Villiers de L'Isle-Adam, "The Omen," "La Torture par L'Esperance," and selected stories

Given the lasting popularity of Edgar Alan Poe both in France and the United States, it is surprising that Villiers, the "French Poe," has not found widespread acceptance in this country. This is perhaps due to the unavailability of a collection of his best stories translated into English. The present translation is an attempt to bring together in one volume the best and most creative stories that Villiers wrote under the influence of Edgar Alan Poe. In this work, comparisons are made with Poe's works in an effort to clarify and demonstrate the importance of Villiers' literary achievements. Included in this study are "Vera," "La Torture par I'esperance," "The Amazing Muttonets," "The Adventures of Tse-i-la," and an abridged version of "Claire Lenoir."