The Works of the late Edgar Allan Poe: With Memoir by Rufus Wilmot Griswold

A GENUINE DATE-STAMPED 1857 EDITION THAT IS NOW 167 YEARS OLD AND IN THE BEST CONDITION I HAVE EVER SEEN
JUST FOR AN AGE REFERENCE, THIS BOOK WAS PRINTED AND BOUND BEFORE THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR OF 1861
THIS EDITION WAS RELEASED AFTER THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF POE
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A COLLECTION OF POE'S POEMS AND TALES; IT IS A COMPILATION OF HIS LITERARY CRITICISM, AS POE WAS A WELL-KNOWN LITERARY CRITIC DURING THE 19TH CENTURY. IT CONTAINS A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION OF POETRY BY MANY WELL-KNOWN POETS AND WRITERS OF THE TIME. IT HAS SECTIONS ON CHARLES DICKENS, LONGFELLOW, NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE, AND MANY MORE
A VERY LARGE COMPENDIUM THAT IS COMPRISED OF OVER 600 PAGES IN ALL

"Edited by Rufus Wilmot Griswold (1815-1857), "Poe's Literary Rival, whom he worked with, is an important crossroads in the publication of Poe's writings. It was the first attempt at collecting poetry and prose and the first collection of Poe's critical, editorial, and miscellaneous writings. Relying on a wealth of manuscript notes and corrections, it is also the last collection to be at least partially authorized by Poe. It became the standard edition of Poe's works for 25 years and was the model for nearly another quarter of a century. It is also the edition upon which Charles Baudelaire based his famous translations of Poe's works into French in Histoires Extraordinaires (1856), Nouvelles Histoires Extraordinaires (1857), and Histoires Grotesques Et Sérieuses (1865)."

Maria Clemm was Edgar Allan Poe's aunt and mother-in-law with whom Poe lived. After Poe's death, she gave all of his manuscripts to Mr. Griswold, "Poe's mortal enemy," and she asked him to compile his writings into a book, which Mr. Griswold did; the book offered here is from one of those books that ended up turning into a four-volume set. The complete set of these books is rarely seen, with only a couple listed for sale on the web, with one set priced in the thousands. These are beautiful and historically significant books, especially considering that most have turned to dust after 165 years. This particular edition is the finest I have ever owned or seen offered.

Within the pages of this ancient literary tome, you will find Poe's literary criticism and a vast collection of Poems from some of the greatest writers in history, with far too many to list.

"As literary executor, Griswold published three volumes of Poe's works and a biography entitled Memoir of the Author." (Actually, this ended up being four after some time had passed)

THERE IS AN ENORMOUS COLLECTION OF POEMS IN THIS BOOK; HERE ARE A "FEW" OF MY FAVORITES

"Forever vanished from thy cheek
Is life's unfolding rose—
Forever quenched the flashing smile
That conscious beauty knows!
Thine or bs are lustrous with a light Which ne'er illumes the eye
Till heaven is bursting on the sight And earth is fleeting by."

"And each unto the other was a dream;
And so they gazed without a stir or breath,
Until her head into the golden stream
Of her wide tresses, loosened from their wreath, Sank back,
as she did yield again to death."

"O'er all the silent sky
A dark and scowling frown—
But darker scowled each eye
When all resolved to die—
When (night of dread renown !)
A thousand stars went down."

"Such graves as his are pilgrim shrines—
Shrines to no code or creed confined—
The Delphian vales, the Palestines.
The Meccas of the mind."

"The world is growing older And wiser day by day;
Everybody knows beforehand
What you're going to say.
We used to laugh, and frolic-Now we must behave:
Poor old Fun is dead and buried—
Pride dug his grave."

"Yes! Pangs have cut my soul with grief So keen that gashes were relief,
And racks have rung my spirit frame To which the strain of joints were tame
And battle strife itself was nought
Beside the inner fight I've fought."

Edgar Allan Poe had a complex relationship with the literati, which refers to the literary elite or intellectual circles of his time. While he was widely recognized as a talented writer, his works did not always receive the critical acclaim and financial success he desired.

"In 1846, Mr. Poe published in The Lady's Book a series of six articles entitled "The Literati of New York City," in which he professed to give
" some honest opinions at random respecting their autorial merits, with occasional words of personality." The series was introduced by the fol. lowing paragraphs and the personal sketches were given in the order in which they are here reprinted, from " George Bush" to " Richard Adams Locke." Mr. Poe contributed the other notices of American and foreign writers to various journals, chiefly in the last four or five years of his life."

