Edgar Allan Poe

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One of my favorite books on Poe: Edgar Allan Poe An Illustrated Companion to His Tell-Tale Stories by Harry Lee Poe

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Poe's essays are interesting reads on Poetry, Art, and the human soul reaching for the divine, especially "The Poetic Principle" and "The Philosophy of Composition". A very astute thinker. Compared to Lovecraft he was much more professional in approach, and had tremendous confidence in his own literary ability. A born genius - and alcohol did nothing to damage or lessen that gift, except that it dramatically shortened his life. I think the alcohol may even have amplified his self-confidence, as it has a tendency of artificially doing.
 
I always thought part of the difference between Poe and Lovecraft, regarding their process, was Poe had a deep, deep understanding of how HE wrote and was able to communicate that and analyze it effectively (e.g., Poetic Principle). On the other hand, Lovecraft had a deep, deep understanding of how OTHERS wrote and was able to communicate that and analyze it effectively (e.g., Supernatural Horror in Literature).
 
I think both Poe and Lovecraft had the genius of blending descriptive details, action, and deeper meaning seamlessly. Integrated, rather than separated one from the other. Ligotti is an expert at this too.
 
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