Poe, Egypt, and “Egyptomania”

Abstract

“Poe and Egypt, and ‘Egyptomania’” by Emily James Hansen examines Poe’s inclusion of Ancient Egypt in selected works and his incorporation of “Egyptomania,” the fascination with Ancient Egypt that influenced art, literature, architecture, fashion, and burial customs in the nineteenth century. Poe’s incorporation of Egypt and “Egyptomania” in many works—including some of his most famous tales, “Ligeia” and “The Fall of the House of Usher”—not only reveals his deep awareness of popular culture but also hints at an attempt to preserve this place, Egypt, in literature.