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The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story that was published in 1843 and like many of Poe’s stories deals with mystery, sanity and the supernatural. Tense and fear provoking this story has been given a somewhat edgy treatment for young readers in the book, “Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Madness” illustrated by Gris Grimly. Drawing upon the story of “The Black Cat” (and 3 other Poe stories) Gris Grimly has “slightly ‘dismembered” the original tales and created a visually stunning creation that Edgar Allan Poe would no doubt love.
Editorial Review from School Library Journal:
“Grade 6 Up–Grimly’s deliciously malevolent illustrations are the perfect complement to Poe’s macabre stories. Four of the writer’s most popular tales are presented in an abridged format: “The Black Cat,” “The Masque of the Red Death,” “Hop-Frog,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” The watercolor and pen-and-ink artwork is populated with deftly drawn cartoon humans, animals, and other beings, many with grotesque or sinister expressions. The pictures cover, crisscross, or circle the margins of the pages and are often contained in ornate art-deco frames along with small blocks of text. Libraries needing an additional copy of Poe’s writings should consider this one.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH”
“The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe is a delightfully ghoulish story that is the perfect read for the Halloween season, when the leaves are crunching, the light is fading, the wind is whipping through the trees and ghosts are hoped to abound. Or any other season for lovers of fright. For lovers of black cats ,of all ages, it is perfect. Adapted for younger readers who haven’t yet developed the capacity to deal with Poe and his eccentricities, this is an excellent introduction. But not for the squeamish. The black cat is graphically portrayed in the illustrations and will certainly not help the case of the unadopted black cats. This is a creepy and entertaining book and would make a great addition to any bookshelf. Especially one of black cat lovers.
Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Madness illustrated by Gris Grimly
Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Madness illustrated by Gris Grimly