The Old Capitol Museum, in conjunction with the University of Iowa Special Collections and University Archives, will host a spring exhibit, “Poe: A Wilderness of Mirrors,” opening Thursday.

Known as the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe revolutionized the genres of horror, mystery and science fiction in stories such as “The Pit and the Pendulum” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” He also was America's first great literary critic and a talented author whose canon ranged from poetry to books of scientific theory.

Poe's works often provide a chilling reflection of American society and the inner workings of the human psyche.

Featuring first and early editions of Poe's work, “A Wilderness of Mirrors” will explore the author's troubled life, mysterious death and lasting legacy.

The Old Capitol Museum also will feature a variety of Poe-themed programming throughout the semester, including:

A screening of the 1964 classic film “The Masque of the Red Death” at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26.
“Morbid Curiosities: An Evening with Poe,” featuring storyteller Darrin Crow, at 6:30 p.m. March 12.
Selected readings of Poe's works by Christine Norquest's English class at 6:30 p.m. April 9.
A screening of the 1961 classic film “The Pit and the Pendulum” at 6:30 p.m. April 23.
For more information on the UI Pentacrest Museums and Old Capitol Museum, visit the Old Capitol Museum website at www.uiowa.edu/oldcap or call (319) 335-0548.