Edgar Allan Poe's Petersburg:: The Untold Story of the Raven in the Cockade City

by Jeffrey Abugel

Antebellum Petersburg was a melting pot of French, Haitian, Scotch-Irish and free black populations. It was in this eclectic city that the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, chose to take his new wife, thirteen-year-old first cousin Virginia Clemm, on their honeymoon in 1836. Join author Jeffrey Abugel as he traces the steps of the controversial couple through imaginative scenes of historic Petersburg. From Poe's own mother performing in the local venues to the poet's lasting friendship with Petersburg native and publisher Hiram Haines, Abugel reveals an overlooked place in Poe's fascinating life. Walk along the cobblestones of history to discover a forgotten past of a literary giant.

Genres: History

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Cathyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts off well but then gets a little bagged down with seemingly unimportant material. However, the book does redeem itself. Once past this short bog of details seeming to go nowhere the book picks up again, from there to the end, with the main topic at hand.

The author provides much information not before revealed or explained. It is definitely worth the time and effort to read it.

[Myra Flowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book about Petersburg VA, a very interesting place. Mr Abugal owns the building where Edgar Allen Poe spent his honeymoon. the author runs a cafe there, serving great food and wonderful information. Poe had an eventful life while becoming a major American people and living at times in Petersburg and some of his story is told by Mr. Abugal. it's a book worth reading by someone who knows and loves Petersburg.

[K. Counihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of Petersburg, Va.

This is more of a well researched history of Petersburg, Virginia, focusing on the area Poe and his family grew up, people, places, things of that moment in time.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a bit of info about Poe, but this is clearly more about Hiram Haines and Petersburg, Virginia. It was still an OK read, but if you're looking for Edgar Allan Poe info you'd be better off looking elsewhere.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

For another insight into Poe's life, it is worth reading. You will learn more about his mother, Eliza Arnold Poe, his wife/cousin, Virginia Clemm Poe and some of his contemporaries.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good addition to the Poe shelf. Never thought to look for Poe in Petersburg. A nice glimpse into his marriage to Sissy. Mostly theories but well presented.

[Eric David Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a history of Petersburg than of Poe, commendable for the author's effort to dispel misconceptions about Poe.