Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Once upon a midnight dreary ..., 20 Jan 2007
Great stuff - it's hard to believe that Poe's short stories were written in the first half of the 19th century. They are superbly modern, even postmodern, in their claustrophobic obsession with mystery, darkness, death and decay, madness, cruelty and torture. Poe is a master stylist, a superb writer of English, and all the stories are compact and totally consistent in atmosphere and tone.

As another reviewer mentions, this collection also inlcudes the detective stories about M. Dupin, solving the mysteries of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter". These are masterpieces of short fiction, while "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-tale Heart" are truly horrific. Other stories are more gothic - "Ligeia" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", while "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are compact, dense tales of medieval cruelty, torment and horror.

Also included in this edition are some poems ("The Raven" is a particular highlight) and some of Poe's non-fiction writing - magazine articles, theatre and book reviews.



Fantastic Writing, 23 Mar 2002
Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the greatest American short story writer in our history. He is a surrealist and a subtle master of the pyschological thriller. In fact, it was Poe who created the Detective/Mystery genre, and it was he from whom Sir Author Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Poe, however, reaches his peek when he is telling a tale of madness and horror. My absolute favorite Poe tale is The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Also, the Pit And The Pendulum is an excellent read.

And, as has been stated, this book is an excellent primer for all would be Poe enthusiasts.

Perfect Introduction, 16 Sep 2001
This a collection of the best writings of Poe, featuring all of the most well known works such as the Raven.

It is an ideal introduction to the works of one of the greatest poet/story writers ever.

A great value for money book, and as I said, the perfect introduction.

Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Once upon a midnight dreary ..., 20 Jan 2007
Great stuff - it's hard to believe that Poe's short stories were written in the first half of the 19th century. They are superbly modern, even postmodern, in their claustrophobic obsession with mystery, darkness, death and decay, madness, cruelty and torture. Poe is a master stylist, a superb writer of English, and all the stories are compact and totally consistent in atmosphere and tone.

As another reviewer mentions, this collection also inlcudes the detective stories about M. Dupin, solving the mysteries of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter". These are masterpieces of short fiction, while "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-tale Heart" are truly horrific. Other stories are more gothic - "Ligeia" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", while "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are compact, dense tales of medieval cruelty, torment and horror.

Also included in this edition are some poems ("The Raven" is a particular highlight) and some of Poe's non-fiction writing - magazine articles, theatre and book reviews.



Fantastic Writing, 23 Mar 2002
Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the greatest American short story writer in our history. He is a surrealist and a subtle master of the pyschological thriller. In fact, it was Poe who created the Detective/Mystery genre, and it was he from whom Sir Author Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Poe, however, reaches his peek when he is telling a tale of madness and horror. My absolute favorite Poe tale is The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Also, the Pit And The Pendulum is an excellent read.

And, as has been stated, this book is an excellent primer for all would be Poe enthusiasts.

Perfect Introduction, 16 Sep 2001
This a collection of the best writings of Poe, featuring all of the most well known works such as the Raven.

It is an ideal introduction to the works of one of the greatest poet/story writers ever.

A great value for money book, and as I said, the perfect introduction.

Simply Incredible, 21 Aug 2008
The Last Vampire 1 - 6 is simply the best vampire series ever written and I have read archives of vampire tales to compare it to. What really defines the series is the fresh twist on the vampire legend interwoven with frighteningly believable historic and religious legends. While it is a series, each book in the series manages to follow on intricately from the first one but manages to maintain the status of a novel in its own right. I grew up on these books and had read them twice over before even realizing that Christopher Pike was the author. The books are not appropriate for younger children as they are riddled with sex scenes and more subtle sexual innuendos and references but these are well placed to extenuate the lustful characteristics attributed to vampires in legend without sounding contrived and cheap. I wholly recommend this book to seasoned and aspiring fans alike.

Brilliant, dark, and fast-paced., 26 Apr 2008
There are mountains of vampire books around these days. Unfortunately, a lot of these titles are pure garbage, and not worth the paper they are printed on. Pike's, The Last Vampire, on the other hand, is one of those glorious, shining exceptions to the rule, that makes you appreciate how good the genre can actually be. Written in a very similar style to that of Darren Shan, The Last Vampire takes you on a first-person adventure, packed full of action and, unlike many teen novels, with a lead character who shows no mercy . . . most of the time. I can't say too much about this book as it will spoil the plot. But I can say one thing - buy it. Now. You won't be disappointed. All Darren Shan fans should be Pike fans, too. I'd swear these authors are joined at the mind.

Peace.

Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Once upon a midnight dreary ..., 20 Jan 2007
Great stuff - it's hard to believe that Poe's short stories were written in the first half of the 19th century. They are superbly modern, even postmodern, in their claustrophobic obsession with mystery, darkness, death and decay, madness, cruelty and torture. Poe is a master stylist, a superb writer of English, and all the stories are compact and totally consistent in atmosphere and tone.

As another reviewer mentions, this collection also inlcudes the detective stories about M. Dupin, solving the mysteries of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter". These are masterpieces of short fiction, while "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-tale Heart" are truly horrific. Other stories are more gothic - "Ligeia" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", while "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are compact, dense tales of medieval cruelty, torment and horror.

Also included in this edition are some poems ("The Raven" is a particular highlight) and some of Poe's non-fiction writing - magazine articles, theatre and book reviews.



Fantastic Writing, 23 Mar 2002
Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the greatest American short story writer in our history. He is a surrealist and a subtle master of the pyschological thriller. In fact, it was Poe who created the Detective/Mystery genre, and it was he from whom Sir Author Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Poe, however, reaches his peek when he is telling a tale of madness and horror. My absolute favorite Poe tale is The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Also, the Pit And The Pendulum is an excellent read.

And, as has been stated, this book is an excellent primer for all would be Poe enthusiasts.

Perfect Introduction, 16 Sep 2001
This a collection of the best writings of Poe, featuring all of the most well known works such as the Raven.

It is an ideal introduction to the works of one of the greatest poet/story writers ever.

A great value for money book, and as I said, the perfect introduction.

