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The Masque of the Red Death: Book Guide, Author and Facts

The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe — plot, author, genre and where to read, in one evergreen guide.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team3 min read✓ Fact-checked
The Masque of the Red Death book cover
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"The Masque of the Red Death" (originally published as "The Mask of the Red Death: A Fantasy") is a short story by American writer Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1842. The story follows Prince Prospero's attempts to avoid a dangerous plague, known as the Red Death, by hiding in his abbey. He, along with many other wealthy nobles, hosts a masquerade ball in seven rooms of the abbey, each decorated with a different color. In the midst of their revelry, a mysterious figure disguised as a Red Death victim enters and makes his way through each of the rooms. Prospero dies after confronting this stranger, whose "costume" proves to contain nothing tangible inside it; the guests also die in turn.

Quick facts about The Masque of the Red Death

  • Title: The Masque of the Red Death
  • Author: Edgar Allan Poe
  • First published: 1922
  • Genre: gothic fiction, horror, short story
  • OpenLibrary ID: OL41050W

Where to read The Masque of the Red Death

The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe is widely available in print, ebook and audiobook editions from major retailers and libraries.

Compiled from public OpenLibrary data. Availability and details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Masque of the Red Death about?

"The Masque of the Red Death" (originally published as "The Mask of the Red Death: A Fantasy") is a short story by American writer Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1842.

Who wrote The Masque of the Red Death?

The Masque of the Red Death was written by Edgar Allan Poe.

When was The Masque of the Red Death published?

The Masque of the Red Death was first published in 1922.

Sources

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