Poe had a reputation for being a sharp literary critic. He often expressed his opinions and engaged in public feuds with other writers and poets. During his career, he was associated with several literary circles and journals, including the Southern Literary Messenger and Graham's Magazine, where he worked as an editor and contributed his own writings.

Poe's connections with the literati were both fruitful and contentious. On one hand, he formed friendships and received support from notable figures such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Thomas Holley Chivers. He also had a professional relationship with editors and publishers who recognized his talent and published his works.

On the other hand, Poe faced criticism and ridicule from some members of the literati. His unorthodox writing style, macabre themes, and personal struggles often made him a target of mockery and dismissal. He engaged in public disputes with prominent writers like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Rufus Griswold, who later became his literary executor but also published a scathing obituary that tarnished Poe's reputation.

Despite the mixed reception from the literati during his lifetime, Edgar Allan Poe's works gained significant recognition and influence after his death. His stories and poems inspired generations of writers, and he is now regarded as a central figure in American literature.

In the 19th century, the term "literati" referred to the educated and intellectual elite who were prominent figures in their time's literary and cultural spheres. The literati were highly knowledgeable about literature, philosophy, arts, and other academic pursuits.

The literati were often writers, poets, critics, scholars, and artists who engaged in literary and intellectual discussions, debates, and collaborations. They formed literary circles, salons, and societies where they would gather to exchange ideas, share their creative works, and discuss literature and other cultural topics.

The literati of the 19th century were influential in shaping literary trends, promoting certain literary movements, and establishing literary standards. They played a significant role in the development of literature and culture during that period.

The literati had various names in different countries and regions. For example, in France, they were known as "les gens de lettres," in England, they were referred to as the "literary circles," and in China, the term "wenren" was used to describe the educated class of scholars and artists.

The literati of the 19th century often had a profound impact on society, as their ideas and works were widely read and discussed. They influenced public opinion, challenged societal norms, and contributed to their time's intellectual and artistic movements.

Edgar Allan Poe and Rufus Griswold had a complicated relationship that can be attributed to several factors. Here are a few reasons why Poe did not like Griswold:

1. Literary Rivalry: Poe and Griswold were both prominent writers and critics of their time. They often competed for recognition and influence within the literary community. Poe considered himself a superior writer and critic and was critical of Griswold's work.

2. Professional Conflict: Griswold played a significant role in shaping Poe's posthumous reputation. After Poe died in 1849, Griswold became his literary executor and editor. However, Griswold's portrayal of Poe in his obituary and subsequent writings was highly critical and filled with personal attacks. Griswold depicted Poe as a mad and immoral figure, tarnishing his reputation for many years.

3. Personal Animosity: There were personal tensions between Poe and Griswold. Poe had previously accused Griswold of plagiarism, which further strained their relationship. Griswold, in turn, resented Poe for his talent and popularity, and some believe that a personal vendetta drove Griswold's negative portrayal of Poe.

TO MAMMA.
"Farewell, dear mother, for a while, I must resign thy plaintive smile;
May angels watch thy couch of wo, And joys unceasing round thee flow."

"We watched her breathing through the night,
Her breathing soft and low,
As in her breast, the wave of life Kept heaving to and fro."

"Yes, the Tear is growing old, And his eye is pale and bleared; death, with frosty hand and cold,
Plucks the old man by the beard,
Sorely,— sorely!
And the hooded clouds, like friars, Tell their beads in drops of rain, And patter their doleful prayers;
But their prayers are all in vain,
All in vain!
The leaves are falling, falling,
Solemnly and slow;
Caw, caw, the rooks are calling;
It is a sound of wo,
A sound of wo!
There he stands in the foul weather, The foolish, fond Old Year,
Crowned with wildflowers and with Like weak, despised Lear, Heather,
A king—a king!
Through woods and mountain passes
The winds, like anthems, roll ;
They are chanting solemn masses, Singing, Pray for this poor soul,
Pray.-pray!
Then comes the summer-like day,
Bids the old man rejoice!
His joy! his last! O, the old man Loveth her ever soft voice gray.
Gentle and low."

CONTENTS OF VOL. III.

