The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket

by Edgar Allan Poe
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Gothic
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Paperback • £8.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7688
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781101157220
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1999-06-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Edgar Allan Poe's sole novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket, was inspired by an 1836 newspaper account of a shipwreck and its survivors. The story follows a stowaway on a Nantucket whaleship who encounters the grim realities of life at sea, including mutiny, cannibalism, and savagery. Poe's work remains relevant due to its exploration of universal themes such as dreams, love, loss, grief, and terror./n/nThis Modern Library Paperback Classic reprints the original 1838 American edition, offering readers a chance to experience Poe's haunting narrative in its original form. The novel's dark and suspenseful tone, combined with its exploration of the human psyche, makes it a compelling read for fans of Gothic literature and psychological thrillers.

Reviews
Chick Who Reads Everything · 2025-09-22
engaging 3.75

The book is written in a manner typical of Poe, with a framework that suggests it is a true story. The reviewer enjoyed the overall structure and style.

The reviewer appreciated the book's classic Poe style and the way it is presented as a true story. They found the framework engaging and enjoyed the overall reading experience. The review suggests that the book is a good representation of Poe's writing, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader interested.

Quick quotes

    It was written in a way that one would expect from Poe.

    Moreover, I liked the overall framework of this supposedly being a true story told by ...

    It's a compelling narrative that keeps the reader interested.

Cannonball Read · JMSudar · 2024-07-27
gruesome 4.00

The book is described as weird and gruesome, with some of the most horrific scenes in any Poe story. It is a thrilling and unsettling read.

This review highlights the book's intense and unsettling nature, noting that it contains some of the most horrific scenes in Poe's works. The reviewer found it to be a thrilling and gruesome read, with elements of mutiny and shark attacks that add to its unsettling atmosphere. They appreciated the book's ability to keep them engaged and on edge throughout.

Quick quotes

    It's weird as hell, first of all.

    Some of the most horrific scenes in any Poe story happen here: shark attacks, mutiny, ...

    It's a thrilling and gruesome read.

The Guardian · 2013-11-23
significant 4.50

The book is a classic adventure story with supernatural elements that has fascinated and influenced generations of writers. It is a significant work in Poe's bibliography.

This review emphasizes the book's status as a classic adventure story with supernatural elements. The reviewer notes that it has had a significant impact on generations of writers and is a noteworthy addition to Poe's works. They highlight the book's ability to captivate readers with its unique blend of adventure and the supernatural, making it a significant piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    A classic adventure story with supernatural elements.

    Has fascinated and influenced generations of writers.

    A significant work in Poe's bibliography.

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