Dr. John Gruesser and Dr. Norlisha (Tish) Crawford join me to discuss their co-edited special issue of Poe Studies, titled African American Authors Respond to Poe (2023). After I introduce the guests, John and Tish explain the origin and inspiration of the project (3:05). From there, they talk about the format of the issue (with its mix of creative responses, interviews, and critical essays) (6:18), read and reflect on Poe’s “Alone” and Linda D. Addison’s “On My Own” (10:58), and comment on the interviews and articles (19:46). Closing thoughts on the special issue revolve around scholarly attention to genre fiction and the construction of the canon (36:47). In the end, John and Tish preview some upcoming projects and publications (49:36). Like the special issue, this engaging interview highlights new perspectives on Poe and his work.
