He was quite brave, bordering on reckless. He could easily have been assaulted on the street by someone offended by one of his unsparing critiques. Most edgy cyber-warriors would be less bold if face-to-face encounters were likely with someone they had called a cuck, SJW or whatever. He did make enemies - after his death Griswold for example encouraged the idea that he was a debauched alcoholic.
Possible cause of death: Rabies. As a physician I immediately thought of rabies as soon as you mentioned a strong aversion to water. It’s called hydrophobia and is one of the most blatant signs of rabies. Also, the fact that he was having severe delirium also points towards that diagnosis. But the thing that nearly confirmed my hypothesis (or at least in my opinion) was that his cat was also dead. Three very strong signs that point towards a potential diagnosis of Rabies. Not to mention, rabies has a nearly 100% mortality rate once contracted. At least that’s at the top of my differential diagnosis. Dr. Jeffrey Simons
Not to sound like I am trying to be an A**hole but you are half right about rabies having a 100% mortality rate once contracted. When contracted it has a 99.9% survivability rate with the vaccine. Once rabies is contracted it binds to the nerves and can grow along the nerve as fast as one centimeter a day with the victim showing no signs or symptoms. Growing at this rate it can take months before you show any symptoms depending on the distance from the bite or scratch to the brain. Once rabies reaches the brain that's when you start so see symptoms it is too late for the vaccine to help. In recorded history, there are only 8-10 cases of people surviving without the vaccine. There is a treatment for rabies if you start to show symptoms its called the Milwaukee protocol but it has shown varied success. I only know these things because two years ago I was bitten by a bat. Luckily when it bit me I instinctually swatted it and I broke its wings. Because of this, I was able to have a game commissioner come to collect the bat while I went to get my first round of rabies shots as a precaution. Turns out the bat indeed did have rabies and was a good thing I started the shots because I was bitten in the upper back meaning the virus didn't have far to get to my brain.
@@justinnies2446 little problem: at the historical period when Poe lived there was NO vaccine for rabies that came almost a century later. So, in 2020, rabies might be survivable ( although is virtually eradicated), but back then...nope.
I live in Baltimore and visited Edgar's grave. He is buried downtown, in a open gated cemetary, right in the midst of the city. Anyone can walk in and walk right up to his grave marker.
Aren't there two graves? The original and the one where someone left brandy and roses for years...until 2009 when it stopped? Btw, it's on my Bucket List to leave flowers at both locations and recite the first lines of Annabel Lee...
@@christineparis5607 No, whoever that was stopped years ago. Their has been mimics over the years but nobody has been doing it consistently since the "Poe Toaster" has disappeared.
@@bookswithbenjamin8902 What, or who, do people who live there think it was? Is there a person who lived there that people thought was them? If it's a secret, that's ok, I'm just wondering.
@@christineparis5607 Nobody has ever found out who it was. It started in the 1930s up until like 2010. People think that the original toaster passed the tradition on to his son who did it until his death as well. Definitely apart of local legend and lore.
So funny, we originally had targeted this for Halloween, but then we came up with a better video. Now you'll just have to wait and see what that video will be about.
My favorite short story by him is The Tell Tale Heart. When I was in school, we read it and my teacher said that we all have a tell-tale heart. It’s called a conscience. Never forgot that.
Fun fact: His mother was an actor and had him watch her performances instead of paying a babysitter, so he was traumatized at a very young age by seeing her repeatedly "die" on stage.
Sounds like rationale someone came up with to explain his behavior and influence on his work. A more likely explanation is how everyone he knows and loves dies.
Garbage. Young children don't understand death and the fact that she would come back to "life" every night after the curtain closed would show him that she was fine. If anything he would have become bored with it and would have found it normal for her to "die" on stage. I think it was the real life deaths that were so traumatizing.
"All that we see or seem ... Is but a dream within a dream" Edgar A. Poe. (Edit: I stupidly wrote the qoute incorrectly, I appreciate John Barber's comments below correcting it. I'm glad he told me because it's important to get what our man Poe said originally, not a mangled version!
@John Barber God, this is embarrassing! Thank you, I must have had a blow to the head or something...have you ever watched "word crimes" by Al Yankovic? It's hilarious to me, I have to go watch it again as a reminder to not write like a spastic!!😀
Edgar Allan Poe was and is the absolute BEST author to live. He was such a tormented soul who constantly dealt with endless obstacles. I have so much Respect and Adoration for h;m. There has NEVER been another author that has come close to Edgar Allan Poe's brilliance, passion and/or creativity.
Wish the man would leave a few categories of channels untouched so the rest of us could have a chance though. I think I watch all of his channels on a regular basis which is testament to how great they are. However as a video maker and writer I often find myself considering making a video only to find Simon has obviously already done it. (Yes this account is empty of uploads)
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer, “Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore; But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping, And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door, That I scarce was sure I heard you”-here I opened wide the door;- Darkness there and nothing more.
Great bio! I'm glad someone is making it clear that Poe the drunk with delirium tremens is a fantasy. Whatever problems Poe had in the drinking area was not the cause of his death. He made great contributions to literature and interestingly was always more respected in Europe than in the U.S. Thanks for the biography!
is there even any more educational content on the history or discovery channels??? i used to watch them all the time in high school but then they changed and i haven't watched since. it's only been a handful of years, but still.....inquiring minds wanna know, ya know?
@@k_a_y_l_e_e Since Pawn Stars and American Pickers blew up that is about the only content that History airs now, and I watched these shows initially but it got old real quick for me. I need something educational and meaningful in my television programs, and shows like that just don't do it for me. I used to enjoy the Barbarians show they had for a while, in particular the Franks because I am of French descent.
