stories are recognisable to almost everyone. Even in death Poe retained an element of mystery; he died at the age of 40 in 1849. The cause of death was unconfirmed, but popular candidates were alcohol, drugs, suicide, cholera and rabies. This special, two volume Leonaur edition of Edgar Allan Poe's writings of the macabre contains a novel, 51 stories and 11 poems; volume two contains "The Gold-Bug" and "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" plus twenty-eight short stories and eleven poems. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.