The POE SHADOW : MATTHEW PEARL

Edited and with an Introduction by Matthew Pearl

Includes Poe's complete detective trilogy, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt," and "The Purloined Letter"

Between 1841 and 1844, Edgar Allan Poe invented the genre of detective fiction with three mesmerizing stories of a young French eccentric named C. Auguste Dupin. Introducing to literature the concept of applying reason to solving crime, these tales brought Poe his widest audience. Years later, Dorothy Sayers would describe "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" as "almost a complete manual of detective theory and practice." These short mysteries by Poe inspired the creation of countless literary sleuths, among them Sherlock Holmes. Today, the unique Dupin stories still stand out as utterly engrossing page-turners.

This edition, published by Modern Library in North America and Vintage in the UK, reproduces definitive texts of the three tales, including all changes Poe made in his lifetime. It includes an enlightening Introduction by novelist Matthew Pearl, a discussion group guide, and an Appendix, "The Earliest Detectives," which includes texts by Voltaire and the pioneering French detective Vidocq.

A special companion edition to The Poe Shadow ideal for Poe enthusiasts, students and schools, and book clubs.