First published in the November 1846 issue of Godey's Lady's Book, the story is set in 19th century Italy and concerns the deadly revenge taken by the insane narrator on a friend who he claims has insulted him. Like several of Poe's stories, and in keeping with the 19th century fascination with the subject, the narrative revolves around a person being buried alive.
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"This is one of my favorite "go-to" books... I LOVE IT!!! I just pick a story... I have yet to read all the stories... It may take me a bit - small doses of dreariness, I suppose. :) "
— Juliet (4 out of 5 stars)
“Poe was a master of gothic horror, and this short story shows why. From the first sentence, the narrator vows revenge, and the reader is in on the action as the conceited victim is lured into the catacombs, chained, walled up, and left to die among the piled skeletons.”
— Booklist" This is the ultimate book for Edgar Allan Poe fans! "
— Stephanie, 5/14/2011" A Must read for every person who loves to read. "
— Jeremy, 4/28/2011" enjoyable as always, but don't read them all back to back! "
— Jessica, 4/6/2011" Had read this is high school and hated it. Then had to tutor an 8th grader on the very same book and loved it. "
— Carol, 3/27/2011" I loved Poe's shorter stories, however, his longer ones were a very taxing read - So much unnecessary waffle. "
— Dawn, 3/13/2011Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1848) transformed the American literary landscape with his innovations in the short story genre and his haunting lyrical poetry, and he is credited with inventing American gothic horror and detective fiction. He was first published in 1827 and then began a career as a magazine writer and editor and a sharp literary critic. In 1845 the publication of his most famous poem, “The Raven,” brought him national fame.
Grover Gardner (a.k.a. Tom Parker) is an award-winning narrator with over a thousand titles to his credit. Named one of the “Best Voices of the Century” and a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, he has won three prestigious Audie Awards, was chosen Narrator of the Year for 2005 by Publishers Weekly, and has earned more than thirty Earphones Awards.