Edgar Allen Poe: A Journey in Verse

Of all the great American poets, I can think of no other in which "mood" would matter more in recitation than in the work of the melancholy Edgar Allen Poe. Writing about death, decay, and despair (amongst his more popular "d" subjects), Poe's voice (at least in my inner ear) embodies somber resignation with--at best--the very occasional hint of horrific bemusement (or just plain horror). In Edgar Allen Poe: A Journey in Verse, the latest edition in the Master Poets Collection (which features such fine entries as The World of Emily Dickinson [VL-3/98]), a quartet of bright, sometimes even giggling, thespians recite 10 of Poe's better-known poems, including "The Conqueror Worm," "Annabel Lee," "The Haunted Palace" and "The Raven." Although the initially bubbly approach is rather off-putting, the actors (two men, two women) settle down relatively quickly, and the powerful sweep of Poe's lyric narrative voice comes to the fore, holding viewers spellbound, particularly in "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven." Given the general dearth of quality materials on classic poets, this flawed production should nevertheless be considered a strong optional purchase. [Note: An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe, a DVD including The Tell-Tale Heart, A Journey in Verse, and the AudioTheatre production of Stories & Tales, Vol. 1, as well as various extras, is also available for $39.95.] Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)