The Final Days of Edgar Allan Poe: Nevermore in Baltimore

by David F. Gaylin

Occurring in a time of primitive medicine and inconsistent record-keeping, Poe’s death has become one of the enduring mysteries of American literature. David F. Gaylin’s book marks the first attempt to offer a comprehensive and balanced study of this historical event. After chronicling the circumstances that may have contributed to the poet’s death, the book examines key details about the story. It traces Poe’s movements and personal encounters before also exploring how Poe was handled and treated by others who attempted to come to his aid. Proceeding with the liveliness of a detective story, the discussion sheds new light on these events, and it offers new information about the burial of Poe’s body and the subsequent relocations of his tomb. With the addition of supplementary reference materials including a register of formally proposed causes of death, a timeline of relevant events, and a map of Poe’s final movements in Baltimore, this book is an essential resource for both scholars and general readers seeking answers to the mystery of Poe’s death.

328 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2024

Reviews

[Levi Lionel Leland]

While this is an expensive book, the serious Poe scholar will want it for their library. By my estimation, this is the definitive book on Edgar Allan Poe's final days and death. Gaylin does an incredible job at compiling all that we know and don't know (and everything in between) about Poe's mysterious death.

[April]

Very detailed research into those last days of Poe leading up to his being taken to the Baltimore and Marine Hospital. AND every theory (so far ) on his death is listed at the end. PLUS a run down of every one in his life! David Gaylin has done an incredible job. A must for Poe fans!

[Daniel DiFranco]

This is the most insanely well-researched/cross-referenced work on Poe I have read. Gaylin knows his Poe and has gone to incredible lengths to present only the facts and is very clear when events are unsubstantiated or otherwise. You won't find any silver bullets here. What we know, and what Gaylin proves, is that we know nothing for certain when it comes to Poe's final days beyond the obvious: he was in Baltimore and he died. What you will find here is a very good and brief biography before Gaylin chases down and wrings the facts out of every event/detail/theory surrounding Poe's final days.

The price tag is insane. I'm assuming this is meant to be of the class of texbooks that students are forced to buy—but put your pennies aside OR ask your local library to carry it or get it through an interlibrary loan system (I'm in Philadelphia and borrowed a copy from Orlando. Neat.)—this book is that good for you Poeheads out there.