Edgar Allan Poe

The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe: Read Online, Listen to Audio, or Download PDFs

Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) remains one of the most influential American writers, renowned for his mastery of Gothic fiction, horror, and dark romanticism. His work shaped the modern short story and detective fiction genres while exploring timeless themes such as death, madness, love, memory, and the supernatural. Now, you can access his complete works online—read, listen, or download in convenient formats.

Short Stories by Edgar Allan Poe

1. The Fall of the House of Usher
A tale of decay, dread, and madness, this story follows the narrator’s visit to the crumbling mansion of his childhood friend Roderick Usher. Themes of isolation, mental illness, and family curse dominate this haunting narrative. The story’s enduring legacy inspired the hit 2023 Netflix miniseries The Fall of the House of Usher, blending Poe’s works into a modern gothic thriller.

2. The Tell-Tale Heart
This psychological horror classic delves into guilt and madness. The narrator insists on his sanity while recounting how he murdered an old man due to his “vulture eye,” only to be driven to confession by the imagined sound of the man’s still-beating heart.

3. The Black Cat
One of Poe’s darkest and most unsettling stories, it explores themes of guilt, alcoholism, and violence. The narrator descends into madness after abusing and murdering his pet cat, only to be haunted by a new feline that leads to his ultimate downfall.

4. The Cask of Amontillado
Set during carnival season in Italy, this tale of revenge sees Montresor lure his unsuspecting rival Fortunato into the catacombs with the promise of rare wine—only to entomb him alive. It’s a chilling study of pride, deception, and cold-blooded vengeance.

5. The Masque of the Red Death
(Also referred to as “Death of the Red Mask”)
In this allegorical tale, a prince and his courtiers isolate themselves to escape a deadly plague, only to be confronted by a mysterious figure. Themes of mortality, inevitability of death, and the futility of wealth are central.

Poetry by Edgar Allan Poe

1. The Raven
One of the most famous poems in American literature, The Raven features a grieving narrator visited by a mysterious black bird. With the repeated refrain “Nevermore,” the poem captures themes of mourning, madness, and longing.

2. Annabel Lee
A melancholic tribute to a lost love, this lyrical poem blends romance and death as the narrator mourns the beautiful Annabel, taken by jealous angels. Its melodic quality and universal themes of eternal love have made it a classroom staple.

3. Lenore
Written in the tradition of mourning poetry, Lenore contemplates how the dead should be remembered. Unlike Poe’s more despairing works, this piece includes a call for celebration of the departed’s ascension to heaven.

4. The Bells
Known for its musicality and onomatopoeia, The Bells traces the arc of human life—from joy to despair—through the symbolic ringing of different bells. It is both rhythmic and ominous, touching on themes of time and death.

5. El Dorado
This short poem follows a gallant knight in search of the legendary city of gold. With rich symbolism and a tone of futile yearning, Poe explores idealism, disillusionment, and mortality.

Common Themes in Poe’s Works

Poe’s stories and poems span a wide thematic range, often combining:

• Death & Mortality
• Madness & Obsession
• Love, & Longing
• The Supernatural & Gothic Horror
• Irony, Revenge, and Justice
• Melancholy, Solitude, and Symbolism

His writing continues to resonate across audiences—from high schoolers studying American literature to adults seeking timeless horror classics. His works are also frequently tagged with genres and topics like Gothic, Mystery, Satire, Tragedy, and Devotion.

Now available in digital formats, Poe’s complete works can be enjoyed in audio, readable text, or downloadable PDFs—making them accessible for casual readers, educators, and literature enthusiasts alike.