Simply Incredible, 21 Aug 2008
The Last Vampire 1 - 6 is simply the best vampire series ever written and I have read archives of vampire tales to compare it to. What really defines the series is the fresh twist on the vampire legend interwoven with frighteningly believable historic and religious legends. While it is a series, each book in the series manages to follow on intricately from the first one but manages to maintain the status of a novel in its own right. I grew up on these books and had read them twice over before even realizing that Christopher Pike was the author. The books are not appropriate for younger children as they are riddled with sex scenes and more subtle sexual innuendos and references but these are well placed to extenuate the lustful characteristics attributed to vampires in legend without sounding contrived and cheap. I wholly recommend this book to seasoned and aspiring fans alike.

Brilliant, dark, and fast-paced., 26 Apr 2008
There are mountains of vampire books around these days. Unfortunately, a lot of these titles are pure garbage, and not worth the paper they are printed on. Pike's, The Last Vampire, on the other hand, is one of those glorious, shining exceptions to the rule, that makes you appreciate how good the genre can actually be. Written in a very similar style to that of Darren Shan, The Last Vampire takes you on a first-person adventure, packed full of action and, unlike many teen novels, with a lead character who shows no mercy . . . most of the time. I can't say too much about this book as it will spoil the plot. But I can say one thing - buy it. Now. You won't be disappointed. All Darren Shan fans should be Pike fans, too. I'd swear these authors are joined at the mind.

Peace.

Superb book for young and old alike, 31 Jan 2008
This is the first book by Christopher Pike that I have read and I find him an excellent storyteller - read it through - up all night! Much better written than a certain wizard (who we love of course) and well deserving of a film deal.

Read the books - you won't regret it.

Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Once upon a midnight dreary ..., 20 Jan 2007
Great stuff - it's hard to believe that Poe's short stories were written in the first half of the 19th century. They are superbly modern, even postmodern, in their claustrophobic obsession with mystery, darkness, death and decay, madness, cruelty and torture. Poe is a master stylist, a superb writer of English, and all the stories are compact and totally consistent in atmosphere and tone.

As another reviewer mentions, this collection also inlcudes the detective stories about M. Dupin, solving the mysteries of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter". These are masterpieces of short fiction, while "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-tale Heart" are truly horrific. Other stories are more gothic - "Ligeia" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", while "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are compact, dense tales of medieval cruelty, torment and horror.

Also included in this edition are some poems ("The Raven" is a particular highlight) and some of Poe's non-fiction writing - magazine articles, theatre and book reviews.



Fantastic Writing, 23 Mar 2002
Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the greatest American short story writer in our history. He is a surrealist and a subtle master of the pyschological thriller. In fact, it was Poe who created the Detective/Mystery genre, and it was he from whom Sir Author Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Poe, however, reaches his peek when he is telling a tale of madness and horror. My absolute favorite Poe tale is The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Also, the Pit And The Pendulum is an excellent read.

And, as has been stated, this book is an excellent primer for all would be Poe enthusiasts.

Perfect Introduction, 16 Sep 2001
This a collection of the best writings of Poe, featuring all of the most well known works such as the Raven.

It is an ideal introduction to the works of one of the greatest poet/story writers ever.

A great value for money book, and as I said, the perfect introduction.

Simply Incredible, 21 Aug 2008
The Last Vampire 1 - 6 is simply the best vampire series ever written and I have read archives of vampire tales to compare it to. What really defines the series is the fresh twist on the vampire legend interwoven with frighteningly believable historic and religious legends. While it is a series, each book in the series manages to follow on intricately from the first one but manages to maintain the status of a novel in its own right. I grew up on these books and had read them twice over before even realizing that Christopher Pike was the author. The books are not appropriate for younger children as they are riddled with sex scenes and more subtle sexual innuendos and references but these are well placed to extenuate the lustful characteristics attributed to vampires in legend without sounding contrived and cheap. I wholly recommend this book to seasoned and aspiring fans alike.

Brilliant, dark, and fast-paced., 26 Apr 2008
There are mountains of vampire books around these days. Unfortunately, a lot of these titles are pure garbage, and not worth the paper they are printed on. Pike's, The Last Vampire, on the other hand, is one of those glorious, shining exceptions to the rule, that makes you appreciate how good the genre can actually be. Written in a very similar style to that of Darren Shan, The Last Vampire takes you on a first-person adventure, packed full of action and, unlike many teen novels, with a lead character who shows no mercy . . . most of the time. I can't say too much about this book as it will spoil the plot. But I can say one thing - buy it. Now. You won't be disappointed. All Darren Shan fans should be Pike fans, too. I'd swear these authors are joined at the mind.

Peace.

Superb book for young and old alike, 31 Jan 2008
This is the first book by Christopher Pike that I have read and I find him an excellent storyteller - read it through - up all night! Much better written than a certain wizard (who we love of course) and well deserving of a film deal.

Read the books - you won't regret it.

An awesone introduction to Poe's prose., 18 Sep 2007
This book is amazing, it is the book that first got me really entralled by Poe's writings. I would suggest to anyone that they should read this book. If you like horror films, this is the origin of many of the themes that are in most horror films. A truely scary book at points. Utterly brilliant!

worthy of four and a half stars, but I don't know how, 07 Sep 2003
Hmm, let me see, macabre, check, horror, check, an immortal title, check, worldwide renown, well, maybe not at that particular moment, but later. And so it brings us to the point where Poe was a poor, miserable, beggar even though he's got all of the above. Alas, the weakness of the human heart, I do declare that it is a fortune--only for us, the miserable soul--that he is poor, his experience in the cruelty of this earth enabled him, I daresay, to astound the later world and distinguished writers with his original creativity, his active love of writing, and his strong heart even though he is a misfortunate soul in the midst of the world of wealth and power whom the goddess of misfortune pursued with an unwearied eye/jinx. Those stories each gives you a different horrific sensation that is worthy of recognition: "The Cask..." lets you experience the insanity and horrible triumph of revenge, "The Black..." brings the old tradition of witch's cats to a new circle, astounding the general audience by its venemous strenghth of mind. So being able to accomplish such a task is quite and achievement. Now, I would like to remind the reader of two Poe facts and one historic fact. It is true that Poe lived in America, when San Francisco was a small town, and gold was about to be discovered, and he died in 1849, the year gold was discovered. Now, his love literature and the need of money combined, well, we'll let the reader think about the hundreds of stories that could've came out if he had lived just three years more. All in all, Poe was a great influence and a great writer.

