Description
“The Beautiful Cigar Girl: Mary Rogers, Edgar Allan Poe, and the Invention of Murder” by Daniel Stashower is a non-fiction book that delves into the true crime story of Mary Rogers and its connection to Edgar Allan Poe.
Mary Rogers was a young woman whose mysterious death in 1841 in New York City, sparked public outrage and became a sensationalized murder case. Edgar Allan Poe, the famous author, used this real-life mystery as inspiration for his detective fiction and wrote an article about the case called “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt.”
Daniel Stashower’s book explores the historical context of Mary Rogers’ life and death, the social atmosphere of New York City in the mid-19th century, and the impact of her case on society. It also examines Poe’s fascination with crime and his role in shaping the detective genre.
True Crime and Sensationalism: The book discusses how Mary Rogers’ case became a media sensation, reflecting societal attitudes towards crime and morality during that era.
Stashower explores Poe’s interest in crime and his development of detective fiction, using Mary Rogers’ case as a backdrop. Poe’s writings helped popularize the mystery genre and laid the foundation for future detective stories.
The book provides insights into life in 19th-century New York City, including social norms, gender roles, and the emerging concept of urban crime.
“The Beautiful Cigar Girl” has been well-received for its meticulous research and compelling narrative. It offers readers a blend of true crime, literary history, and cultural analysis, making it appealing to both history enthusiasts and fans of Edgar Allan Poe.
If you’re interested in Victorian true crime, literary history, or the origins of detective fiction, this book would be a fascinating read.
Product details
- Publisher : Dutton Adult (October 5, 2006)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780525949817
- ISBN-13 : 978-0525949817
- Item Weight : 1.15 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1 x 9.25 inches
- Condition: Used-Very Good
Dekle edge with a remainder mark at the bottom edge. In very good condition, the pages are clean and not marred by any marking or highlighting; the dust jacket is intact, clean, and shiny.
Tags: History, True Crime, Nonfiction, Mystery, Crime, Biography, American History
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