The problem with that is that death from rabies tends to be pretty showy. It would likely have been noted as an unusual death. Also, his cat most likely would have died a while before he did, as the incubation period is usually shorter in cats.
YESSSS FINALLY! I don't know why I'm so fascinated with him. I've watched every documentary on him that I can think of, but I feel like each time I learn something different about him. For example: He danced?! That's a mental picture.
i just have such a hard time picturing him being a normal human man. like, the same goes for robert smith: i know he must eat and get dressed and do pedestrian things like that, but it's impossible for my mind to conceive of this.
Poe hws been a favorite of mine since my 10th grade American literature Mr. Gomoll, performed "The Raven" from memory, southern accent and all. I was so impressed and I began reading Poe like crazy. Through Poe,I found Lovercraft, C.A.Smith, Howard, Leiber, Kafka, Bester and others. These authors and stories added to a passion I had already due to my love of comics and fantasy novels. I distinctly remember being beside myself with joy when I found an anthology of the pulp magazine "Weird Tales". My love for weird fiction, gothic horror, and the cynical fatalism of cosmic science fiction can be traced back to Poe and Mr. Gomoll. Thank you gentlemen.
Poe is probably my favorite writer/poet, I remember I did a project on him for one of my classes at university. With that being said I think this video was very well done! It was 20 minutes long but I was so intrigued it felt much shorter! Thanks for sharing.
I remember having to do a 7 page report on him in high school (my sophmore year I think) and I remember being so frustrated because every other source said something different about him, his character, his writing, his timeline, etc. It wasnt until just a couple years ago I learned his estate was left in the hands of his rival. Wish someone had told me that.
0:55 - Chapter 1 - Thou art the man 3:25 - Chapter 2 - Never bet the devil your head 7:00 - Chapter 3 - Bridal ballad 10:15 - Chapter 4 - The man that was used up 13:10 - Chapter 5 - Grotesque & arabesque 15:05 - Chapter 6 - Bombast 16:45 - Chapter 7 - The conqueror worm
The relationship between Edgar Allan Poe and his Cousin Virginia is quite interesting. Although 1st cousin marriages are not viewed acceptable today, they were not uncommon at the time. Usually for monetary and social gain, their's was truly a loving relationship. It is a drama, comedy, and tragedy in and of itself. It is deserving of its own story. From the information that I have researched, I believe they were truly in love.
Write the story and publish it. You have an interesting perspective on it. Maybe do it from Virginia's perspective. I recently watched Netflix's series on Ted Bundy "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile". It was done from the perspective of his girlfriend and was fascinating, a complete departure from the usual serial killer madness, blood, and gore.
im gonna say rabies he was rejecting water and his cat was found dead that says to me that the cat bit or scratched him which would probably fly under the radar of an autopsy and explain why the cat was also dead.
from what I understand he had no autopsy. he was buried in barely 24hrs and there was not even a burial report. The doctor also changed the story on his symptoms and his final words more than once. There are even reports that the doctor would sometimes claim he died on different days during some of his interviews.
I always thought that some unscrupulous politicians took him around Baltimore from pole to pole trying to solicit votes and getting him progressively drunker as they went, until he succumbed to alcohol poisoning. We were taught that in school in the 70s. Politicians used to get a famous person to vote for them, at multiple poles, since there was no measure in place to prevent voter fraud at that time. That's one of the reasons why you have to register to vote, so you cant vote twice, let alone multiple times.
I love Poe's work. In every picture I've ever seen of him, his eyes are so hopeless and it makes me sad for him. I wish he could have lived to see how many people have loved his works and obsess over solving his death. He may not have been thought highly of when he lived but, such as it goes, he is much loved in death. Sad. Thank you for this newest Bio, Simon.
All the pictures that he is famous for are after Virginia's death. He even didn't have that mustache for almost all his life, just in his final years, when he was to depressed for get a full shave. Look for his earlist work and you will be able to see a more drawings of youngful and beardless Poe.
How come these videos are so engaging? I hated school and found it so boring yet I can sit and watch videos like this all day and easily digest and retain the often complex and deeply explained information. Is he a genius? I think so!
Have always been fascinated by Poe; both his writings and the tragedies of his life. Thank you for doing this. Not a doctor, but a former EMT and combat medic- rabies, head trauma, and brain tumor could all account for his symptoms (as reported,) but I think, were it rabies, there might have been a bit more stated.
I first met Mr. Poe in a book of random poetry at age 11. There was The Raven. Reading that work changed me forever. I sought out everything he’d written in our tiny town library. Read him regularly over the years. A few years ago I bought a wonderful compilation of Poe’s complete works. From a speaking bird to an uncertain death, Edgar Allen Poe’s writing changed my literary tastes to strange, grim fiction, alternate sci-fi and possess everything Stephen King and Clive Barker have written. All from a random book with the best poem I’ve read. A movie called The Raven, follows your script fairly closely, but has him poisoned in a bar and dying alone on a park bench. I like the ending and uncertainty you’ve presented. Excellent as usual.
The life upon her yellow hair but not within her eyes- The life still there, upon her hair-the death upon her eyes. Most beautiful lines I have ever read in poetry. So Gothic and melancholic.
Another fascinating one, like the way you can incorporate the the more darker facts as well as the positive ones, despite who the focus of the video is! Love it👌🏻🔥
Thank you for this recording! I have always been fascinated with Poe, I even have his book of complete works, on my tablet and on my book shelf. Although I don’t think I have ever read them all. I am glad that you researched him and I just might finish his complete works. Thank You!
Thank you for getting me through a very hard time in my life. Your videos are very calming and get my mind off my current situation. You rock, Simon. This video has also inspired me to write again.
