What will become of a king who openly mocks a cripple and a dwarf? Edgar Allan Poe, today on The Classic Tales Podcast. Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening. Thank you to all of our financial supporters. We couldn’t do this without you. We really try make your support worth your while. For a five-dollar monthly donation, you get a monthly code for $8 off any audiobook download. Give more, and you get more! It helps us have something to count on every month, and you help to keep the podcast going strong, giving more folks like you can discover the classics in a curated and easily accessible format. Go to classictalesaudiobooks.com today, and become a financial supporter. You’ll be glad you did.  App users can hear the short story, “The Murder in the Rue Morgue”, by Edgar Allan Poe in the special features for today’s episode. And if it’s more convenient, we are streaming our episodes through YouTube, now. A link can be found in the comments section for today’s episode. Tap here to visit our YouTube Channel: Now, for today’s story. Edgar Allan Poe. I don’t think he actually “invented” the mystery or horror genres, but he definitely lifted the existing genres of his time to largely resemble how they largely look today. I’m comfortable in saying he defined them. The consulting detective of today is essentially a refined version of his vision. And he is still held as the master of the horror short story. Today’s story, Hop-Frog, isn’t largely anthologized, and can be difficult to find. It wasn’t brought to my attention until a listener recommended it to me years ago. It moves very well, and has a smart, original finish. It’s a rare gem that is largely unmentioned in Poe’s short story canon, and I’m thrilled to present it to you. And now, Hop-Frog, by Edgar Allan Poe. Tap here to go to www.classictalesaudiobooks.com and become a financial supporter!   Tap here to go to our merchandise store!   Tap here to visit our YouTube Channel: