How did Edgar Allan Poe die? What were the circumstances that surrounded his death? These and many other questions have been haunting literary researchers for decades. It appeared that we might never get an answer until John Evangelist Walsh started investigating the case.
There's been no shortage of fantastic ideas about the possible cause of Poe's death and the reason he was found in an apparent state of extreme intoxication at a tavern. His clothing was in disarray, which was unlike him. And some of the causes for his eventual demise four days later include: a fatal heart condition, epilepsy, diabetic coma, cerebral meningitis, delirium tremens (not caused by alcohol, but by some other severe toxic disorder), hypoglycemia, a brain hemorrhage (possibly from a blow to the head), and rabies.
Of course, as Walsh explains, none of these ideas have taken "permanent hold." Today, most scholars believe the report that was first made at the time of his death. Most hold, "He'd simply indulged himself one time too many."
Walsh doesn't let the record stand. In this book, he picks up the pieces of the puzzle that surround Poe's death and attempts to fit all of them back together. Was his death the result of some "woman trouble," or revenge? Walsh cites the evidence, which he has gathered from newspaper articles, letters, speeches, and gossip, to create a credible account of what may have occurred in the days preceding Poe's death.
Of course, as Walsh explains, none of these ideas have taken "permanent hold." Today, most scholars believe the report that was first made at the time of his death. Most hold, "He'd simply indulged himself one time too many."
Walsh doesn't let the record stand. In this book, he picks up the pieces of the puzzle that surround Poe's death and attempts to fit all of them back together. Was his death the result of some "woman trouble," or revenge? Walsh cites the evidence, which he has gathered from newspaper articles, letters, speeches, and gossip, to create a credible account of what may have occurred in the days preceding Poe's death.
Even if you don't enjoy the works of Poe, you'll be intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the last days of Edgar Allan Poe.
