EDGAR ALLAN POE (1809–1849) is considered the father of science fiction and the creator of the modern detective story. More than 170 years after his death he remains not only one of America’s greatest and most imaginative writers but its most distinctive poet. The 12 stories and poems collected in this volume stand as a testament to the intensity of Poe’s mastery of terror, madness, satire, and fantasy. Born in Boston, Poe is most associated with Baltimore where he is buried. His home, the Poe House, is currently open to the public.

Christopher Myers

DAVID PLUNKERT is a graphic designer, illustrator, and cartoonist. He and his wife Joyce Hesselberth are co-owners of the design and illustration studio Spur Design in Baltimore, Maryland. His posters have been collected by the Library of Congress and the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum among others, and have been exhibited worldwide. His illustrations have appeared in many major magazines, newspapers, and ad campaigns. He is the creator of Heroical, an ongoing superhero anthology first published in 2013.