Greetings to all:

This month I should like to take a walk with you through the streets of Richmond, Virginia. The years are between January 19, 1809 and October 7, 1849. Here we will find a writer of vast distinction in his time and beyond. His works have revealed a great many things along the years and still do to this very day. I would like to introduce: Edgar Allan Poe.



Over the years, we have all been acquainted in some fashion with Poe's works. Whether it be from his first success, "The Raven," to some of his other well known pieces such as "The Fall of the House of Usher." I had just recently come across a compilation of his works, both prose and tale, in hardback edition. It is a rather large book as you can imagine. The one thing that stands out right away is the differences from one to the next. Even though his nature is dark itself, the differences from one work to the next can be seen. Like many writers, Poe wrote his best work from his emotions of his life at the time. From his tribulations in the military, to his work during his courier times, Poe had many emotions to work through. Up until his mysterious death, which even up to today is surrounded by strange happenstance, his works are very articulate. He has been and still is, someone to be studied by writers, pro and novice alike. If given the opportunity to have dinner with anyone who is passed, I would have to choose Poe. The very dark nature…. mysterious, surrounded by death in much of what he says…I would truly like to have a conversation with him. To just see how he thinks in everyday comings and goings. For some, it may take sometime to get into some of his works as they can be quite odd, or difficult to find the point of view from which he writes. For others, you may be able to relate completely. I enjoyed "The Raven" best. It brings to light a simple creature, dark in nature is it also, and that through its casual acts brings cloudy, shrouded, dire feelings and news of the "bad" kind. Very exciting, his works will keep you reading from the front cover to the very last word.

The hardcover edition I was able to find was not very expensive at all. It makes for a great conversation piece on the entry table, coffee table, or just a great book to keep by the bedside for those 3 am clock-watching times. I would recommend the reading for all. Even if you have read any of his works before, like anything else, every time you read it, you learn something new. You may very well find yourself in a new state of writing mind. Great for writer's block! Enjoy all….

For those who would like to read up a bit on Poe here are a couple of links: http://www.eapoe.org/
http://www.poemuseum.org/



By Alisa Brooks



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