Are there written critical analysis of The Cask of The Amontillado shortly after it was written? What about critical analysis of Poe's work by his peers?

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2001

Answers

'The Cask of Amontillado' was published only once in Poe's lifetime (which is unusual in the case of his earlier work), in the journal 'Godey's Lady's Book' (November 1846). As far as my sources go, I can find no commentary or reviews of it at that time.

'Godey's' was also the place where Poe was publishing his controversial 'Literati' sketches which scandalised New York literary society. Reviewing these, William Gilmore Simms, writing in the 'Southern Patriot' (July 1846) described Poe as "... undoubtedly a man of very peculiar and very considerable genius - but is irregular and exceedingly mercurial in his temperament".

Still on the subject of the 'Literati', Evert Augustus Duyckinck, writing in the 'Home Journal' (January 1847), found Poe to be one of America's best authors, quickly running through the fame Poe had found in Europe. However, since this article was almost certainly written at Poe's request, it may not be the most objective commentary possible.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2001