Poe-Pourri: Raven Read-Out #1

Since its publication in 1845, Poe's "The Raven" has become a cultural icon. But not everyone thinks it's that great. Fifty years ago, the poet-critic Louis Untermeyer wrote that "The Raven" contained "vulgar rhythms and an incongruous light-verse structure." He saw the poem as ostentatious - what we moderns might call "over the top."

Today, "The Raven" continues to be one of the most popular read-aloud poems. Everyone has their own version from celebrities like Vincent Price, Christopher Walken, James Earl Jones and Homer Simpson to rappers and hundreds of students who chose it as "their project." It's even been done in Yiddish and Latin.

On October 8 at 7pm, local dramatist Kathy Morris will perform her own rendition of the "The Raven" in a Big Read "Raven Read-Out" at All Things Art, 65 South Main Street, Canandaigua. Pick up a free copy of "The Raven" at Wood Library or All Things Art.

Until then, Poe-Pourri will be posting different Raven renditions each day. We start with Mr. Poe, himself, leading the way. What do you think? Good poetry or bad poetry?

Edgar Allan Poe Reading "The Raven"

This version was created by Jim Clark of PoetryAnimation. The audio recording comes from a rare 16RPM record made in the 1950's by the late Amercan actor and broadcaster Nelson Olmsted.