The Cambridge introduction to Edgar Allan Poe
By: Benjamin F. Fisher.
Series: The Cambridge introductions to literature
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Cambridge, UK; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 136
ISBN-13: 9780521859677; 9780521676915
Subjects: Poe, Edgar Allan, -- 1809-1849 -- Criticism and interpretation
Description: "Much remains uncertain about the life of Edgar Allan Poe, the mysterious author of one of the best-known American poems, "The Raven," the Gothic romance "The Fall of the House of Usher," and the first detective fiction, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." This book provides a balanced overview of Poe's career and writings, resisting the tendency of many scholars to sensationalize the more enigmatic aspects of his life. Benjamin E. Fisher outlines Poe's experiments with a wide range of literary forms and genres, and shows how his fiction evolved from Gothic fantasy to plausible, sophisticated psychological fiction. The critical afterlife of Poe's work is charted, and the book includes a guide to further reading, making this a handy starting-point for students and readers new to Poe."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 124-130) and index.