Not for the faint hearted!!!!, 11 Apr 2003
In fact, this collection of "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" prove to be quite as they are described, no less, no more. The book contains some great thrillers that contain a deeper message about humanity in general, but unfortunately some fail to come to a satisfactory end, and come across more as sketches to fill the gaps.
All in all, this collection was an extremely enjoyable read, and I recommend it for all readers, from the age of 13 or 14.

Masterful Depiction of the Macabre., 14 Jun 2000
Edgar Allan Poe is the epitome of the genre that is the macabre...simply put. A man whose lyrical lucre and gamut are fueled as much by an almost vivid imagination for the grotesque as much as his proclivity for the philosophically preternatural. Only Vladimir Nabokov has ably rivalled the vocabulary that is so evident in the convolutions that are as much a precedent to Poe's works as are his theoretical musings. Constantly in an endeavour to blur the lines between tale and short story, he congeals one into the other in an almost mid-methodology of sorts to create a passage that is part fable and part vision. His scientific musings on the "Murders in the Rue Morgue" border on the Doylish, while his ornate description of the red room in the "The Masque" is an exercise in baroque art and can adorn every manual in decorative imagery. While "The Pit and the Pendulum" are epics of the macabre, rivalled only by the likes of "The Descent into the Maelstrom", and "King Pest", vivid imageries conjured in "The Man of the Crowd" are absolute literary masterpieces of the subliminal nature. Though his oeuvre was largely the result of a dying age, his was the talent that would attract posthumously as was the result. Once beheld, once forgotten....as Poe himself would quote, "Silence was never this golden until it was exemplified with verve".

Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Once upon a midnight dreary ..., 20 Jan 2007
Great stuff - it's hard to believe that Poe's short stories were written in the first half of the 19th century. They are superbly modern, even postmodern, in their claustrophobic obsession with mystery, darkness, death and decay, madness, cruelty and torture. Poe is a master stylist, a superb writer of English, and all the stories are compact and totally consistent in atmosphere and tone.

As another reviewer mentions, this collection also inlcudes the detective stories about M. Dupin, solving the mysteries of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter". These are masterpieces of short fiction, while "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-tale Heart" are truly horrific. Other stories are more gothic - "Ligeia" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", while "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are compact, dense tales of medieval cruelty, torment and horror.

Also included in this edition are some poems ("The Raven" is a particular highlight) and some of Poe's non-fiction writing - magazine articles, theatre and book reviews.



Fantastic Writing, 23 Mar 2002
Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the greatest American short story writer in our history. He is a surrealist and a subtle master of the pyschological thriller. In fact, it was Poe who created the Detective/Mystery genre, and it was he from whom Sir Author Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Poe, however, reaches his peek when he is telling a tale of madness and horror. My absolute favorite Poe tale is The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Also, the Pit And The Pendulum is an excellent read.

And, as has been stated, this book is an excellent primer for all would be Poe enthusiasts.

Perfect Introduction, 16 Sep 2001
This a collection of the best writings of Poe, featuring all of the most well known works such as the Raven.

It is an ideal introduction to the works of one of the greatest poet/story writers ever.

A great value for money book, and as I said, the perfect introduction.

Simply Incredible, 21 Aug 2008
The Last Vampire 1 - 6 is simply the best vampire series ever written and I have read archives of vampire tales to compare it to. What really defines the series is the fresh twist on the vampire legend interwoven with frighteningly believable historic and religious legends. While it is a series, each book in the series manages to follow on intricately from the first one but manages to maintain the status of a novel in its own right. I grew up on these books and had read them twice over before even realizing that Christopher Pike was the author. The books are not appropriate for younger children as they are riddled with sex scenes and more subtle sexual innuendos and references but these are well placed to extenuate the lustful characteristics attributed to vampires in legend without sounding contrived and cheap. I wholly recommend this book to seasoned and aspiring fans alike.

Brilliant, dark, and fast-paced., 26 Apr 2008
There are mountains of vampire books around these days. Unfortunately, a lot of these titles are pure garbage, and not worth the paper they are printed on. Pike's, The Last Vampire, on the other hand, is one of those glorious, shining exceptions to the rule, that makes you appreciate how good the genre can actually be. Written in a very similar style to that of Darren Shan, The Last Vampire takes you on a first-person adventure, packed full of action and, unlike many teen novels, with a lead character who shows no mercy . . . most of the time. I can't say too much about this book as it will spoil the plot. But I can say one thing - buy it. Now. You won't be disappointed. All Darren Shan fans should be Pike fans, too. I'd swear these authors are joined at the mind.

Peace.

Superb book for young and old alike, 31 Jan 2008
This is the first book by Christopher Pike that I have read and I find him an excellent storyteller - read it through - up all night! Much better written than a certain wizard (who we love of course) and well deserving of a film deal.

Read the books - you won't regret it.

An awesone introduction to Poe's prose., 18 Sep 2007
This book is amazing, it is the book that first got me really entralled by Poe's writings. I would suggest to anyone that they should read this book. If you like horror films, this is the origin of many of the themes that are in most horror films. A truely scary book at points. Utterly brilliant!

worthy of four and a half stars, but I don't know how, 07 Sep 2003
Hmm, let me see, macabre, check, horror, check, an immortal title, check, worldwide renown, well, maybe not at that particular moment, but later. And so it brings us to the point where Poe was a poor, miserable, beggar even though he's got all of the above. Alas, the weakness of the human heart, I do declare that it is a fortune--only for us, the miserable soul--that he is poor, his experience in the cruelty of this earth enabled him, I daresay, to astound the later world and distinguished writers with his original creativity, his active love of writing, and his strong heart even though he is a misfortunate soul in the midst of the world of wealth and power whom the goddess of misfortune pursued with an unwearied eye/jinx. Those stories each gives you a different horrific sensation that is worthy of recognition: "The Cask..." lets you experience the insanity and horrible triumph of revenge, "The Black..." brings the old tradition of witch's cats to a new circle, astounding the general audience by its venemous strenghth of mind. So being able to accomplish such a task is quite and achievement. Now, I would like to remind the reader of two Poe facts and one historic fact. It is true that Poe lived in America, when San Francisco was a small town, and gold was about to be discovered, and he died in 1849, the year gold was discovered. Now, his love literature and the need of money combined, well, we'll let the reader think about the hundreds of stories that could've came out if he had lived just three years more. All in all, Poe was a great influence and a great writer.

