The Cambridge Companion to Edgar Allan Poe

Examines Poe's major writings in a variety of literary, cultural and political contexts.

Kevin J. Hayes (Edited by)

9780521793261, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 April 2002

288 pages, 4 b/w illus.
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.4 cm, 0.58 kg

"Like the other excellent titles in the 'Cambridge Companions to Literature' series, this volume provides a collection of well-researched essays that will be useful for both students and researchers.... [S]uperlative essays on important Poe topics less studied--Poe's humor, his science fiction, and his impact on popular culture. More familiar subjects are given fresh treatment.... All academic collections." Choice

This collection of specially-commissioned essays by experts in the field explores key dimensions of Edgar Allan Poe's work and life. Contributions provide a series of alternative perspectives on one of the most enigmatic and controversial American writers. The essays, specially tailored to the needs of undergraduates, examine all of Poe's major writings, his poetry, short stories and criticism, and place his work in a variety of literary, cultural and political contexts. They situate his imaginative writings in relation to different modes of writing: humor, Gothicism, anti-slavery tracts, science fiction, the detective story, and sentimental fiction. Three chapters examine specific works: The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, 'The Fall of the House of Usher', 'The Raven', and 'Ulalume'. The volume features a detailed chronology and a comprehensive guide to further reading, and will be of interest to students and scholars alike.

Chronology of Poe's life
Introduction Kevin J. Hayes
1. The Poet as critic Kent L. Jungquist
2. Poe and his circle Sandra M. Tomc
3. Poe's aesthetic theory Rachel Polonsky
4. Poe's humor Daniel Royot
5. Poe and the Gothic tradition Benjamin Franklin Fisher
6. Poe, sensationalism, and slavery Teresa A. Goddu
7. Extra! Extra! Poe invents Science Fiction! John Tresch
8. Poe's Dupin and the power of detection Peter Thoms
9. Poe's feminine ideal Karen Weekes
10. A confused beginning: The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, of Nantucket Geoffrey Sanborn
11. Poe's 'constructiveness' and The Fall of the House of Usher Scott Peeples
12. Two verse masterworks: 'The Raven' and 'Ulalume' Richard Kopley and Kevin J. Hayes
13. Poe and popular culture Mark Neimeyer
14. One-man modernist Kevin J. Hayes
Selected bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900 [DSBF]