Poe is what sparked my interest in writing. He is the reason I have written nearly 50 poems, 2 short stories and am currently working on another short story and 5 novels concurrently 😁
As someone who works in the field of addiction, the symptoms of severe alcoholism mimic very closely the symptoms of rabies - including the aforementioned 'aversion' to water. By 'aversion', I can only assume they mean an inability to 'keep it down'. The severe alcoholic is often suffering from extreme dehydration, exacerbated by the fact that alcohol is a diuretic, forcing water from the body. When you give water to someone suffering from dehydration, they vomit it back up; which is why, in films, they always tell the character who is dying in the desert from exposure to drink slowly. The high fever, delusions, and especially the brain damage, are all part and parcel of alcohol addiction/dependence, as are the often schizophrenic nature of his stories, his inner dialogue with himself trying to figure what is wrong with him and why he does the terrible things he does. His stories were cathartic purgings of his mania, depression, and confusion, a therapeutic discussion with the person who knew Poe the best: Poe. In The Fall of the House of Usher, both the protagonist and Roderick Usher are quite simply Poe - perplexed and at war with himself in an effort to discern the cause of his omni-present ills. Most of his writing is in a similar vein. What he died of exactly, we do not know, nor can I speculate as to the cause of death of poor Catterina; but, his mental state, the psychology underlying his stories, and the fact that a death from alcoholic dehydration mirrors almost exactly a death from rabies, sways me toward the former: alcoholism.
What a wonderful story, you really give a feel for what kind of man he was by providing context. The very thing propagandists deliberately leave out. Where could I find those pictures? Thank you
Another great one Simon. I immediately began to make some connections with your name and horror. "The Whistler," was a radio show in the 1940s thru 1950s. It was also on TV in the 50s. Being a young man at the time, it struck fear in me from its introduction to the narrator whistling and laughing. Oh the great mysteries we are left with.
Raven Software will develop new IP's, -- Nevermore ~ " _Last night, with many_ _cares & toils oppres'd,_ _Weary, I laid me on_ _a couch to rest._ " - I am definitely going to use this from now on.
Fun fact, the fort Edgar was stationed at is the Minute Men Stronghold in Fallout 4. Which is why there's a Cask of Amantillado reference in the cellar.
When I was a youngster fifty years ago I knew an old woman who called her mother "Mud". She must have seen I was startled and said "Oh, that's short for Mudder."
Hydrophobia?? Fever amd confusion. And his cat was missing/dead...rabies was my first thought because the hydrophobia is pretty unique and rabies is "famous" for it.
That was my first thought too, but a brain tumor would also make sense. Both the mania and revulsion to water could be explained by a tumor. Both are very plausible explanations. Cooping is a much more dramatic and interesting story, which makes me doubt that scenario.
The people of Irvine on the West Coast Scotland remember the year that Edgar Allan Poe lived here with his Aunt (John Allan's sister, who lived at Bridgegate House in Irvine). During his time in the town he attended the Kailyard school, which is right next to the Old Parish Churchyard, which contains the grave of David Boyle, the judge at the trials of Burke and Hare. So he's got a closer connection to the murderers than just having a teacher named Burke.
And his legacy lives on ironically in the place of his death, with the Baltimore Ravens named of course for The Raven, and his gravesite in the west part of downtown being a tourist site. Too bad nothing was said of the Poe Toaster though, the man who would go to his grave every year on the anniversary of his death and leave a rose and a bottle of cognac.
@@kyokyoniizukyo7171 The Poe Toaster was an anonymous fellow who left three roses and a bottle of cognac at Poe's original burial site on the writer's birthday. The tradition was unbroken for 75 years. The last visit, after which there might have been honors nevermore, was in 2009. The Maryland Historical Society has revived the tradition, choosing an anonymous toaster to raise the annual midnight glass of cognac.
@@kyokyoniizukyo7171 This was aan from the area who every year on the anniversary of Poe's death would visit his grave here in Baltimore for almost 75 years. It allegedly was a father and son, but no one was confirm to have been them.
Excellent video as usual and I greatly enjoyed it - well worth the wait! Poe is one of my all-time favourite historic figures. As a performer I have an entire show dedicated to the telling of some of his most well-known classic works, and some not so well known.
He was always a strange man but I always loved him. I even have an Edgar Allan Poe "shrine" on my shelf with book collections of his works, along with a "summoning candle" that a friend gave to me long ago.
Please can you dig into Nigerian civil war their are many interesting characters both on the Nigerian and biafran side like Kaduna nzeogwu, odumegwu ojukwu, and yakubu gowon
You can visit Poe's New York residence - now surrounded by the Bronx in NYC. Little off the beaten path of Manhattan but well worth a side trip to get a sense of where he spent the later years of his life.
I didn't realize how much I wanted to see a Bio on Poe until this showed up in my subscriptions. You guys really are the best at what you do and I always enjoy your videos.
I read Edgar Allen Poe's story "The Premature Burial" as research for one of my own short stories, "Buried Alive." That story was later published in an anthology I think you can still download for cheap on Amazon.
Simon is a great host. I have not watched any other hosts you tube channels . He keeps the content fresh,frequent, and versatile from all of the channels he hosts.
Anyone here from Charleston, SC? For those who don't know, Edgar Allan "Perry" was stationed as an artillery sergeant at our very own Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island! There is a restaurant there, called Poe's Tavern! BEST burgers in the world can be found there. If anyone is in the area, I highly recommend you look it up. It was also in Charleston where Poe's story "The Gold Bug" took place! 😁
Great bio! The commercial success of "The Conchologists First Book" isn't really surprising. The Naturalist movement was taking off at the time and the public couldn't get enough of it.
Like most people, I grew up on the movies made about his horror stories, but when I read his collected works, I was stunned at the breadth of his styles. Comedy, mystery, science-fiction, and of course, horror. Amazing stuff!