Not for the faint hearted!!!!, 11 Apr 2003
In fact, this collection of "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" prove to be quite as they are described, no less, no more. The book contains some great thrillers that contain a deeper message about humanity in general, but unfortunately some fail to come to a satisfactory end, and come across more as sketches to fill the gaps.
All in all, this collection was an extremely enjoyable read, and I recommend it for all readers, from the age of 13 or 14.

Masterful Depiction of the Macabre., 14 Jun 2000
Edgar Allan Poe is the epitome of the genre that is the macabre...simply put. A man whose lyrical lucre and gamut are fueled as much by an almost vivid imagination for the grotesque as much as his proclivity for the philosophically preternatural. Only Vladimir Nabokov has ably rivalled the vocabulary that is so evident in the convolutions that are as much a precedent to Poe's works as are his theoretical musings. Constantly in an endeavour to blur the lines between tale and short story, he congeals one into the other in an almost mid-methodology of sorts to create a passage that is part fable and part vision. His scientific musings on the "Murders in the Rue Morgue" border on the Doylish, while his ornate description of the red room in the "The Masque" is an exercise in baroque art and can adorn every manual in decorative imagery. While "The Pit and the Pendulum" are epics of the macabre, rivalled only by the likes of "The Descent into the Maelstrom", and "King Pest", vivid imageries conjured in "The Man of the Crowd" are absolute literary masterpieces of the subliminal nature. Though his oeuvre was largely the result of a dying age, his was the talent that would attract posthumously as was the result. Once beheld, once forgotten....as Poe himself would quote, "Silence was never this golden until it was exemplified with verve".

excellent!!!!!!, 07 Jan 2009
This book is excellent.....it draws you in and when you are like half way through you are like 'wow what a story line' if you love PIKE i would definately recommend this.

A good book but would not read again . . ., 27 Aug 2008
I have loved Christopher Pike for his brutality and captivating storylines, but just felt from the offset with this book that it was way ahead of itself. I won't explain this very well, but I was thoroughly bored, I wasn't chilled ( as I usually am when I read Christophers dark words) I was merely there, it didn't draw me in as most of his other books have done. This is a shame.

Christpoher Pike is back!, 23 Jul 2006
another excellent book written by christopher pike. it's a real shame non of his books are for sale in book shops any more because he is a fantastic writer. He always keeps you captivated until the end... This book is another example of how i read the book, and coudnt put it down. As, usual a turly brilliant, and bizare ending ( like the cold one, and many of his other books, i especially enjoyed the wicked heart ).
... A real twist

" The blind mirror " is about David, whom has spent the last 2 months in new york recovering from a bad break-up with his ex-girlfriend Sienna when he discovers a dead body on the beach.
The woman was killed in a ritualistic manor and soon discovers
that she is sienna, and soon becomes a prime suspect in her murder. But Sienna cannot be dead as she keeps leaving messages on his answering machine.
In self defensive, David begins his own invetigation to find out what realy happenned.
I dont want to tell you anymore because the story then has many twists and turns.
If you have read any of christopher pikes other novels you will very much enjoy this one!

Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Once upon a midnight dreary ..., 20 Jan 2007
Great stuff - it's hard to believe that Poe's short stories were written in the first half of the 19th century. They are superbly modern, even postmodern, in their claustrophobic obsession with mystery, darkness, death and decay, madness, cruelty and torture. Poe is a master stylist, a superb writer of English, and all the stories are compact and totally consistent in atmosphere and tone.

As another reviewer mentions, this collection also inlcudes the detective stories about M. Dupin, solving the mysteries of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter". These are masterpieces of short fiction, while "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-tale Heart" are truly horrific. Other stories are more gothic - "Ligeia" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", while "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are compact, dense tales of medieval cruelty, torment and horror.

Also included in this edition are some poems ("The Raven" is a particular highlight) and some of Poe's non-fiction writing - magazine articles, theatre and book reviews.



Fantastic Writing, 23 Mar 2002
Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the greatest American short story writer in our history. He is a surrealist and a subtle master of the pyschological thriller. In fact, it was Poe who created the Detective/Mystery genre, and it was he from whom Sir Author Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Poe, however, reaches his peek when he is telling a tale of madness and horror. My absolute favorite Poe tale is The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Also, the Pit And The Pendulum is an excellent read.

And, as has been stated, this book is an excellent primer for all would be Poe enthusiasts.

Perfect Introduction, 16 Sep 2001
This a collection of the best writings of Poe, featuring all of the most well known works such as the Raven.

It is an ideal introduction to the works of one of the greatest poet/story writers ever.

A great value for money book, and as I said, the perfect introduction.

Simply Incredible, 21 Aug 2008
The Last Vampire 1 - 6 is simply the best vampire series ever written and I have read archives of vampire tales to compare it to. What really defines the series is the fresh twist on the vampire legend interwoven with frighteningly believable historic and religious legends. While it is a series, each book in the series manages to follow on intricately from the first one but manages to maintain the status of a novel in its own right. I grew up on these books and had read them twice over before even realizing that Christopher Pike was the author. The books are not appropriate for younger children as they are riddled with sex scenes and more subtle sexual innuendos and references but these are well placed to extenuate the lustful characteristics attributed to vampires in legend without sounding contrived and cheap. I wholly recommend this book to seasoned and aspiring fans alike.

Brilliant, dark, and fast-paced., 26 Apr 2008
There are mountains of vampire books around these days. Unfortunately, a lot of these titles are pure garbage, and not worth the paper they are printed on. Pike's, The Last Vampire, on the other hand, is one of those glorious, shining exceptions to the rule, that makes you appreciate how good the genre can actually be. Written in a very similar style to that of Darren Shan, The Last Vampire takes you on a first-person adventure, packed full of action and, unlike many teen novels, with a lead character who shows no mercy . . . most of the time. I can't say too much about this book as it will spoil the plot. But I can say one thing - buy it. Now. You won't be disappointed. All Darren Shan fans should be Pike fans, too. I'd swear these authors are joined at the mind.

