Poe's Seductive Influence on Great Writers

Each of the twelve prominent writers named on the front cover of this book shows the telling effect on his publications of Poe's life or works, as indicated in Dr. Pollin's articles and reviews. Their "testimony" varies: Kipling states his great "debt to Poe"; Henry James, in two important works pivotally quotes from Poe's novel and The Raven; Walter de la Mare's tale features Poe as a reluctant ghost; a major novel by Thomas Mann links the chief characters and their declining family to those of "Usher"; James Thurber in cartoon sketches and tales reveals himself to be "haunted by Poe"; in Melville's fictions are seventy unmistakable traces for characters, situations, and settings; the same is true for Stephen King plus his ending thematically every chapter in Gerald's Game with "Nevermore"; Ginsberg devotedly visits Poe's various homes, lauds him by name in his own poems, and teaches his works as models; Terry Southern purposefully recreates his teenage enthusiasm for Poe's horror-filled Pym; Stevenson knowledgeably evaluates Poe's works in numerous commentaries for an unpublished review; and Hemingway's fiction appears as indebted to Poe's. In addition a final section of book reviews demonstrates Poe's continuing sway.

Dr. Burton Pollin, CUNY Professor of English, in 37 years has published 145 articles and books on Poe, aided by The Guggenheim, NEH, and other foundations. He has lectured on Poe over the USA, Europe, and Japan, sometimes with embassy support. His annotated edition of Poe's works, started in the Harvard University Press, numbers five volumes. Always he has been devoted to showing the great variety, ingenuity, and originality of our foremost writer, Edgar Allan Poe.The front cover design was executed by Michael Kupperman.