I saved this video to watch with a nice bottle- I mean GLASS, of wine 😁 Poe is one if my all time favorite writers, I've read all his published works. I even snagged a couple of vintage collections at a Goodwill! Thank you for this upload!
"From any farther specimens of your stupidity, _good Lord_ deliver us!"
Poe would be excellent at replying to TH-cam comments. 😬🔥
He was quite brave, bordering on reckless. He could easily have been assaulted on the street by someone offended by one of his unsparing critiques. Most edgy cyber-warriors would be less bold if face-to-face encounters were likely with someone they had called a cuck, SJW or whatever.
He did make enemies - after his death Griswold for example encouraged the idea that he was a debauched alcoholic.
Oh. Agreed. He would shred and they wouldn’t even get it.
Further not farther, you are not measuring a distance.
...and Biographics documentaries.
@@nightmaresandterrorstheate5185 measuring the distance of where in his species arrives before or after the most stupid of all Gods creations.
"He married his underage cousin"?
"Yes but only because she reminded him of his mum".
"Oh, well that's perfectly normal then".
You have to remember people(a lot of them) died at a young age so marriage and starting a family happened at an early age by today's standards.
@Jessica Hicking lol
i got the horses in the back 🤠
just kidding just kidding, we don’t judge out here lol✌🏼
Chars
Madness...well, definitely unstable pedophilia - mindset related mummy issues..
Possible cause of death:
Rabies. As a physician I immediately thought of rabies as soon as you mentioned a strong aversion to water. It’s called hydrophobia and is one of the most blatant signs of rabies. Also, the fact that he was having severe delirium also points towards that diagnosis. But the thing that nearly confirmed my hypothesis (or at least in my opinion) was that his cat was also dead. Three very strong signs that point towards a potential diagnosis of Rabies. Not to mention, rabies has a nearly 100% mortality rate once contracted.
At least that’s at the top of my differential diagnosis.
Dr. Jeffrey Simons
Honestly, I hope that was the case rather than alcoholism (since he was trying to quit) or foul play (as if life hadn’t screwed him over enough) 🙏🏽❤️
Not to sound like I am trying to be an A**hole but you are half right about rabies having a 100% mortality rate once contracted. When contracted it has a 99.9% survivability rate with the vaccine. Once rabies is contracted it binds to the nerves and can grow along the nerve as fast as one centimeter a day with the victim showing no signs or symptoms. Growing at this rate it can take months before you show any symptoms depending on the distance from the bite or scratch to the brain. Once rabies reaches the brain that's when you start so see symptoms it is too late for the vaccine to help. In recorded history, there are only 8-10 cases of people surviving without the vaccine. There is a treatment for rabies if you start to show symptoms its called the Milwaukee protocol but it has shown varied success. I only know these things because two years ago I was bitten by a bat. Luckily when it bit me I instinctually swatted it and I broke its wings. Because of this, I was able to have a game commissioner come to collect the bat while I went to get my first round of rabies shots as a precaution. Turns out the bat indeed did have rabies and was a good thing I started the shots because I was bitten in the upper back meaning the virus didn't have far to get to my brain.
In
My first thought was rabies the moment I heard about the aversion to water.
@@justinnies2446 little problem: at the historical period when Poe lived there was NO vaccine for rabies that came almost a century later. So, in 2020, rabies might be survivable ( although is virtually eradicated), but back then...nope.
I live in Baltimore and visited Edgar's grave. He is buried downtown, in a open gated cemetary, right in the midst of the city. Anyone can walk in and walk right up to his grave marker.
Is anyone still showing up once a year?
Aren't there two graves? The original and the one where someone left brandy and roses for years...until 2009 when it stopped? Btw, it's on my Bucket List to leave flowers at both locations and recite the first lines of Annabel Lee...
@@christineparis5607 No, whoever that was stopped years ago. Their has been mimics over the years but nobody has been doing it consistently since the "Poe Toaster" has disappeared.
@@bookswithbenjamin8902
What, or who, do people who live there think it was? Is there a person who lived there that people thought was them? If it's a secret, that's ok, I'm just wondering.
@@christineparis5607 Nobody has ever found out who it was. It started in the 1930s up until like 2010. People think that the original toaster passed the tradition on to his son who did it until his death as well. Definitely apart of local legend and lore.
Should have saved this for Halloween. But now you'll get that chance Nevermore.
So funny, we originally had targeted this for Halloween, but then we came up with a better video. Now you'll just have to wait and see what that video will be about.
@@Biographics Better than Poe?! Glad I'm subscribed. Don't want to miss _that one_ !
I see what you did there!
😂
@@alexandred3740 this isn't Simon's only channel. I do believe he has already covered Talleyrand.
@@Biographics please do one on Frankie Lymon
I love how you actually explain poe's relationship with virginia ( rather than just assumed the worst ) as well as explain her in his poems
My favorite short story by him is The Tell Tale Heart. When I was in school, we read it and my teacher said that we all have a tell-tale heart. It’s called a conscience. Never forgot that.
I never thought of it that way. I really like that :)
Love that story! I also like masque of the red death and black cat
Fun fact: His mother was an actor and had him watch her performances instead of paying a babysitter, so he was traumatized at a very young age by seeing her repeatedly "die" on stage.
*Parenthood level: ±3000*
Sounds like rationale someone came up with to explain his behavior and influence on his work. A more likely explanation is how everyone he knows and loves dies.
Garbage. Young children don't understand death and the fact that she would come back to "life" every night after the curtain closed would show him that she was fine. If anything he would have become bored with it and would have found it normal for her to "die" on stage. I think it was the real life deaths that were so traumatizing.