Peace.

Superb book for young and old alike, 31 Jan 2008
This is the first book by Christopher Pike that I have read and I find him an excellent storyteller - read it through - up all night! Much better written than a certain wizard (who we love of course) and well deserving of a film deal.

Read the books - you won't regret it.

An awesone introduction to Poe's prose., 18 Sep 2007
This book is amazing, it is the book that first got me really entralled by Poe's writings. I would suggest to anyone that they should read this book. If you like horror films, this is the origin of many of the themes that are in most horror films. A truely scary book at points. Utterly brilliant!

worthy of four and a half stars, but I don't know how, 07 Sep 2003
Hmm, let me see, macabre, check, horror, check, an immortal title, check, worldwide renown, well, maybe not at that particular moment, but later. And so it brings us to the point where Poe was a poor, miserable, beggar even though he's got all of the above. Alas, the weakness of the human heart, I do declare that it is a fortune--only for us, the miserable soul--that he is poor, his experience in the cruelty of this earth enabled him, I daresay, to astound the later world and distinguished writers with his original creativity, his active love of writing, and his strong heart even though he is a misfortunate soul in the midst of the world of wealth and power whom the goddess of misfortune pursued with an unwearied eye/jinx. Those stories each gives you a different horrific sensation that is worthy of recognition: "The Cask..." lets you experience the insanity and horrible triumph of revenge, "The Black..." brings the old tradition of witch's cats to a new circle, astounding the general audience by its venemous strenghth of mind. So being able to accomplish such a task is quite and achievement. Now, I would like to remind the reader of two Poe facts and one historic fact. It is true that Poe lived in America, when San Francisco was a small town, and gold was about to be discovered, and he died in 1849, the year gold was discovered. Now, his love literature and the need of money combined, well, we'll let the reader think about the hundreds of stories that could've came out if he had lived just three years more. All in all, Poe was a great influence and a great writer.

Not for the faint hearted!!!!, 11 Apr 2003
In fact, this collection of "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" prove to be quite as they are described, no less, no more. The book contains some great thrillers that contain a deeper message about humanity in general, but unfortunately some fail to come to a satisfactory end, and come across more as sketches to fill the gaps.
All in all, this collection was an extremely enjoyable read, and I recommend it for all readers, from the age of 13 or 14.

Masterful Depiction of the Macabre., 14 Jun 2000
Edgar Allan Poe is the epitome of the genre that is the macabre...simply put. A man whose lyrical lucre and gamut are fueled as much by an almost vivid imagination for the grotesque as much as his proclivity for the philosophically preternatural. Only Vladimir Nabokov has ably rivalled the vocabulary that is so evident in the convolutions that are as much a precedent to Poe's works as are his theoretical musings. Constantly in an endeavour to blur the lines between tale and short story, he congeals one into the other in an almost mid-methodology of sorts to create a passage that is part fable and part vision. His scientific musings on the "Murders in the Rue Morgue" border on the Doylish, while his ornate description of the red room in the "The Masque" is an exercise in baroque art and can adorn every manual in decorative imagery. While "The Pit and the Pendulum" are epics of the macabre, rivalled only by the likes of "The Descent into the Maelstrom", and "King Pest", vivid imageries conjured in "The Man of the Crowd" are absolute literary masterpieces of the subliminal nature. Though his oeuvre was largely the result of a dying age, his was the talent that would attract posthumously as was the result. Once beheld, once forgotten....as Poe himself would quote, "Silence was never this golden until it was exemplified with verve".

excellent!!!!!!, 07 Jan 2009
This book is excellent.....it draws you in and when you are like half way through you are like 'wow what a story line' if you love PIKE i would definately recommend this.

A good book but would not read again . . ., 27 Aug 2008
I have loved Christopher Pike for his brutality and captivating storylines, but just felt from the offset with this book that it was way ahead of itself. I won't explain this very well, but I was thoroughly bored, I wasn't chilled ( as I usually am when I read Christophers dark words) I was merely there, it didn't draw me in as most of his other books have done. This is a shame.

Christpoher Pike is back!, 23 Jul 2006
another excellent book written by christopher pike. it's a real shame non of his books are for sale in book shops any more because he is a fantastic writer. He always keeps you captivated until the end... This book is another example of how i read the book, and coudnt put it down. As, usual a turly brilliant, and bizare ending ( like the cold one, and many of his other books, i especially enjoyed the wicked heart ).
... A real twist

" The blind mirror " is about David, whom has spent the last 2 months in new york recovering from a bad break-up with his ex-girlfriend Sienna when he discovers a dead body on the beach.
The woman was killed in a ritualistic manor and soon discovers
that she is sienna, and soon becomes a prime suspect in her murder. But Sienna cannot be dead as she keeps leaving messages on his answering machine.
In self defensive, David begins his own invetigation to find out what realy happenned.
I dont want to tell you anymore because the story then has many twists and turns.
If you have read any of christopher pikes other novels you will very much enjoy this one!




Fun and hair-raising!, 28 Sep 2005
Edgar Allen Poe (1809-49) is one of the most famous of American authors of mysterious and macabre stories, certainly the most famous 19th century one. The Masque of the Red Death was first published in 1842, and is rightly considered one of the greatest works of Gothic horror ever penned.

When the story begins, a strange and deadly plague is stalking the land. When the disease is contracted, the victim is dead within a half hour, bleeding from every pore, giving the ghastly disease its name, the "Red Death." The strange and demented Prince Prospero decides to defeat the disease by sequestering himself and a thousand courtiers in a sealed-off abbey, where they can lead a life of comfort, safety and sensuality. But, when the Prince throws a masquerade ball, there appears among the guests a figure dressed as one who died of the Red Death. Why is he dressed like that, and who is it beneath the costume?

I must say, it is easy to see why this is considered a classic of American literature, and why it is still such a popular read over 150 years after it first appeared! I found the story to be quite scary, in the older way, without recourse to blood and severed limbs, and keeps you glued to your chair reading it. I am now quite sorry that it took me so long to get around to reading this story, it's great, and I highly recommend it.

Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Once upon a midnight dreary ..., 20 Jan 2007
Great stuff - it's hard to believe that Poe's short stories were written in the first half of the 19th century. They are superbly modern, even postmodern, in their claustrophobic obsession with mystery, darkness, death and decay, madness, cruelty and torture. Poe is a master stylist, a superb writer of English, and all the stories are compact and totally consistent in atmosphere and tone.

As another reviewer mentions, this collection also inlcudes the detective stories about M. Dupin, solving the mysteries of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter". These are masterpieces of short fiction, while "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-tale Heart" are truly horrific. Other stories are more gothic - "Ligeia" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", while "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are compact, dense tales of medieval cruelty, torment and horror.

Also included in this edition are some poems ("The Raven" is a particular highlight) and some of Poe's non-fiction writing - magazine articles, theatre and book reviews.



Fantastic Writing, 23 Mar 2002
Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the greatest American short story writer in our history. He is a surrealist and a subtle master of the pyschological thriller. In fact, it was Poe who created the Detective/Mystery genre, and it was he from whom Sir Author Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Poe, however, reaches his peek when he is telling a tale of madness and horror. My absolute favorite Poe tale is The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Also, the Pit And The Pendulum is an excellent read.

And, as has been stated, this book is an excellent primer for all would be Poe enthusiasts.

Perfect Introduction, 16 Sep 2001
This a collection of the best writings of Poe, featuring all of the most well known works such as the Raven.

It is an ideal introduction to the works of one of the greatest poet/story writers ever.

A great value for money book, and as I said, the perfect introduction.

Simply Incredible, 21 Aug 2008
The Last Vampire 1 - 6 is simply the best vampire series ever written and I have read archives of vampire tales to compare it to. What really defines the series is the fresh twist on the vampire legend interwoven with frighteningly believable historic and religious legends. While it is a series, each book in the series manages to follow on intricately from the first one but manages to maintain the status of a novel in its own right. I grew up on these books and had read them twice over before even realizing that Christopher Pike was the author. The books are not appropriate for younger children as they are riddled with sex scenes and more subtle sexual innuendos and references but these are well placed to extenuate the lustful characteristics attributed to vampires in legend without sounding contrived and cheap. I wholly recommend this book to seasoned and aspiring fans alike.

Brilliant, dark, and fast-paced., 26 Apr 2008
There are mountains of vampire books around these days. Unfortunately, a lot of these titles are pure garbage, and not worth the paper they are printed on. Pike's, The Last Vampire, on the other hand, is one of those glorious, shining exceptions to the rule, that makes you appreciate how good the genre can actually be. Written in a very similar style to that of Darren Shan, The Last Vampire takes you on a first-person adventure, packed full of action and, unlike many teen novels, with a lead character who shows no mercy . . . most of the time. I can't say too much about this book as it will spoil the plot. But I can say one thing - buy it. Now. You won't be disappointed. All Darren Shan fans should be Pike fans, too. I'd swear these authors are joined at the mind.

Peace.

Superb book for young and old alike, 31 Jan 2008
This is the first book by Christopher Pike that I have read and I find him an excellent storyteller - read it through - up all night! Much better written than a certain wizard (who we love of course) and well deserving of a film deal.

Read the books - you won't regret it.

An awesone introduction to Poe's prose., 18 Sep 2007
This book is amazing, it is the book that first got me really entralled by Poe's writings. I would suggest to anyone that they should read this book. If you like horror films, this is the origin of many of the themes that are in most horror films. A truely scary book at points. Utterly brilliant!

worthy of four and a half stars, but I don't know how, 07 Sep 2003
Hmm, let me see, macabre, check, horror, check, an immortal title, check, worldwide renown, well, maybe not at that particular moment, but later. And so it brings us to the point where Poe was a poor, miserable, beggar even though he's got all of the above. Alas, the weakness of the human heart, I do declare that it is a fortune--only for us, the miserable soul--that he is poor, his experience in the cruelty of this earth enabled him, I daresay, to astound the later world and distinguished writers with his original creativity, his active love of writing, and his strong heart even though he is a misfortunate soul in the midst of the world of wealth and power whom the goddess of misfortune pursued with an unwearied eye/jinx. Those stories each gives you a different horrific sensation that is worthy of recognition: "The Cask..." lets you experience the insanity and horrible triumph of revenge, "The Black..." brings the old tradition of witch's cats to a new circle, astounding the general audience by its venemous strenghth of mind. So being able to accomplish such a task is quite and achievement. Now, I would like to remind the reader of two Poe facts and one historic fact. It is true that Poe lived in America, when San Francisco was a small town, and gold was about to be discovered, and he died in 1849, the year gold was discovered. Now, his love literature and the need of money combined, well, we'll let the reader think about the hundreds of stories that could've came out if he had lived just three years more. All in all, Poe was a great influence and a great writer.

Not for the faint hearted!!!!, 11 Apr 2003
In fact, this collection of "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" prove to be quite as they are described, no less, no more. The book contains some great thrillers that contain a deeper message about humanity in general, but unfortunately some fail to come to a satisfactory end, and come across more as sketches to fill the gaps.
All in all, this collection was an extremely enjoyable read, and I recommend it for all readers, from the age of 13 or 14.

Masterful Depiction of the Macabre., 14 Jun 2000
Edgar Allan Poe is the epitome of the genre that is the macabre...simply put. A man whose lyrical lucre and gamut are fueled as much by an almost vivid imagination for the grotesque as much as his proclivity for the philosophically preternatural. Only Vladimir Nabokov has ably rivalled the vocabulary that is so evident in the convolutions that are as much a precedent to Poe's works as are his theoretical musings. Constantly in an endeavour to blur the lines between tale and short story, he congeals one into the other in an almost mid-methodology of sorts to create a passage that is part fable and part vision. His scientific musings on the "Murders in the Rue Morgue" border on the Doylish, while his ornate description of the red room in the "The Masque" is an exercise in baroque art and can adorn every manual in decorative imagery. While "The Pit and the Pendulum" are epics of the macabre, rivalled only by the likes of "The Descent into the Maelstrom", and "King Pest", vivid imageries conjured in "The Man of the Crowd" are absolute literary masterpieces of the subliminal nature. Though his oeuvre was largely the result of a dying age, his was the talent that would attract posthumously as was the result. Once beheld, once forgotten....as Poe himself would quote, "Silence was never this golden until it was exemplified with verve".

excellent!!!!!!, 07 Jan 2009
This book is excellent.....it draws you in and when you are like half way through you are like 'wow what a story line' if you love PIKE i would definately recommend this.

