LesDaniels wrote:
You mean you really haven't read a single one of these, not even the most famous? Not even a single short story by Poe? 
  
LesDaniels,

I assume you are addressing this comment to me, but yuz best check yer glasses--I didn't say I hadn't read any of them.  I've probably read half of them.  (I actually started writing comments on those but stopped, wanted to leave the thread 'pure' and untainted by my opinions until things got rolling.)

Leaving aside the insinuation about my sexual proclivities smiley: tongue I did not know you wrote that piece, as I read the book awhile ago. When I get home I will give it another reading. Oddly enough, though, the piece on THE MONK is the one that got me interested in investigating more pre-20th c. books.  Your description made me think "Hmmm, this sounds cool."  So thanks for inspiring my interest.

I was going to read that one first but I already had CASTLE OF OTRANTO (not on the lists, but I could have sowrn it was) so I started with that.

The responses so far are awesome, thanks to those who posted--keep the comments coming.  This is an area where my background is weak and I hope to get through a good chunk of these within the next couple of months.  I have a feeling the enthusiastic comments you folks have provided will encourage others to read some of these, too.

P.S. I actually read NEW GRUB STREET and I, too, didn't think it belonged.  It's been ages since I read it and I haven't felt the need to take my copy out, and I have only a vague memory of it, but if there were any 'orrible bits I would recall them.  I have a good memory for that kinda thing...so maybe you were wise to assume  I'd like THE MONK after all...smiley: ohwell