dgar Allan Poe (1809—1849) — a classic of American literature, a man of brilliant talent and tragic fate. The proposed collection includes Poe’s stories written in Gothic style whose heroes are distinguished for their unusual disposition and eccentric behaviour. The stories excel in deep psychologism, extreme situations in which only those strong in spirit survive. Mastery combination of mystical elements, horror scenes, the deeds which are at variance with generally accepted norms of life and death, with romance, satire, hints and allusions makes Edgar Poe’s works interesting and attractive for today’s readers as well.