I have a paper to write on Poe's Poetry, but all my info needs to be cited from books. Does anyone out there know of any good books that have criticism for Poe in with the poetry? It would be much appreciated! Thanx!

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2001

Answers

You might start with articles and bibliographies from www.eapoe.org. Oddly I have had difficulty in finding works concentrating on this major pillar of Poe's opus. usually it all the stories, though they are often written poetically and can sometimes be seen in a different light once put toghether with the poems(some poems even contained in the stories to highlight major themes and emotions). Fortunately people are beginning to get beyond The Raven to other great poems like the first "To Helen" "The Bells" etc. Poe's own discourse on the Raven is a bit disheartening since he always tries to do it tongue in cheek in what I think is a self-defensive manner for one trying to forestall harsh criticism(such as he dished out to many others). The Philosophy of Composition and the Longfellow Wars for example. A much deeper passion is usually explored in his major works that usually possess a storylike framework or tableau of their own.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001

Why dont you go to a library and open a book yourself. There is a special section called "Reference" that contains numerous volumes of literary criticisms. This may be difficult for you, as it requires a substantial amount of work on your part. Don't know if you can handle it.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2003

I am having trouble finding anything on "The Purloined Letters" and "The Bells" . In reference to the last comment, my class is online and that's where my professor wants my references from. I am 29 and very well know how to use the library.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2003

Why in the world would anyone insist on "online" references when by far most of the best criticism is only available in print? That seems an unfortunate limitation.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2003