Text: James B. Reece, “Preface,” Poe's Poe and the New York Literati Story, dissertation, 1954 (This material is protected by copyright)

[page i:]

It has often been said — with much truth — that Poe's writings lie “Out of SPACE — out of TIME.” The work to which the cliché is least applicable, it seems to me, is the “Literati” series. These sketches, both in genesis and in effect, are intimately related to real experiences. They reflect Poe's participation in the social life of his fellow authors in New York; they reveal his prejudices, both malign and kindly, and in striking fashion show the extent to which he, at times, permitted personal feeling to overrule his critical judgment. They intensified old animosities and brought reprisals that overwhelmed him in a torrent of hostile publicity which did vital harm to his reputation as a man.

My purpose has been to relate the “Literati” sketches to the events which helped to shape them and to show the effects on his career and reputation of Poe's association with the subjects of the sketches. To this end I have attempted to fit the sketches into their social and literary background and to trace Poe's literary and personal relationships with the literati. In order to give the picture a depth it would otherwise lack, I have thought it worth while to present brief biographical accounts of the “Literati”, subjects, many of whom are mere names to the student of American literature.

I have, of course, drawn generously upon the investigations [page ii:] of others who have dealt with topics that fall within my area of interest. However, I have attempted to supplement easily accessible data by offering manuscript and periodical materials which have been overlooked or neglected. In quoting at length I have, as a rule, preferred to avoid representing the familiar. In a few instances I have been fortunate enough to find new interpretations for old facts.

To the staff of the Duke University Library I am greatly indebted, especially to Mr. Emerson Ford and to Mr. Edwin J. Hix, who obtained for me materials from other libraries. Particularly helpful have been the New York Public Library, the Pierpont Morgan Library, the Boston Public Library, the Henry E. Huntington Library, and the Alderman Library of the University of Virginia in giving me access to manuscript collections. I have used microfilm and photostatic copies of many of the items not available at the Duke Library. By conversation and correspondence Professor Thomas Ollive Mabbott has given me information which has been of great value in solving specific problems. I have also derived much benefit from the recommendations of Professor Clarence Gohdes and Professor Arlin Turner, who read the manuscript prior to its final revision. My greatest debt is to my director, Professor Jay B. Hubbell, who with patience and wisdom has counseled me in every phase of the work from its commencement. Finally, I owe much to Joy, my wife, for her encouragement and for the many hours she gave to typing and proofreading.

J. B. R.