One of the few American writers acknowledged as an indisputable genius by the rest of the world, Poe is seen here at his best in both short story and poem. He was the inventor of the modern detective and mystery story which is based on deductive reasoning, the perfect narrative web woven by a master spider, and the influence of this on writers since his day has been incalculable. His other tales, constructed detail upon detail to produce special 'effects' of horror, melancholy, and strangeness, sustain his reputation for great originality. In his poetry he used language to work miracles in rhyme and rhythm, transforming dreams, tempests, and ghosts into haunting melody.