The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-12-10

There has been more and more APP
probation of Edgar A. Poe, and the
North has caught something of the
spirit of acknowledgment and interest
from the English and French at last.
A new edition of his works is in
cours of publication by "a leading
house LippincCtt. Of Philadelphia.
The publisher in setting forth this re-
Vival of the most gifted Southron, and
the really greatest of American. men
of genius as Poe is held to be in Great
Britain and France. says that by rea-
son of Ibis striking genius, he will
always rank as one of the most dis
tinguished writer's of English The
popularity increases. and with it a de-
mand for his works in desirable form.
The publisher says that they abound
in that magnetic quality which not
only attracts, but also arouses per-
manent interest" He says, and it is
judiciouSly stated, that mo one can
gain a knowledge of American fiction
verse and criticism without thorough
acquaintance with these masterpieces
of Imagination" He is the greatest
poetic genius, the most original story
writer and one of the foremost critics
in our country, and "hiS writings con-
stitute a veritable e-house of
wit, pathos, mystery, melody. dramatic
narrative, weird fancy. and profound
II.
Putnam's Sons published Poe's works
in ten volumes. 1t was called the
"Arnheim," and was edited by Prof.
Charles +. Richardson, of Dartmouth
College. in New England. He calls
Poe "a world author" and says that
he is the one literary genius produced
in this country "WhOSe writings have
appeared to all the world" That state
ment is most noticeable, and because
n
all around the civilized world, and no
other American man of letters, poet or
what not has been able to do that.
Prof. RichardSOnS essay on the poet
is in fact a highly appreciative discus
sion of the greatest American genius,
and he discussed the literature of this
country previous TO his time. and fol-
lows it up with a clear, skilful analysts
and presentation of the varied produc-
tons of Poe in his three great depart
mentS-aS poet, story-Writer. and eS-
sayist. Poe was in fact the inventor
of the short-story of the mysterious,
wonderful weld kind. Poe had the
poetic inspiration. the poetic art III
high development. the poetic originate
ty and right views-artistic views as
to nature He wrote, for instance:
mo such combinations of scenery
exist in nature as the painter of genius
has in his power to produce.
In the most enchanting natural land
scape there will always be found de-
feet or an eXceSS-many excuses and
defects. The arrangement of parts
will always be found susceptible of inn
provement."
But / purpose now to give but
glance at Poe. At another time ! may
consider him more extensively. If you
wish to know the truth as to Poe read
the volume by Prof Harrison, of the
a oh,
Griswold whose libels are still publish
ed. and ] believe are to be found even
in the Lippincott edition. The truth
is. that Poe was not only underValued
by New England and other writer's in
the North, but he was foully slandered
by Grswold and his followers But
great change has come over the de-
riders and their successors. Poe is to
the front in spite of liars. slanderers
and prejudiced critics.
Since / prepared the above | have
read a short article in the New York
Saturday Review from Mr. Benjamin
Lander. of Nvrick n. Y. He commu-
nicates an interesting estimate of Poe
made thirty years ago in "The Broad
way Journal" by the late Charles f.
Briggs. a critic of repute and fair
ness, who was editorially associated
with the paper mentioned. He had
cause. Mr.. Lander affirmS, for bitter
feelings towards Poe" But when he
asked him for his estimate of Poe he
got an answer that is indeed memoir
able for its candor. precision and free
recognition of the real status of the
great genius for as Mr.. Lander says.
his praise was high clothed i'm strik-
ing poetic metaphor" He said
He was a genius an original genius
As writer he was like the opal-all
the more beautiful. full. and full of
the play of color by reason of refract-
ed light from internal strains and
fractures; they directed and controlled
his mind in chosen fields with an un-
approachable power. His fame will
grow. and endure"
Mr.. Lander in his high and just ap-
probation, well SAYS:
Thine has reversed much of the
Grass criticism and gross exaggera-
ton in Griswold's Life of the poet.
''And vet at this late day. prejudice
is still too strong with many for
Just judgment of Poe's high achieve
ments in literature. His depreciators
might well ponder on some new def-
milton of genius and fame to suit
their views in this special case. aud
> also compare their narrow estimate
with the magnanimity and critical JUS
tice OF Charles F. Briggs. Fame is
but a slow decay: but the English
language will be a dead one before the
fame of >'the Prince of American lit
erature.' as Victor Hugo styled our
poet, will die