DUBOIS – Penn State DuBois Professor of English Richard Kopley is featured in the January issue of U.S. News and World Report. Kopley is quoted in an article titled Investigate Tales of Edgar Allan Poe, which is part of the bigger special report in this issue, called 50 Ways to Improve Your Life in 2009. The article reminds readers that 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Poe’s birth, and that his works still make for great reading.
Kopley is one person who does not need that reminder; he knows plenty about Poe. Known for his extensive research of Poe’s works, he published his latest book in November. Edgar Allan Poe and the Dupin Mysteries (Palgrave MacMillen) takes an in-depth look at Edgar Allan Poe’s three detective stories, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt,” and “The Purloined Letter.” Kopley’s book analyzes the structure, sources, and autobiographical significance of these stories, which many say inspired the detective story genre.
Kopley says the book is a resource for people studying Poe, and an intriguing read for those who just wish to learn more about the writer. He is also happy to say that there is plenty of interest in the book, stating, “I’m totally happy about the success of the book. It sold 277 copies in one month, and that’s very good for and academic book.”