Cilly Honey probably because he was hoping they would "wake-up" momentarily but it didn't happen.
Phoenix Uprising, you’re definitely on to something. 😼
"All that we see or seem ...
Is but a dream within a dream"
Edgar A. Poe. (Edit: I stupidly wrote the qoute incorrectly, I appreciate John Barber's comments below correcting it.
I'm glad he told me because it's important to get what our man Poe said originally, not a mangled version!
christine paris inception movie inspiration!
This quote also prefaced John Carpenter's The Fog...
@@linda10989
I didn't remember that, but I loved that movie!! It was so iconic! I need to watch it again!
Good idea
@John Barber
God, this is embarrassing! Thank you, I must have had a blow to the head or something...have you ever watched "word crimes" by Al Yankovic? It's hilarious to me, I have to go watch it again as a reminder to not write like a spastic!!😀
I love Edgar Allen Poe, I’m so glad ye did one on him. Can’t wait to watch ☺️
She's definitely Irish
Adam Mc Connon was the “ye” a giveaway? 😂
@@wilk4093 wee bit I'm also going to say clare
Conas atá tú a chailín?
The Republic Of Ireland go maith agus tusa?
Edgar Allan Poe was and is the absolute BEST author to live. He was such a tormented soul who constantly dealt with endless obstacles. I have so much Respect and Adoration for h;m. There has NEVER been another author that has come close to Edgar Allan Poe's brilliance, passion and/or creativity.
Absolutely love Biographics, really anything Simon Whistler does. Always done well.
Wish the man would leave a few categories of channels untouched so the rest of us could have a chance though. I think I watch all of his channels on a regular basis which is testament to how great they are. However as a video maker and writer I often find myself considering making a video only to find Simon has obviously already done it. (Yes this account is empty of uploads)
Honestly simon does a service. This many free and digestible works readily available
@Mike OB1 How old are you? Nine?
@Richard Collier 😉
We love you, Simon. You, your crew and your voice.
“I’m not crazy” - Every Poe 1st person story
😶
Then you have his biggest fan in Lovecraft having his characters go insane by the end of the story.
“I’m just a Poe boy from a Poe family!”
“He’s just a Poe boy from a Poe family!”
🎼Spare him his life from this monstrosity 👻
Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?
Galileo, Galileo....🎶🦇
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me... for meeee... for meeeeeeeeeee....
Oh you all🤣. Nice to see a post that isn’t on fire
So Poe's cat was really named Catterina? Oh Poe, you crazy rascal, you!
At least he didn't name it like HP Lovecraft's
@@mattasticmattattack8546 Catterina was his cat. The cat with a slur as a name was actually is Lovecraft's mom's cat.
He’s my favorite author, hands down! I was just getting ready to look up a documentary about him, but then this was uploaded.
Really? You're favourite? Are you serious?
@@ryankellas1349 He is my favorite also... Is there something wrong with our opinion??
And suddenly I heard tapping. As someone gently rapping. Rapping at my chamber door...
Thank you biographics!!!
Quoth the raven: I’d like to give you some pamphlets and talk to you about the watchtower
Mind you... a computer as an amp
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
“Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you”-here I opened wide the door;-
Darkness there and nothing more.
Great bio! I'm glad someone is making it clear that Poe the drunk with delirium tremens is a fantasy. Whatever problems Poe had in the drinking area was not the cause of his death. He made great contributions to literature and interestingly was always more respected in Europe than in the U.S. Thanks for the biography!
"Deep into the darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting..." - Edgar Alan Poe
When the Discovery/History channel decided that history is not important anymore.... god gave us Simon.
is there even any more educational content on the history or discovery channels??? i used to watch them all the time in high school but then they changed and i haven't watched since. it's only been a handful of years, but still.....inquiring minds wanna know, ya know?
It has me Quoth-ing.
Good call!!
@@k_a_y_l_e_e Since Pawn Stars and American Pickers blew up that is about the only content that History airs now, and I watched these shows initially but it got old real quick for me. I need something educational and meaningful in my television programs, and shows like that just don't do it for me. I used to enjoy the Barbarians show they had for a while, in particular the Franks because I am of French descent.
@@k_a_y_l_e_e Forged in Fire is, at least in my mind. Learning history, one blade at a time.
My name is Poéme. My mom took French in Highschool and was a huge Poe fan, thus my name.
So this makes me very happy.
Quite a beautiful Name.
Very Poetic of her! You could create your own Poe lore.. if you named someone Lenore :D but in all seriousness - lovely name!
Poéme. Such a beautiful name and your mum deserves praise for her ingenuity! 📖 🖊 👍🙂
@@1videofiend Huh?
That's a ridiculous name, what the hell is wrong with your mother?
"Emos are such wannabe conformists" -Poe
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤underrated comment
A man like Simon Whistler we have seldom seen;
A commentator such as Simon, we shall never see;
Thanks for bringing life into your narratives Simon:
I think the rabies theory makes sense, since he had an aversion to water and his cat died at the same time.
BUT He hadn't been seen in 6 days, Maybe the poor cat starved to death or died from lack of water,
But he swam 7 miles down a river on purpose
The problem with that is that death from rabies tends to be pretty showy. It would likely have been noted as an unusual death. Also, his cat most likely would have died a while before he did, as the incubation period is usually shorter in cats.
@@s.e.f8160 That was decades before his death.
kate baxter That’s a good point! I didn’t think about that!
YESSSS FINALLY! I don't know why I'm so fascinated with him. I've watched every documentary on him that I can think of, but I feel like each time I learn something different about him. For example: He danced?! That's a mental picture.
@Zero Coolfun fact: no, he wasn't.