A good book but would not read again . . ., 27 Aug 2008
I have loved Christopher Pike for his brutality and captivating storylines, but just felt from the offset with this book that it was way ahead of itself. I won't explain this very well, but I was thoroughly bored, I wasn't chilled ( as I usually am when I read Christophers dark words) I was merely there, it didn't draw me in as most of his other books have done. This is a shame.

Christpoher Pike is back!, 23 Jul 2006
another excellent book written by christopher pike. it's a real shame non of his books are for sale in book shops any more because he is a fantastic writer. He always keeps you captivated until the end... This book is another example of how i read the book, and coudnt put it down. As, usual a turly brilliant, and bizare ending ( like the cold one, and many of his other books, i especially enjoyed the wicked heart ).
... A real twist

" The blind mirror " is about David, whom has spent the last 2 months in new york recovering from a bad break-up with his ex-girlfriend Sienna when he discovers a dead body on the beach.
The woman was killed in a ritualistic manor and soon discovers
that she is sienna, and soon becomes a prime suspect in her murder. But Sienna cannot be dead as she keeps leaving messages on his answering machine.
In self defensive, David begins his own invetigation to find out what realy happenned.
I dont want to tell you anymore because the story then has many twists and turns.
If you have read any of christopher pikes other novels you will very much enjoy this one!




Fun and hair-raising!, 28 Sep 2005
Edgar Allen Poe (1809-49) is one of the most famous of American authors of mysterious and macabre stories, certainly the most famous 19th century one. The Masque of the Red Death was first published in 1842, and is rightly considered one of the greatest works of Gothic horror ever penned.

When the story begins, a strange and deadly plague is stalking the land. When the disease is contracted, the victim is dead within a half hour, bleeding from every pore, giving the ghastly disease its name, the "Red Death." The strange and demented Prince Prospero decides to defeat the disease by sequestering himself and a thousand courtiers in a sealed-off abbey, where they can lead a life of comfort, safety and sensuality. But, when the Prince throws a masquerade ball, there appears among the guests a figure dressed as one who died of the Red Death. Why is he dressed like that, and who is it beneath the costume?

I must say, it is easy to see why this is considered a classic of American literature, and why it is still such a popular read over 150 years after it first appeared! I found the story to be quite scary, in the older way, without recourse to blood and severed limbs, and keeps you glued to your chair reading it. I am now quite sorry that it took me so long to get around to reading this story, it's great, and I highly recommend it.

A real treasure of a book., 26 Sep 2003
I have adored Poe since childhood - a love that grew after many viewings of Vincent Prices' Edgar Allan Poe movies!
Only now have I finally acquired Poe's works and boy am I in Heaven! I have this book, and another Amazon acquired book of Poe's stories and poems.
This book is fabulous quality and value for money. Bound in an elegant cloth hardback (a nice fabric marker to boot), on quality paper - this book looks, feels and even smells (yes! Smells!) simply divine. It really does justice to Poe's dark and gothic world of stories and I am so very delighted to have this book - so much so that I have to take it to bed every night for fear of parting with it!
Poe's stories are unchallengeable - even today. They are dark, mysterious and eerie and give such great entertainment.
This collection is both classic and awe inspiring and the publishers have done a very nice job indeed of printing them in this beautiful book.
A massive thanx to Amazon for being so excellent and providing the only means by which I could acquire this gem, as well as most of by book collection.
Get this book - you will not be disappointed.

Just Fab, 07 Sep 2000
Though my English teacher would assure me that Poe's poetry is painfuly childish, that doesn't stop him from being a good writer. This collected tales brings together some of his best, and darkest pieces, so that all of us can see someone worse of than ourselves...comforting really.

Short and Sweet Surrealism, 01 Aug 2007
If you are drawn to surrealist work you will definitely enjoy this book. The stories have been written as a collection of gothic tales, but I found myself laughing at the tragedy of it all most of the time! Well written, warped literature.

Poe's Tales, 22 Jan 2006
In terms of this anthology in particular, all of Poe's well-known stories seem to be there, including 'The Pit & The Pendulum' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' However, Poe's frequent use of foreign languages in his stories can spoil enjoyment, and on at least two occasions I could not fully grasp the ending of a story because no translation to these languages was given in this edition. This is a particular concern for the opening story, 'Duc de L'Omelette'.

In terms of Poe's writing, my opinion is divided. His stories (those in this book, at least), seem to be either his famous tales of terror or more essay-type pieces. The tales of terror, especially 'The Pit & the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado', are very well-written and I enjoyed them a lot. However, a number of his stories are more like essays and these can be hard to follow in the old-fashioned language Poe used and, if you are unaccustomed to Poe, can leave you waiting forever for the story to begin. Overall, I enjoyed Poe's writings supplied here and they grew on me as I became more used to his style, but they are not as scary nor as easy to follow as more modern tales.

Once upon a midnight dreary ..., 20 Jan 2007
Great stuff - it's hard to believe that Poe's short stories were written in the first half of the 19th century. They are superbly modern, even postmodern, in their claustrophobic obsession with mystery, darkness, death and decay, madness, cruelty and torture. Poe is a master stylist, a superb writer of English, and all the stories are compact and totally consistent in atmosphere and tone.

As another reviewer mentions, this collection also inlcudes the detective stories about M. Dupin, solving the mysteries of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter". These are masterpieces of short fiction, while "The Black Cat" and "The Tell-tale Heart" are truly horrific. Other stories are more gothic - "Ligeia" and "The Fall of the House of Usher", while "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are compact, dense tales of medieval cruelty, torment and horror.

Also included in this edition are some poems ("The Raven" is a particular highlight) and some of Poe's non-fiction writing - magazine articles, theatre and book reviews.



Fantastic Writing, 23 Mar 2002
Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the greatest American short story writer in our history. He is a surrealist and a subtle master of the pyschological thriller. In fact, it was Poe who created the Detective/Mystery genre, and it was he from whom Sir Author Conan Doyle drew his inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Poe, however, reaches his peek when he is telling a tale of madness and horror. My absolute favorite Poe tale is The Fall Of The House Of Usher. Also, the Pit And The Pendulum is an excellent read.

