National Network for Equitable Library Service

Assembled for the first time is a complete collection of Edgar Allan Poe's science fiction stories. These sixteen tales include Poe's only novel 'Arthur Gordon Pym', which is filled with fantastical thoughts on life at the south polar region. 'The Unparalleled Adventures of Hans Pfall' involves space travel and aliens, 'Some Words with a Mummy' explores the realm of alternate history and suspended animation, while 'Eureka' introduces the big bang theory eighty years before its time. Known for his tales of horror, Edgar Allan Poe shaped the building blocks of science fiction. His scientific speculation was based on mid-nineteenth century theories and understandings, but he took them to levels that no one had ever dreamed possible. Poe's stories inspired Jules Verne and H. G. Wells to dream beyond the limits of science and technology, and they are essential to an understanding of the roots of science fiction. This 352 page collectors edition includes 34 illustrations, a biography, historical reviews, articles, and an introduction by Mark Rich.