If you've seen it all, why sit through ANOTHER one?
kcbh24 why does it bug you??
i just have such a hard time picturing him being a normal human man. like, the same goes for robert smith: i know he must eat and get dressed and do pedestrian things like that, but it's impossible for my mind to conceive of this.
Poe hws been a favorite of mine since my 10th grade American literature Mr. Gomoll, performed "The Raven" from memory, southern accent and all. I was so impressed and I began reading Poe like crazy. Through Poe,I found Lovercraft, C.A.Smith, Howard, Leiber, Kafka, Bester and others. These authors and stories added to a passion I had already due to my love of comics and fantasy novels. I distinctly remember being beside myself with joy when I found an anthology of the pulp magazine "Weird Tales". My love for weird fiction, gothic horror, and the cynical fatalism of cosmic science fiction can be traced back to Poe and Mr. Gomoll. Thank you gentlemen.
Poe is probably my favorite writer/poet, I remember I did a project on him for one of my classes at university. With that being said I think this video was very well done! It was 20 minutes long but I was so intrigued it felt much shorter! Thanks for sharing.
I remember having to do a 7 page report on him in high school (my sophmore year I think) and I remember being so frustrated because every other source said something different about him, his character, his writing, his timeline, etc. It wasnt until just a couple years ago I learned his estate was left in the hands of his rival. Wish someone had told me that.
0:55 - Chapter 1 - Thou art the man
3:25 - Chapter 2 - Never bet the devil your head
7:00 - Chapter 3 - Bridal ballad
10:15 - Chapter 4 - The man that was used up
13:10 - Chapter 5 - Grotesque & arabesque
15:05 - Chapter 6 - Bombast
16:45 - Chapter 7 - The conqueror worm
"Stay Strapped or get Those cheeks Clapped"
-Edgar Allan Poe
Wait was that not jesus christ
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Maybe a video on Rod Serling?(the twilight zone guy)
Simon could smoke a cigarette while he's presenting it lol.
Again, this isn't Simon's only channel. Check his others for Rod Serling.
I concur!
Still waiting for them to do Francisco Franco. You know, the mad dictator of Spain who's still dead...
@Dante Alighieri that's cool. I really admire Rod Serlings work.
The relationship between Edgar Allan Poe and his Cousin Virginia is quite interesting. Although 1st cousin marriages are not viewed acceptable today, they were not uncommon at the time. Usually for monetary and social gain, their's was truly a loving relationship. It is a drama, comedy, and tragedy in and of itself. It is deserving of its own story.
From the information that I have researched, I believe they were truly in love.
Write the story and publish it. You have an interesting perspective on it. Maybe do it from Virginia's perspective. I recently watched Netflix's series on Ted Bundy "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile". It was done from the perspective of his girlfriend and was fascinating, a complete departure from the usual serial killer madness, blood, and gore.
His great poem, "Anabel Lee", based on his love for Virginia as read, masterfully, by Basil Rathbone: th-cam.com/video/Qv9-B_ymMp0/w-d-xo.html
Yeah that's gross my g. I don't care how long ago It was (unless it was the first couple humans ever & they had to)
im gonna say rabies he was rejecting water and his cat was found dead that says to me that the cat bit or scratched him which would probably fly under the radar of an autopsy and explain why the cat was also dead.
from what I understand he had no autopsy. he was buried in barely 24hrs and there was not even a burial report. The doctor also changed the story on his symptoms and his final words more than once. There are even reports that the doctor would sometimes claim he died on different days during some of his interviews.
If drink to much that you dry yourself out throw up then try water you will throw up water as well
I always thought that some unscrupulous politicians took him around Baltimore from pole to pole trying to solicit votes and getting him progressively drunker as they went, until he succumbed to alcohol poisoning. We were taught that in school in the 70s. Politicians used to get a famous person to vote for them, at multiple poles, since there was no measure in place to prevent voter fraud at that time. That's one of the reasons why you have to register to vote, so you cant vote twice, let alone multiple times.
I’ve been going for rabies too.
Cid66 Trust me, he didn’t die of a hangover or dehydration from one.
Let my heart be still a moment, and this mystery explore
The people of Baltimore consider Poe their own. This is why their football team is named "The Ravens."
I'm sure he'd be offended by that if he was still alive.
So?
wow
@@MrEvanfriend So?
Interesting. I never made that connection, though now it strikes me that it should have been obvious
I love Poe's work. In every picture I've ever seen of him, his eyes are so hopeless and it makes me sad for him. I wish he could have lived to see how many people have loved his works and obsess over solving his death. He may not have been thought highly of when he lived but, such as it goes, he is much loved in death. Sad.
Thank you for this newest Bio, Simon.
All the pictures that he is famous for are after Virginia's death.
He even didn't have that mustache for almost all his life, just in his final years, when he was to depressed for get a full shave. Look for his earlist work and you will be able to see a more drawings of youngful and beardless Poe.
I think the translation is actually, "F**k! I've had a s**t day, I'm going to have a nap on the sofa."
How come these videos are so engaging? I hated school and found it so boring yet I can sit and watch videos like this all day and easily digest and retain the often complex and deeply explained information. Is he a genius? I think so!
Hey world, gotta go cause Whistler's doing Poe!!!
no one:
literally nobody:
not even the dead:
edgar allen poe: *bombast*
Have always been fascinated by Poe; both his writings and the tragedies of his life. Thank you for doing this.
Not a doctor, but a former EMT and combat medic- rabies, head trauma, and brain tumor could all account for his symptoms (as reported,) but I think, were it rabies, there might have been a bit more stated.