And, as has been stated, this book is an excellent primer for all would be Poe enthusiasts.

Perfect Introduction, 16 Sep 2001
This a collection of the best writings of Poe, featuring all of the most well known works such as the Raven.

It is an ideal introduction to the works of one of the greatest poet/story writers ever.

A great value for money book, and as I said, the perfect introduction.

Simply Incredible, 21 Aug 2008
The Last Vampire 1 - 6 is simply the best vampire series ever written and I have read archives of vampire tales to compare it to. What really defines the series is the fresh twist on the vampire legend interwoven with frighteningly believable historic and religious legends. While it is a series, each book in the series manages to follow on intricately from the first one but manages to maintain the status of a novel in its own right. I grew up on these books and had read them twice over before even realizing that Christopher Pike was the author. The books are not appropriate for younger children as they are riddled with sex scenes and more subtle sexual innuendos and references but these are well placed to extenuate the lustful characteristics attributed to vampires in legend without sounding contrived and cheap. I wholly recommend this book to seasoned and aspiring fans alike.

Brilliant, dark, and fast-paced., 26 Apr 2008
There are mountains of vampire books around these days. Unfortunately, a lot of these titles are pure garbage, and not worth the paper they are printed on. Pike's, The Last Vampire, on the other hand, is one of those glorious, shining exceptions to the rule, that makes you appreciate how good the genre can actually be. Written in a very similar style to that of Darren Shan, The Last Vampire takes you on a first-person adventure, packed full of action and, unlike many teen novels, with a lead character who shows no mercy . . . most of the time. I can't say too much about this book as it will spoil the plot. But I can say one thing - buy it. Now. You won't be disappointed. All Darren Shan fans should be Pike fans, too. I'd swear these authors are joined at the mind.

Peace.

Superb book for young and old alike, 31 Jan 2008
This is the first book by Christopher Pike that I have read and I find him an excellent storyteller - read it through - up all night! Much better written than a certain wizard (who we love of course) and well deserving of a film deal.

Read the books - you won't regret it.

An awesone introduction to Poe's prose., 18 Sep 2007
This book is amazing, it is the book that first got me really entralled by Poe's writings. I would suggest to anyone that they should read this book. If you like horror films, this is the origin of many of the themes that are in most horror films. A truely scary book at points. Utterly brilliant!

worthy of four and a half stars, but I don't know how, 07 Sep 2003
Hmm, let me see, macabre, check, horror, check, an immortal title, check, worldwide renown, well, maybe not at that particular moment, but later. And so it brings us to the point where Poe was a poor, miserable, beggar even though he's got all of the above. Alas, the weakness of the human heart, I do declare that it is a fortune--only for us, the miserable soul--that he is poor, his experience in the cruelty of this earth enabled him, I daresay, to astound the later world and distinguished writers with his original creativity, his active love of writing, and his strong heart even though he is a misfortunate soul in the midst of the world of wealth and power whom the goddess of misfortune pursued with an unwearied eye/jinx. Those stories each gives you a different horrific sensation that is worthy of recognition: "The Cask..." lets you experience the insanity and horrible triumph of revenge, "The Black..." brings the old tradition of witch's cats to a new circle, astounding the general audience by its venemous strenghth of mind. So being able to accomplish such a task is quite and achievement. Now, I would like to remind the reader of two Poe facts and one historic fact. It is true that Poe lived in America, when San Francisco was a small town, and gold was about to be discovered, and he died in 1849, the year gold was discovered. Now, his love literature and the need of money combined, well, we'll let the reader think about the hundreds of stories that could've came out if he had lived just three years more. All in all, Poe was a great influence and a great writer.

Not for the faint hearted!!!!, 11 Apr 2003
In fact, this collection of "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" prove to be quite as they are described, no less, no more. The book contains some great thrillers that contain a deeper message about humanity in general, but unfortunately some fail to come to a satisfactory end, and come across more as sketches to fill the gaps.
All in all, this collection was an extremely enjoyable read, and I recommend it for all readers, from the age of 13 or 14.

Masterful Depiction of the Macabre., 14 Jun 2000
Edgar Allan Poe is the epitome of the genre that is the macabre...simply put. A man whose lyrical lucre and gamut are fueled as much by an almost vivid imagination for the grotesque as much as his proclivity for the philosophically preternatural. Only Vladimir Nabokov has ably rivalled the vocabulary that is so evident in the convolutions that are as much a precedent to Poe's works as are his theoretical musings. Constantly in an endeavour to blur the lines between tale and short story, he congeals one into the other in an almost mid-methodology of sorts to create a passage that is part fable and part vision. His scientific musings on the "Murders in the Rue Morgue" border on the Doylish, while his ornate description of the red room in the "The Masque" is an exercise in baroque art and can adorn every manual in decorative imagery. While "The Pit and the Pendulum" are epics of the macabre, rivalled only by the likes of "The Descent into the Maelstrom", and "King Pest", vivid imageries conjured in "The Man of the Crowd" are absolute literary masterpieces of the subliminal nature. Though his oeuvre was largely the result of a dying age, his was the talent that would attract posthumously as was the result. Once beheld, once forgotten....as Poe himself would quote, "Silence was never this golden until it was exemplified with verve".

excellent!!!!!!, 07 Jan 2009
This book is excellent.....it draws you in and when you are like half way through you are like 'wow what a story line' if you love PIKE i would definately recommend this.

A good book but would not read again . . ., 27 Aug 2008
I have loved Christopher Pike for his brutality and captivating storylines, but just felt from the offset with this book that it was way ahead of itself. I won't explain this very well, but I was thoroughly bored, I wasn't chilled ( as I usually am when I read Christophers dark words) I was merely there, it didn't draw me in as most of his other books have done. This is a shame.

Christpoher Pike is back!, 23 Jul 2006
another excellent book written by christopher pike. it's a real shame non of his books are for sale in book shops any more because he is a fantastic writer. He always keeps you captivated until the end... This book is another example of how i read the book, and coudnt put it down. As, usual a turly brilliant, and bizare ending ( like the cold one, and many of h