<p> Few have crafted stories as haunting as those by Edgar Allan Poe. Collected here to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of Poe's birth are sixteen of his best tales accompanied by twenty essays from beloved authors, including T. Jefferson Parker, Lawrence Block, Sara Paretsky, and Joseph Wambaugh, among others, on how Poe has changed their life and work. </p> <p> Michael Connelly recounts the inspiration he drew from Poe's poetry while researching one of his books. Stephen King reflects on Poe's insight into humanity's dark side. Jan Burke recalls her childhood terror during late-night reading sessions. Tess Gerritsen, Nelson DeMille, and others remember the classic B-movie adaptations of Poe's tales. And Laurie R. King complains about how Poe stole all the good ideas . . . or maybe just thought of them first. </p> <p> Powerful and timeless, <i>In the Shadow of the Master</i> is a celebration of one of the greatest literary minds of all time. </p>