Poe-Land: The Hallowed Haunts of Edgar Allan Poe

Opposite the title page of J. W. Ocker’s Poe-Land: The Hallowed Haunts Edgar Allan Poe, readers will find a photograph snowman made up like harbinger what is to follow in this modern-day travel book that entertainingly describes places associated with life and works Poe. It by fan Poe for fans written decidedly engaging style. “I Poe,” says Ocker his introduction. “So there’ll be lot hagi ography” (15). In other words, as much does recount travels from place place, Poe-Land not simply litany locales. Rather, author intersperses adventures artifactual anecdotes interviews, well some Poeish hagiography. witty but never overbearing, thoughtful wistful he takes reader on journey down East Coast United States, even across Atlantic Ocean, search Poe’s literary personal legacy, all precursor tackling book’s final most telling question, “Why so cool?” (357).Ocker has organized geographically rather than chronologically, point reinforces laconically amusingly when, late volume, says, “Poe’s Wife, Virginia, died few chapters ago, now it’s time marry her” (296). Each chapter covers particular region: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Great Britain, South Carolina. “Massachusetts” begins text focus fraught relationship city Boston: don’t think ever forgave Boston its singular crime against him … being birth” (18; ellipsis original). “South Carolina” ends proper visit Tavern Sullivan’s Island. between, there are visits historic sites out-of-the-way places, descriptions artifacts transcribed conversations scholars, actors, figures. Many latter undoubtedly well-known enthusiasts, including Norman George, Paul Lewis, Jeffrey Combs, Jeff Jerome, David Keltz, Chris Semtner Scott Peeples. (Keltz, whom meeting “Maryland,” reappears briefly “Great Britain” subject story involving harrowing “pendulum” incident!)Still, only delves into stories figures who have found their lives intersecting legacy also historical whose actually crossed or work builds Poe’s. “Pennsylvania”—or, more specifically, Philadelphia—Ocker recounts Free Library Philadelphia sojourn Rare Book Department, which included an encounter certain Dickensian raven, part dubs “Poe-Dickens-Philadelphia connection” (158). “Rhode Island” opens side-by-side photographs two tattoos, one H. P. Lovecraft. Under subheading “Brothers Horror,” extended discussion horror icons influence former latter: “In three Lovecraft dug Poe” (59). Lovecraft, notes, followed trail Providence took own wide-ranging tour “Poe-Land”! Worry not, though. While Island,” although focuses Lovecraft’s history, neglect Sarah Helen Whitman sites. After all, points out, pivotal presence Island.To sure, each region highlights. “New York” momentous because “The Raven” cottage at Fordham, apropos iconic mustache: image we burned our collective consciousness York (98). Westminster Hall catacombs receive Amontillado-like treatment—and grave, course. On graves, “Virginia” features abundance them, those Elizabeth Arnold John Allan, Frances Jane Stanard. Here, too, dorm room University Virginia Museum.Interestingly, highlights where, under Man Who Collected tells British collector Peter Fawn. Just curious Fawn shares prosthetic Mr. Hyde arm 2003 film League Extraordinary Gentlemen. Its connection bit tenuous, best leave no stone unturned. (In “Epilogue,” complements Susan Jaffe Tane, “the preeminent planet” [346]. Among things, seeing Tane’s original copy Tamerlane Other Poems.)In trekked far wide quest experience people, paraphernalia. sheer number visited, various sundry too many short review do them justice.However, real appeal lies neither visited nor describes—and entertaining way narrates adventures. Practically speaking, enthusiasts literally able undertake relates, they can take vicariously through Poe-Land. What more, aforementioned, When Butler Columbia instance, mantel before wrote Raven,” appreciation artifact represents readily apparent, though couched wit. Having related anecdote about supposedly scratching name top mantel, having noted cursory unsuccessful attempt defacement, admits, was overwhelmed idea sitting front piece wood, chewing end quill, trying figure out how make ‘laden’ ‘Eden’ rhyme” (114). Something similarly meaningful happens when Ocker, while Philadelphia, holding known complete hand.Some may Columbia’s Philadelphia. National Historic Site Some patronize Island Annabel Lee Baltimore. Few, however, recreate toto. short, abundant experiences traveling fro landscape, genuine enthusiasm muses question wonders if help answer it. read Poe-Land, perhaps. book, includes “Selected Bibliography” “Abridged Version”—an actual place-by-place list addresses—is worth anyone fancies Poe-themed escapism.