Released to coincide with the two-hundredth anniversary of the author.s birth in January 1809, this selection
of well-loved chilling tales from the master of the supernatural is a perfect Christmas gift. The short stories
include The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Masque of the Red
Death, and The Fall of the House of Usher. This release also features additional poetry by Poe and a new
biography especially written for Naxos AudioBooks by Roy McMillan. This collection of 8 short stories, 23 poems,
and a short biography of Poe is narrated by three readers: John Chancer, William Roberts, and Kerry Shale. Shale
begins with .The Murders in the Rue Morgue.. He employs a high-pitched French accent to represent Dupin and
affects a surprised, somewhat immature tone for the narrator. Some of Poe.s endless descriptions bog down the
pacing. Listeners may want to head right to .The Pit and the Pendulum,. read by Roberts, who is a master of the
verbal adrenaline rush. His tones lower as the pendulum descends and speed up to match the petrified shrieks.
Shale recites the poetry selections; cue up to .Lenore. and zip over to .The Raven. to experience a perfect
audible pairing of love lost and unmitigated grief. Chancer provides a simple yet engaging reading of Poe.s
biography. Suitably macabre mood music marks transitions between the selections. The celebration of Poe.s 200th
birthday brings renewed interest in the author.s works.

Read by: Kerry Shale, John Chancer, and William Roberts

Download File Size:327.14 MB

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