Agreed. People were terrified of rabies at the time and they knew its symptoms well. They would have easily diagnosed it
Linda Bealer Edgar would be the one to out do his family and die of rabies lol
Oh I love Poe 🤣
I first met Mr. Poe in a book of random poetry at age 11. There was The Raven. Reading that work changed me forever. I sought out everything he’d written in our tiny town library. Read him regularly over the years. A few years ago I bought a wonderful compilation of Poe’s complete works. From a speaking bird to an uncertain death, Edgar Allen Poe’s writing changed my literary tastes to strange, grim fiction, alternate sci-fi and possess everything Stephen King and Clive Barker have written. All from a random book with the best poem I’ve read. A movie called The Raven, follows your script fairly closely, but has him poisoned in a bar and dying alone on a park bench. I like the ending and uncertainty you’ve presented. Excellent as usual.
The life upon her yellow hair but not within her eyes-
The life still there, upon her hair-the death upon her eyes.
Most beautiful lines I have ever read in poetry. So Gothic and melancholic.
Another fascinating one, like the way you can incorporate the the more darker facts as well as the positive ones, despite who the focus of the video is! Love it👌🏻🔥
This Biographics has me "Raven." Anybody? Ok I'll stop
You can go to Eldorado!
...
...
I'm not sorry.
Such a good POEm.
You’ll have to be expelled to your sepulcher by the sea
Garret LeBuis Ride, boldly ride if you seek for Eldorado!
🤣🤣🤣
Never Bet The Devil Your Head - My favourite Poe story.
Thank you for this recording!
I have always been fascinated with Poe, I even have his book of complete works, on my tablet and on my book shelf. Although I don’t think I have ever read them all.
I am glad that you researched him and I just might finish his complete works.
Thank You!
Thank-You Simon!!! ALWAYS had a "SOFT SPOT" for Poe! He had such a HARD LIFE, and was such a TORTURED SOUL!!!! Rest In Eternal Peace Edgar!
Simon Whistler is a remarkable presenter. great job!
Thank you for getting me through a very hard time in my life. Your videos are very calming and get my mind off my current situation. You rock, Simon. This video has also inspired me to write again.
Can you do one on Emily Brontë? People rarely talk about her.
Are you aware of The History Chicks podcast? They did an episode on Emily Brontë earlier this summer.
Poe is what sparked my interest in writing. He is the reason I have written nearly 50 poems, 2 short stories and am currently working on another short story and 5 novels concurrently 😁
E!..A!..POE! It's in the poem!✍
As someone who works in the field of addiction, the symptoms of severe alcoholism mimic very closely the symptoms of rabies - including the aforementioned 'aversion' to water. By 'aversion', I can only assume they mean an inability to 'keep it down'. The severe alcoholic is often suffering from extreme dehydration, exacerbated by the fact that alcohol is a diuretic, forcing water from the body. When you give water to someone suffering from dehydration, they vomit it back up; which is why, in films, they always tell the character who is dying in the desert from exposure to drink slowly. The high fever, delusions, and especially the brain damage, are all part and parcel of alcohol addiction/dependence, as are the often schizophrenic nature of his stories, his inner dialogue with himself trying to figure what is wrong with him and why he does the terrible things he does. His stories were cathartic purgings of his mania, depression, and confusion, a therapeutic discussion with the person who knew Poe the best: Poe. In The Fall of the House of Usher, both the protagonist and Roderick Usher are quite simply Poe - perplexed and at war with himself in an effort to discern the cause of his omni-present ills. Most of his writing is in a similar vein. What he died of exactly, we do not know, nor can I speculate as to the cause of death of poor Catterina; but, his mental state, the psychology underlying his stories, and the fact that a death from alcoholic dehydration mirrors almost exactly a death from rabies, sways me toward the former: alcoholism.
What a wonderful story, you really give a feel for what kind of man he was by providing context. The very thing propagandists deliberately leave out. Where could I find those pictures? Thank you
Another great one Simon. I immediately began to make some connections with your name and horror. "The Whistler," was a radio show in the 1940s thru 1950s. It was also on TV in the 50s. Being a young man at the time, it struck fear in me from its introduction to the narrator whistling and laughing. Oh the great mysteries we are left with.
Raven Software will develop new IP's,
-- Nevermore ~
" _Last night, with many_
_cares & toils oppres'd,_
_Weary, I laid me on_
_a couch to rest._ "
- I am definitely going to use this from now on.
The first non-children’s story I ever read was “The Tell-Tale Heart”. Never forget it. I’ve had a fascination with horror and the macabre ever since.
Yesss I was waiting for this!! Brilliant video.
Your statement is a act of Lunacy.
Buried right here in Baltimore. The Black Cat is one of best stories ever!!
Can you make a video about David Attenborough please?
They no longer make videos on living people due to legal issues. That being said, in a morbid way he IS 93 so you might get a video soonish.
Larcondos oh I didn't no that my bad
@@larcondos909 thank you.
@@martymartz6872 there's plenty videos on the subject. Just do a search.
David Attenborough might then turn around and do a video on Simon...
I've always thought his life was a tragedy. Poor guy.
Brilliant. Just what I needed at bedtime.
I've been waiting for this video for a very long time. Now I can't wait until you do your biography at 1 million subscribers.
Fun fact, the fort Edgar was stationed at is the Minute Men Stronghold in Fallout 4. Which is why there's a Cask of Amantillado reference in the cellar.
Awesome. I love that game but still have avoided Preston and Sanctuary all together. Your comment is making me want to go do those missions now
Thank you a million times! I love to hear biographies of different writers! Love your channel. It teaches stuff way better than that damn school.
When I was a youngster fifty years ago I knew an old woman who called her mother "Mud". She must have seen I was startled and said "Oh, that's short for Mudder."
I hope you do more author biographies. I love the context these bring to the works of great artists
Hydrophobia?? Fever amd confusion. And his cat was missing/dead...rabies was my first thought because the hydrophobia is pretty unique and rabies is "famous" for it.
