Alright, buckle up, literary adventurers, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, caffeine-fueled, and slightly spooky world of Edgar Allan Poe's New York City stint. Imagine, if you will, the man who practically invented the modern detective story, wandering the bustling, grimy streets of 1830s and 40s New York. It's like a gothic rom-com, but with more ravens and less rom.
Poe's Big Apple Adventure: A Literary Soap Opera
So, Poe hits New York. Not for the bagels, mind you, but for literary glory. He's got a quill, a burning desire to write, and probably a serious case of writer's block fueled by... well, let's just say "inspiration."
The Grub Street Hustle
- The Southern Literary Messenger, Sort Of:
- He wasn't exactly chilling on Park Avenue. Poe was hustling, folks. He did contribute to the Southern Literary Messenger while in New York, even though the main office was in Richmond. This was a place where he could publish reviews, essays, and stories. Think of it as his early blogging days, but with more ink stains and fewer cat memes.
- "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket" (1838):
- Ah, yes, this wild ride of a novel. Imagine a nautical adventure that goes completely off the rails, veering into the bizarre and the downright chilling. This was a big one, published while he was knee-deep in the New York scene. It's like Poe decided to write a travel blog about the most terrifying vacation ever.
- "The Philosophy of Furniture" (1840):
- Yes, you read that right. Poe wrote about furniture. And, in true Poe fashion, he turned it into a philosophical treatise. Because why not? He was also publishing many tales in various periodicals.
- "The Fall of the House of Usher" (1839):
- This is one of Poe's most famous short stories. It was published in Burton's Gentleman's Magazine which Poe was working for at the time. This story is very well known for its gothic atmosphere. And the strange happenings within the house.
The Fordham Finale (and a Raven or Two)
Later in his life, Poe moved to Fordham, which was then a separate village outside of New York City. This is where he wrote some of his most famous works, including "The Raven" (1845), although it was published while he was living in New York. "The Raven" was a literary sensation. It was like the 19th-century equivalent of a viral TikTok, but with more melancholy and fewer dance moves.
Why Was Poe So Broke?
Because being a literary genius doesn't pay the rent, apparently. Poe struggled financially throughout his time in New York, and pretty much everywhere else. He was a master of the written word, but not so much of the financial spreadsheet.
FAQ: Poe in NYC Edition
How to find Poe's old haunts in New York City?
- Sadly, many of the buildings Poe frequented are long gone. But you can visit the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in Fordham, which is preserved as a museum.
How to read "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym" without getting seasick?
- Take Dramamine and maybe avoid reading it on a boat. Or just accept the existential dread.
How to write like Poe?
- Drink copious amounts of coffee, embrace the darkness, and maybe adopt a raven. Practice gothic writing, and use very descriptive words.
How to understand "The Philosophy of Furniture"?
- Think of it as an early design blog, but with a heavy dose of Poe's unique worldview. Read it with a sense of humor.
How to visit the location where "The Raven" was written?
- The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in Fordham, Bronx, New York City is open to the public. It is a great place to visit to see where Poe lived and worked.