Selected Shorts: Poe!

An all-star roster brings to life the haunting poetry and prose of Poe in this audio collection celebrating the American master of the macabre. In his reading of “The Pit and the Pendulum,” Stephen Lang’s measured, mellifluous voice transports listeners inside the mind of the tortured narrator. Terrence Mann is equally effective in “The Tell-Tale Heart”—he captures the guilt-ridden murderer’s fear that his crime has come back to haunt him. Four narrators—René Auberjonois, Fionnula Flanagan, Isaiah Sheffer, and Harris Yulin—perform “The Raven,” an unconventional choice, but one that works perfectly due to the seamless transitions between the readers. The lyricism of Poe’s writing, which demands clear, measured enunciations and delivery, is well served by this talented cast. (Sept.)