List of 15 authors like Edgar Allan Poe
If you enjoy the macabre, gothic literature, and psychologically complex stories of Edgar Allan Poe, you might also appreciate the works of these authors, who either share thematic similarities, delve into the dark aspects of human nature, or write in a similarly ornate style:
1
H.P. Lovecraft: H.P. Lovecraft was an American writer who created a brand of horror fiction centered around cosmic dread and ancient, otherworldly entities. His stories, such as “The Call of Cthulhu,” offer a dark and atmospheric reading experience similar to the eerie tales of Edgar Allan Poe.
2
Mary Shelley: Mary Shelley authored “Frankenstein,” a gripping tale of man's exploration into creating life, that intertwines horror and science fiction elements. Fans of Edgar Allan Poe might appreciate her ability to weave suspense and moral questions throughout a thought-provoking narrative.
3
Bram Stoker: Bram Stoker was an Irish writer who authored the famous Gothic horror novel “Dracula” in 1897. His storytelling, filled with suspense and eerie atmospheres, could appeal to those who appreciate Edgar Allan Poe's dark and mysterious tales.
4
Nathaniel Hawthorne: Nathaniel Hawthorne was a 19th-century American writer, famous for his novel “The Scarlet Letter,” a story filled with symbolism and dark themes. Like Edgar Allan Poe, Hawthorne often explored moral complexity and the human condition in his works.
5
Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Charlotte Perkins Gilman was an influential American writer and feminist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, widely recognized for her short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Her writing often explores themes of women's mental health and their roles in society, which might appeal to a reader interested in the psychological and societal undercurrents found in Edgar Allan Poe's work.
6
Ambrose Bierce - His sardonic view of human nature is well displayed in his grimly satirical short stories, especially “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.”
7
Robert Louis Stevenson - While he wrote adventures like “Treasure Island,” his novella “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” is a gothic study of dual personalities.
8
M.R. James - An author of ghost stories, whose works provide spine-chilling moments through subtle and eerie narratives.
9
Algernon Blackwood - His works focus on the supernatural and the ineffable horrors of the natural world, especially in stories like “The Willows.”
10
Oscar Wilde - His novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” offers gothic twists and explores themes such as aesthetics, duplicity, and morality.
11
Shirley Jackson - Known for her works of horror and mystery, including “The Haunting of Hill House” which combines psychological and supernatural suspense.
12
Arthur Machen - His horror fiction often revolves around the mystical and arcane, and “The Great God Pan” is one of his noted works.
13
Lord Dunsany - An early writer of fantasy literature, his works are noted for their innovation and fantastical worlds, with a narrative style that Poe fans might enjoy.
14
Thomas Ligotti - His horror stories are often compared to Poe's and Lovecraft's for their philosophical depth and existential terror.
15
Wilkie Collins - Considered one of the pioneers of detective fiction and suspense novels, known for “The Woman in White” and “The Moonstone,” he weaves intricate plots with Gothic sensibilities.
These authors, like Poe, explore the darker aspects of the human experience, often using supernatural or fantastical elements to enhance their stories. If you're drawn to Poe's work, the writings of these authors are likely to resonate with your literary preferences.