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.
