Tales of Edgar Allan Poe, illustrated by Barry Moser, is a striking edition that brings new visual depth to the macabre and psychological brilliance of Poe’s classic stories. Originally published by the University of California Press in 1985 (with later editions in the 1990s), this collection features Moser’s haunting wood engravings, which echo the gothic intensity and unsettling beauty of Poe’s prose.
Moser, a master printmaker and illustrator, captures the eerie atmosphere of tales like The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, and The Masque of the Red Death with stark, dramatic contrasts and meticulous detail. His illustrations—sometimes grotesque, always mesmerizing—reflect the madness, dread, and melancholy woven into Poe’s narratives.
This edition is celebrated not only for its artistic excellence but also for its craftsmanship, often bound in high-quality materials that match the literary and visual gravitas of the work. A must-have for Poe enthusiasts and collectors of fine illustrated books, Moser’s interpretation stands as one of the most visually compelling tributes to the master of the macabre.
