Is there a document that Poe wrote that is being looked for that would qualify as Poe's coveted letter to posterity? In a recent AP article the writer rejected the notion that the newly decoded texts were not the coveted letter to posterity. What is the coveted letter to posterity? And is it really coveted int he sence that it is known to exist?

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

Answers

Sean,

Actually Sean, I do believe the "letter" does exist but not necessarily in the form of a letter. I have been a fan and enthusiast of Edgar Poe and his works for over 40 years now and with the exception of the two encrypted texts so recently resolved, I have never heard of a "coveted letter to posterity." Perhaps these references to this letter to posterity target his epic work "Eureka - A Prose Poem". It is available on-line, I believe, though I cannot recall exactly where at the moment. You might want to try the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore site at http://www.eapoe.org

The essay is a compilation of Poe's thoughts, beliefs and theories on the spiritual and material universe, it's beginnings, expansion and ultimate conclusion. There are many that feel this essay gives significant insight into the mind of Poe and provides answers to many of the questions his stories and poems provoke.

Regards,

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000