That was my first thought too, but a brain tumor would also make sense. Both the mania and revulsion to water could be explained by a tumor. Both are very plausible explanations. Cooping is a much more dramatic and interesting story, which makes me doubt that scenario.
The people of Irvine on the West Coast Scotland remember the year that Edgar Allan Poe lived here with his Aunt (John Allan's sister, who lived at Bridgegate House in Irvine).
During his time in the town he attended the Kailyard school, which is right next to the Old Parish Churchyard, which contains the grave of David Boyle, the judge at the trials of Burke and Hare.
So he's got a closer connection to the murderers than just having a teacher named Burke.
And his legacy lives on ironically in the place of his death, with the Baltimore Ravens named of course for The Raven, and his gravesite in the west part of downtown being a tourist site.
Too bad nothing was said of the Poe Toaster though, the man who would go to his grave every year on the anniversary of his death and leave a rose and a bottle of cognac.
Who is the Poe Toaster?
@@kyokyoniizukyo7171 The Poe Toaster was an anonymous fellow who left three roses and a bottle of cognac at Poe's original burial site on the writer's birthday. The tradition was unbroken for 75 years. The last visit, after which there might have been honors nevermore, was in 2009.
The Maryland Historical Society has revived the tradition, choosing an anonymous toaster to raise the annual midnight glass of cognac.
@@kyokyoniizukyo7171 This was aan from the area who every year on the anniversary of Poe's death would visit his grave here in Baltimore for almost 75 years. It allegedly was a father and son, but no one was confirm to have been them.
Poe is one of my favorite authors (Victor Hugo being another). So glad to see you covered him.
I like the Simpsons version of his poem The Raven
I'm so happy that you made this video!!! Poe is one of my favorite writers ☺ Love all of your channels ❤ Keep up the great work ☺❤
I'll give this one a "thumbs up" and a 💓(tell-tale style).
Excellent video as usual and I greatly enjoyed it - well worth the wait!
Poe is one of my all-time favourite historic figures. As a performer I have an entire show dedicated to the telling of some of his most well-known classic works, and some not so well known.
Alcoholic, pale and sickly. Wait, why is Simon suddenly talking about me?
Alone not man good man good
Wait I think it’s me
1videofiend
He was probably joking
You however.. you are dumb enough
That's not funny. Get a grip, man.
He was always a strange man but I always loved him. I even have an Edgar Allan Poe "shrine" on my shelf with book collections of his works, along with a "summoning candle" that a friend gave to me long ago.
Sounds like old Edgar was a TB carrier, everyone around him died from it.
At the time, TB was one of the leading causes of death in the US. He didn't have to be a carrier, a lot of people had it, it was literally endemic.
didn't know a whole lot about him til now but his writing sounds like my kind of reading i'd love it.
Please can you dig into Nigerian civil war their are many interesting characters both on the Nigerian and biafran side like Kaduna nzeogwu, odumegwu ojukwu, and yakubu gowon
Thank you for suggesting something different.
Yes, and also cover the Nigerian prince who needs my help moving millions of dollars out of the country...
You can visit Poe's New York residence - now surrounded by the Bronx in NYC. Little off the beaten path of Manhattan but well worth a side trip to get a sense of where he spent the later years of his life.
Please PLEASE, do Wat Tyler! The Father of English Radicalism who lead the Peasant's Revolt!
🗡🛡✊
Check out Tony Robinson's doc on "The Peasant's Revolt." It's on TH-cam.
Why do people keep asking for subject matter they already know?
@@kcbh24 What are you talking about?
I didn't realize how much I wanted to see a Bio on Poe until this showed up in my subscriptions. You guys really are the best at what you do and I always enjoy your videos.
I read Edgar Allen Poe's story "The Premature Burial" as research for one of my own short stories, "Buried Alive." That story was later published in an anthology I think you can still download for cheap on Amazon.
one of my favorites
Simon is a great host. I have not watched any other hosts you tube channels . He keeps the content fresh,frequent, and versatile from all of the channels he hosts.
Shell and Simon. You guys should do Kurt Cobain.
@reefer kefer r/wooosh
No, No they shouldn't
Anyone here from Charleston, SC? For those who don't know, Edgar Allan "Perry" was stationed as an artillery sergeant at our very own Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island! There is a restaurant there, called Poe's Tavern! BEST burgers in the world can be found there. If anyone is in the area, I highly recommend you look it up. It was also in Charleston where Poe's story "The Gold Bug" took place! 😁
Need one on Edgar Cayce.
"The Sleeping Prophet"
I think there is already one on Cayce. Maybe I'm wrong.
He was a false prophet.
Great bio! The commercial success of "The Conchologists First Book" isn't really surprising. The Naturalist movement was taking off at the time and the public couldn't get enough of it.
Great video!
Please do a video on the Anglo Irish fantasy writer lord dunsany.
It is a crime that he is forgotten.
Lord Dunsany! Great suggestion!
Like most people, I grew up on the movies made about his horror stories, but when I read his collected works, I was stunned at the breadth of his styles. Comedy, mystery, science-fiction, and of course, horror. Amazing stuff!
Well, now you have to do one about Baudelaire! :)
I saved this video to watch with a nice bottle- I mean GLASS, of wine 😁
Poe is one if my all time favorite writers, I've read all his published works. I even snagged a couple of vintage collections at a Goodwill!
Thank you for this upload!
I do love The Raven so awesome!
Anyone see more humour in the script than usual? Makes the narration even more interesting; keep it up!
Do one on Rafael Trujillo attempt #15
Simon Whistler is a real whistle-blower of history!
As an Edgar I am very proud
Edgar Allan Poe is an awesome man