Edgar Allan Poe: His Life and Five of His Greatest Tales
Joseph Luzzi (PhD, Yale) is the Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature and Faculty Member in Italian Studies at Bard College, and he taught previously at the University of Pennsylvania. His work has appeared in The New York Times, TLS, The London Times, the Guardian, Chronicle of Higher Education, and on National Public Radio. Dr. Luzzi’s awards include a Yale College Teaching Prize, Dante Society of America Essay Prize, and Wallace Fellowship at Villa I Tatti, Harvard’s Center for Italian Renaissance Studies. He is the author of five books and recently created The Virtual Book Club: an international community of readers dedicated to exploring major literary works past and present.
Overview
The name Edgar Allan Poe immediately conjures thoughts of macabre tales and haunting imagery that have made him one of the most celebrated writers in American history. In this presentation, we will explore the literary qualities and narrative brilliance that enabled Poe to become one of the most adept authors of the short story genre in all of the nineteenth century. We will consider such classic works as “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” and more, as we explore Poe’s place in the literary pantheon and his relation to such contemporary luminaries as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and the other writers who helped give American literature of the time its vibrancy and enduring appeal.
Once again, Prof Lizzie has shared his deep knowledge of a literary figure with such passion and enthusiasm! Very interesting and fabulous speaker!