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IN THE SHADOW OF EDGAR ALLAN POE
A fictional, graphical portrayal of the life of Edgar Allan Poe, recounting his personal life and career, and the demons that tormented him.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
4 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Jonathon Scott Fuqua
16 books12 followersJonathon Scott Fuqua has written the highly praised and Alex Award-winning novel, The Reappearance of Sam Webber, as well as the critically acclaimed and recently published book, Gone and Back Again.
He is also the author of three much lauded, award-winning young adult novels: King of the Pygmies, DARBY, and The Willoughby Spit Wonder.
For teenagers and adults, he penned a groundbreaking graphic novel, In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe. All of his published books are available nationally and internationally.
Most recently, Fuqua published his children's book, Calvert The Raven in the Battle of Baltimore. The first installment in his Flying Through History Series, the book commemorates the Battle of Baltimore in the war of 1812, which led to the retreat of the British Armada and inspired the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Fuqua has received two Maryland State Arts Council Awards for fiction writing, and is the writer-in-residence at the Carver Center for the Arts. Both his writings and paintings have appeared in newspapers, magazines, books, on book covers, posters, limited edition prints, postcards, and stationery. A teacher of fiction writing, literature, and art, he lives in Baltimore with his wife and daughter.
He is also the author of three much lauded, award-winning young adult novels: King of the Pygmies, DARBY, and The Willoughby Spit Wonder.
For teenagers and adults, he penned a groundbreaking graphic novel, In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe. All of his published books are available nationally and internationally.
Most recently, Fuqua published his children's book, Calvert The Raven in the Battle of Baltimore. The first installment in his Flying Through History Series, the book commemorates the Battle of Baltimore in the war of 1812, which led to the retreat of the British Armada and inspired the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Fuqua has received two Maryland State Arts Council Awards for fiction writing, and is the writer-in-residence at the Carver Center for the Arts. Both his writings and paintings have appeared in newspapers, magazines, books, on book covers, posters, limited edition prints, postcards, and stationery. A teacher of fiction writing, literature, and art, he lives in Baltimore with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 20, 2021
Κχιουτ "φωτορομαντζο".
April 4, 2016
Poe: he's so goth he's dead.
September 19, 2022
From the start, I should confess to the urgency with which I write, for I am, about to die, this I predict. Accordingly, the following is a confessional. In short, despite what I have done and the things that I have associated with, I seek salvation from an evil that found sustenance in my soul.
This is something a little different. Rather than one of my usual graphic novel adaptations, this is more akin to Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in that the story revolves around a secret diary which has only just come to light.
The concept is simple. What if Edgar Allan Poe had done a deal with agents of Hell in order to gain the ability to write the stories which he became famous for? Tying into key moments from Poe's life we see him tormented by the demons whilst struggling to write.
The style is somewhat unusual, using photography rather than your typical comic/graphic novel art. It gave a haunting quality to the book. However, I was left a little disappointed by it all and feel it could have been something more. 3 stars.
This is something a little different. Rather than one of my usual graphic novel adaptations, this is more akin to Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in that the story revolves around a secret diary which has only just come to light.
The concept is simple. What if Edgar Allan Poe had done a deal with agents of Hell in order to gain the ability to write the stories which he became famous for? Tying into key moments from Poe's life we see him tormented by the demons whilst struggling to write.
The style is somewhat unusual, using photography rather than your typical comic/graphic novel art. It gave a haunting quality to the book. However, I was left a little disappointed by it all and feel it could have been something more. 3 stars.
February 2, 2021
I love the aesthetic feel of this book; I think the art is just fantastic. And I love the premise too--the idea that Poe was pursued by actual demons who tortured him in exchange for his artistic genius? I'm there. The emphasis on the more controversial, and, frankly, unknowable aspects of his life? Not so much. While the authorial intent seemed to be to make them tragic, they mostly just seemed salacious, even prurient. I could probably have gone along with a hint about what might have happened between Poe and his aunt, and the bearing of that relationship on that of Poe and his wife, but to make it the singular focus of Poe's battle with his demons seems not only contrived, but stretching for the sake of sensationalism. Having said that, however, the premise is a strong one, interesting, and it really is a dark and lovely book. Just keep in mind that if you liked Poe as a person going in (I didn't, though I love his work), you probably won't coming out.