PAGE
PREFACE TO THE MEMOIR [[by R. W. Griswold]] v
MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR [[by R. W. Griswold]] vii
THE POETIC PRINCIPLE 1
[[The Literati of New York City]]
OF CRITICISM — PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 21
GEORGE BUSH 24
GEORGE H. COLTON 26
N. P. WILLIS 27
WILLIAM M. GILLESPIE 34
CHARLES F. BRIGGS 35
WILLIAM KIRKLAND 37
JOHN W. FRANCIS 38
ANNA CORA MOWATT 40
GEORGE B. CHEEVER 44
CHARLES ANTHON 45
RALPH HOYT 47
GULIAN G. VERPLANCK 49
FREEMAN HUNT 50
PIERO MARONCELLI 52
LAUGHTON OSBORN 53
FITZ -GREENE HALLECK 56
ANN S. STEPHENS 62
EVERT A. DUYCKINCK 63
MARY GOVE (NICHOLS) 65
JAMES ALDRICH 66
HENRY CAREY [[Cary]] 68
CHRISTOPHER PEASE CRANCH 69
SARAH MARGARET FULLER (D'OSSOLI) 72
JAMES LAWSON 79
CAROLINE M. KIRKLAND 80
PROSPER M. WETMORE 83
EMMA C. EMBURY 84
EPES SARGENT 85
FRANCES SARGENT OSGOOD 87
LYDIA M. CHILD 99
THOMAS DUNN BROWN [[English]] 101
ELIZABETH BOGART 104
CATHERINE M. SEDGWICK 105
LEWIS GAYLORD CLARK 107
ANNE C. LYNCH 111
CHARLES FENNO HOFFMAN 112
MARY E. HEWITT 116
RICHARD ADAMS LOCKE 120
[[Miscellaneous Reviews]]
ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH, [[review of The Poetical Writings]] 128
J. G. C. BRAINARD, [["A Few Words About Brainard"]] 138
RUFUS DAWES 145
THOMAS WARD — "FLACCUS " 157
WILLIAM W. LORD 167
WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT 178
NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE 188
ELIZABETH FRIEZE ELLETT 202
AMELIA B. WELBY 203
BAYARD TAYLOR 207
HENRY B. HIRST 209
ROBERT WALSH, [[review of Didactics]] 212
SEBA SMITH, [[review of Powhatan]] 215
MARGARET MILLER AND LUCRETIA MARIA DAVIDSON 219
WILLIAM ELLERY CHANNING 229
WILLIAM ROSS WALLACE 240
ESTELLE ANNA LEWIS 242
JOEL T. HEADLEY, [[review of The Sacred Mountains]] 249
GEORGE P. MORRIS 253
ROBERT M. BIRD, [[review of The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow and Sheppard Lee]] 257
CORNELIUS MATHEWS, [[review of Wakondah, or the Master of Life]] 262
WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMS, [[review of The Wigwam and the Cabin]] 272
JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, [[review of A Fable for Critics ]] 275
RUFUS W. GRISWOLD AND THE POETS 283
MR. LONGFELLOW AND OTHER PLAGIARISTS 292
MR. LONGFELLOW , MR. WILLIS, AND THE AMERICAN DRAMA 334
LONGFELLOW's BALLADS 363
J. RODMAN DRAKE AND THOMAS MOORE — FANCY AND IMAGINATION 374
E. P. WHIPPLE AND OTHER CRITICS 382
J. FENIMORE COOPER, [[review of Wyandotte, or the Hutted Knoll]] 389
ELIZABETH BARRETT BARRETT, [[review of The Drama of Exile and Other Poems]] 401
R. H. HORNE, [[review of Orion: An Epic Poem]] 425
THOMAS BABINGTON MACAULAY, [[review of Critical and Miscellaneous Essays]] 444
CHARLES LEVER, [[review of Charles O'Malley, the Irish Dragoon]] 447
FRANCIS MARYATT [[ MARRYATT]], [[review of Joseph Rushbrook, or the Poacher]] 456
HENRY COCKTON, [[review of Stanley Thorn]] 460
CHARLES DICKENS, [[review of Barnaby Rudge]] 464
[["Marginalia" and "Fifty Suggestions":]]
MARGINALIA 483
[MARGINALIA, items 1-50 483]
[MARGINALIA, items 51-100 511]
[MARGINALIA, items 101-150 529]
[MARGINALIA, items 151-200 549]
[MARGINALIA, items 201-226 578]
FIFTY SUGGESTIONS 597