Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Scheherazade had not ceased with her tales and told the king another story that is actually a retelling of a previous story, but with an unexpected twist? Humorous, naïve, and quite contemporary, Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherazade" is a perfect example of how high can one’s imagination soar when unfettered by the restrictions of modernity. What is more, the story can be read as an example of how unpleasant the 19th century in Europe and America can be for a foreigner, and also mocks the developments of the industrial civilization. The allegorical and humorous depictions are unforgettable, and it is no wonder if the reader asks for more.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).