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The Masque of the Red Death

By: Edgar Allan Poe
Narrated by: William Roberts
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Publisher's summary

This is a story from the Fall of the House of Usher collection.

The horrors of the Spanish Inquisition, with its dungeon of death, and the overhanging gloom on the House of Usher demonstrate unforgettably the unique imagination of Edgar Allan Poe. Unerringly, he touches upon some of our greatest nightmares: Premature burial, ghostly transformation, words from beyond the grave. Written in the 1840s, they have retained their power to shock and frighten even now.

Also in this collection of Poe's tales of mystery and imagination: "The Black Cat", "The Facts in the Case of M Valdemar", "The Cask of Amontillado", "Ligeia", "The Tell-Tale Heart", "The Masque of the Red Death", "The Premature Burial", and "The Raven".

Public Domain (P)2003 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.
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Editorial reviews

William Roberts’ eerie, atmospheric performance brilliantly captures the shroud of death and decay that hangs over Poe’s phantasmagorical short story, which takes place in the castle of Prince Prospero as he and 1,000 of his nobles attempt to insulate themselves from a horrific plague, the titular Red Death, but who encounter a mysterious, foreboding figure during an opulent masquerade ball.

Roberts’ stirring rendition of Poe’s classic Gothic tale will surely leave the listener with goose bumps in this riveting audiobook.

Critic reviews

"Those who thought only Basil Rathbone could narrate Poe are in for a surprise and a treat. The no-nonsense William Roberts narrates a production mercifully free of frills. No unnecessary music or sound effects interfere with the brilliance of the writing or the purity of the performance." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Masque of the Red Death

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wow

this was amazing..me and my son loved it he want to listen to it again

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  • Overall
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love it

the masquerade and rooms are a little confusing
but ultimately during covid it has new meaning

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A great short story

Very short but a good score in the audiobook and William does a fine job narrating. Good short story for the price. Edgar writes an always relevant and depressing tale of an aristocrat and his fellows hiding from a disease killing large amounts of people. But his hiding does not save him from the inevitability of the red death.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The great Poe.

A great story. Poe shows even the rich and powerful cant cheat death. Death comes to all.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good if you like Poe, otherwise skip it.

Would you try another book from Edgar Allan Poe and/or William Roberts?

Probably not.

Would you recommend The Masque of the Red Death to your friends? Why or why not?

No, unless you are a Poe fan then there is no reason to read this.

Would you listen to another book narrated by William Roberts?

Sure.

Could you see The Masque of the Red Death being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

It probably has, but its too short to be anything other than a short tv episode, unless they take a lot of liberties.

Any additional comments?

It is interesting if you like Poe, if you don't then skip it.

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2 people found this helpful