June 22, 2019
An interesting, if creepy and disturbing, look at Poe's life. Told as a diary written by Poe in his last days, it chronicles his life, loves, and madness. The story is framed as a man, himself troubled, reading the diary . . . and finding a kinship and understanding with Poe. The book uses mostly photographs to show Poe's story, rather than drawings. All in all, an interesting read for fans of the famed author.
January 17, 2024
A unique take on the life and downfall of Edgar Allan Poe. Visually, this was very captivating. Story-wise, this focuses of the shadier parts of Poe's life and his demons, both real and imagined. As a Baltimore native I felt compelled to read this but I can't say that I'd strongly recommend it to others.
July 20, 2018
Spoiler: I love how he made a pact with a legion of demons to get inspiration for his work. And the author must have done his homework on the Life of Poe. Hey, for all I know, it could be based on a true story.
October 28, 2017
Spooky stories written long ago.
August 11, 2018
The story is focused heavily on his romance of his aunt and niece. I found the overarching story and premise interesting, but the actual story lacking.
November 7, 2022
What the hell?! Having an affair with his aunt and marrying his 15-YEAR-OLD cousin? What did he take besides alcohol? L
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2016
As a Poe fan, yes, I did think it fell too readily into assuming the mishmash of rumors and allegations about Poe's life that we know to be somewhat exaggerated. As someone looking for unique, escapist entertainment, this more than delivered- the art is photographic but well done in creating a sense of dark atmosphere about Poe being legitimately possessed and haunted by demons in a Faustian tale. A dark, tragic, and haunting tale that may not be for historians or Poe purists, but for escapist entertainment, there is far worse Poe themed options - and this is unique enough to at least warrant a review by most Poe enthusiasts.
July 1, 2012
Eh, this book was ok. It is a period book, taking place in the late 1800s in bot Baltimore and Paris. I liked reading of the customs of the time and what was expected of men and women of that period. However, it was kinda draggy at points and I couldn't really wait to get through the final few chapters. I did enjoy the little twist that it had (and it was little, I thought it would be more). Overall, skip this one.
December 16, 2015
I'm not a graphic novel reader, but In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe caught my eye, both for the subject matter and the visuals. The "graphic" part is intriguing, photographic art with "actors". The premise, that a long-lost diary belonging to Edgar Allan Poe has been discovered, isn't all that far-fetched. A first-hand account of Poe's descent into madness - or is it madness? I'm still finding the graphic novel format distracting. I have a few others on deck.
May 16, 2009
Yong adult novel about a teen who is experiencing breaks with reality (schizophrenia) and doesn't realize what is happening. When he figures it out, he has to decide whether to go the route of psychiatry and medication or learn how to ignore the voices of people talking to him who aren't really. I didn't think it particularly well written. Easy enough to read in one sitting.
March 29, 2008
thought the artwork was more impressive than the story/writing.
August 14, 2009
interesting concept
September 29, 2009
Interesting style. Disturbing, though. Couldn't actually get through it.
October 26, 2009
I'm picky about graphic novels. This one is a quick read with a good visual style. A bit out there in terms of theories of the end of Poe's life, but nice work overall. Recommended for Poe fans.
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September 11, 2011Perfect Halloween read. Creepy and Awesome!!!
May 13, 2012
I enjoyed this upon yet another rereading, though I still chuckle at the Dr. Martens in the one image.
August 15, 2012
Amazing art and very surreal. For those of you who admire Poe, you will be intrigued by this strange and erotic story.
October 1, 2013
Very morbid as was Poe. Have to be a Poe fan to enjoy this book blend of reality and fiction. Great gaphics.
January 16, 2016
I loved the medium this was told in, but didn't love the story itself. The topic was good and interesting, but just needed... more.
June 21, 2010
gambarnya surealis... *kayak yg ngerti aja* Raven-nya keren...
June 1, 2017
great idea and gorgeous art wasted in a horrible story
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews