Welcome to Litsy!

"Edgar Allan Poe's legacy continues to thrive more than one hundred seventy years since his mystery death. Poe's ubiquitous presence is evident in not only literature published today but also film, television, music, visual arts, the tourism industry, and many more fields. How does Poe command such a hold on so many imaginations? Why do so many people who work in such disparate fields feel drawn to him? Although Poe's impact transcends time and place, the book's essays feature those creators who have direct knowledge of Poe's significance for contemporary U.S. culture. They work in professions in which Poe himself had been employed (e.g., poet and short story writer) or represent fields known for engaging with Poe and his works (e.g., music and film). Too often, they are not invited to participate directly in scholarly research related to pop culture. This book foregrounds their voices, allowing them to answer specific, vital questions: When did they first learn about Poe? Who introduced them to him? What were the circumstances? Which stories, poems, or other writings by Poe resonate with them? Why do they feel a connection to him? How do they integrate Poe into their own work? Writers of poetry, detective fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and horror stories along with actors, visual artists, musicians, tour guides, teachers, and many others reflect on how Poe has influenced their careers. These testimonies will entertain readers as they discover the many reasons for The Enduring Fascination with Edgar Allan Poe"--