Ligeia (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, Ligeia was originally published in 1838.

An anonymous narrator recounts the story of his meeting a beautiful and intellectual woman “in some large, old decaying city near the Rhine.” They get married, and Ligeia introduces her husband to all manner of mathematical and metaphysical knowledge. Soon after, she becomes seriously ill and dies. The narrator’s second marriage comes to a similarly tragic end, resulting in the uncanny reappearance of the mysterious Ligeia. A gripping and atmospheric tale, Ligeia is highly recommended for fans of fantasy and horror fiction, and would make for a fantastic addition to any collection.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American author, editor, poet, and critic. Most famous for his stories of mystery and horror, he was one of the first American short story writers, and is widely considered to be the inventor of the detective fiction genre.

We are republishing this vintage text, Ligeia, in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

Extract from Edgar Allan Poe’s Ligeia:

There is one dear topic, however, on which my memory fails me not. It is the person of Ligeia. In stature she was tall, somewhat slender, and, in her latter days, even emaciated. I would in vain attempt to portray the majesty, the quiet ease, of her demeanor, or the incomprehensible lightness and elasticity of her footfall. She came and departed as a shadow. I was never made aware of her entrance into my closed study save by the dear music of her low sweet voice, as she placed her marble hand upon my shoulder. In beauty of face no maiden ever equalled her. It was the radiance of an opium-dream…

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Here, at edgarallanpoe.co.uk, you can find the best of this fantastic author’s novels, short stories, essays, and poems.

You can also find a biography of Edgar Allan Poe, along with some of his most famous quotes and loved poems.

Through republishing works such as ‘Ligeia’, it is hoped that the writing of this author of mystery and the macabre, can continue to delight – almost two centuries after its initial publication.

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