( 4 reviews )
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Posted: Dec 24 2008
This book sounded so intriguing when I read the summary. I appreciate the research done on Poe's life, but I feel more research could have been done on the customs and practices of the specific time period. There a quite a few historical inaccuracies sprinkled throughout the book. They are minor for the most part and not pivotal to the "plot", but they still bothered me. A few other minor details rankled me a bit. The author, in Poe's voice, refers to Virginia's metronome as a "piano timer." I hardly think Poe would not have known the proper name for the device. I am still working my way through the book. I have, for the most part, skipped over the included letters to and from Poe. I'm not sure why most of them were included since the author summarizes them before incorporating them completely. I am going to try to finish the book, making sure to break at regular intervals to minimize the hair-pulling. If you just want to read about Poe in his own voice, have at this one. However, if you're looking for historical fiction, skip it and read Schecter.
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Posted: Jul 24 2007
Certainly not a new concept of combining fact and fiction, this really is an enjoyable, quick read on Edgar Allan Poe. Barger has some interesting theories on Poe's mysterious life and writes in a very engaging style that keeps you reading. I admire how clear the author is in showing what text comes from Poe's actual letters and where he has filled in the gaps with fiction. Recommended!
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( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 8 2004
Coffee with Poe combines actual Poe letters to weave the tale of his life. The gothic writter was as much a master of letters as he was poetry or short stories. Who knew he loved so many women or that he married his 13 year-old first cousin? Poe's interaction with other literary figures of the day such as Dickens and Hawthorne is also interesting. From cradle to grave this is the tragic account of 'America's first poet' and it should not be missed.
