Tamerlane

“Al Aaraaf” by Edgar Allan Poe (1829)

This long-form narrative poem originally appeared alongside “Tamerlane” in the short collection Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems. It is believed to be Poe’s earliest work and displays his early exploration into literary technique and narrative structure.

“Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” by Lord Byron (1818)

A narrative poem that is believed to have been a significant influence on the construction of “Tamerlane.” Byron was also a large influence on Poe’s earlier works, and several lines of “Tamerlane” are reminiscent of moments from this poem.

“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe (1845)

Published nearly two decades after “Tamerlane,” this poem is Poe’s most famous work and represents the core style and voice that he became most associated with for generations after.

“‘Tamerlane’ the World’s Rarest (and Most Valuable) Edgar Allan Poe Book”

An account of a 2009 auction in which an original edition of Tamerlane and Other Poems became the most expensive piece of American literature ever sold.

“Poe and the Revision of ‘Tamerlane’” by Dwayne Thorpe (1985)

An exploration of the multiple iterations of “Tamerlane,” beginning with its initial 406 lines and passing through multiple edits and restructures to arrive at its current form.