When Charles Dickens Met Edgar Allan Poe
The literary connection between two giants sparked by a pet raven named Grip.
1A Literary Encounter
In 1842, Charles Dickens traveled to the United States accompanied by his family and his pet raven, Grip. During this six-month journey, Dickens met Edgar Allan Poe, who had previously reviewed Dickens' novel Barnaby Rudge. This meeting brought together two of the nineteenth century's most celebrated literary figures in a rare historical moment.
2The Raven Named Grip
Grip, the raven featured in Dickens' 1841 novel Barnaby Rudge, was based on the author's own pet bird. Dickens' daughter Mamie described the real raven as mischievous and impudent, noting its habit of biting children and dominating the family mastiff. These distinct personality traits directly inspired the fictional character's loquacious and ornery nature.
3Poe's Critical Fascination
Edgar Allan Poe reviewed the early chapters of Barnaby Rudge for Graham’s Magazine, correctly predicting the novel's conclusion. He was particularly captivated by the raven character, noting that the bird’s croaking seemed prophetic. This critical engagement established a foundation for the intellectual connection that would eventually bloom between the two famous writers.
4Direct Literary Inspiration
Historians and scholars, including Edward Pettit, suggest that Dickens' Grip directly inspired Poe’s iconic 1845 poem, The Raven. Evidence includes specific passages in Barnaby Rudge where characters mention tapping at doors and shutters, mirroring the atmosphere of Poe's later work. Most scholars agree this fascination served as a primary creative catalyst.
5The Preservation of Grip
Dickens loved his pet raven deeply, even writing about the bird's death with humor and emotion. Following the bird's passing, Dickens had him stuffed, a practice he also applied to his cat, Bob. Today, the remains of the historical Grip reside in the rare book section of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
6Failed Commercial Ambitions
Poe initially courted Dickens in 1842 to impress the novelist with his versatility and secure publishing contracts in England. While Dickens was impressed by Poe, their correspondence did not lead to any formal commercial collaboration. Instead, the encounter provided the creative spark for Poe's most famous poem, which remains his lasting legacy.
7An Accidental Collaboration
Janine Pollack of the Free Library of Philadelphia describes the relationship as a unique moment in literature. The two men were essentially thinking about the same subject simultaneously, creating a form of unintentional collaboration. This connection highlights how literary influence often travels through personal experiences rather than just through formal professional agreements.
8Historical Literary Impact
The link between Dickens, Poe, and the raven remains one of the most intriguing anecdotes in literary history. While their professional goals remained unfulfilled, the personal exchange left an indelible mark on American poetry. It serves as a reminder of how seemingly small, odd details can shape the course of world literature.
Original article: Open Culture — When Charles Dickens Met Edgar Allan Poe