The Cambridge Introduction to Edgar Allan Poe

by Benjamin F. Fisher

Overview

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 sensationalise the more enigmatic aspects of his life. Benjamin F. 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. Fisher makes fruitful connections within this diverse body of work, and offers analyses of the major works. 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521676915
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/11/2008
Series:	Cambridge Introductions to Literature
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	146
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Benjamin F. Fisher is Professor of English at the University of Mississippi.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Life; 2. Contexts; 3. Works; 4. Reception; Guide to further reading.