Though critical opinion of the literary merit of Edgar Allan Poe's writing has varied widely since his death in 1849, his tales have remained popular for their gothic sensibilities and evocative explorations of human vice and desire. Poe's influence on subsequent generations of science fiction and horror writers cannot be understated. This new collection of full-length critical essays explores the enduring works of this esteemed writer and the often-shadowy worlds he brings to life. This study guide to ""A Tell-Tale Heart"" and other Poe stories features a chronology of the author's life, a bibliography, an index, notes on the contributing writers, and an introduction by Professor Harold Bloom.