Edgar Allan Poe was the first American writer to attempt to support himself solely on writing alone. He wrote the first modern detective story, the first modern science fiction story, and founded the modern horror genre. His famous, tragic love for his wife, Virginia, helped to inspire his landmark poem, The Raven. Speculation over the cause of his mysterious death in 1849 continues to this day. His writings still speak to us more than 160 years later and have inspired countless stage and film adaptations.

This great writer is brought to life for your school, library, or literary organization by Campbell Harmon in dramatic readings, historical biography, and direct audience interaction.

Upcoming Performances

2013, Oct 5, Adams County Library, WI, Big Read Program - Tentative

2013, Oct 4, Alexandria, LA, Big Read Program - Tentative

2013, Oct 21, 5:00pm  Minor Memorial Library, Roxbury, CT

Booking

Please email edgar@thepoeactor.com for booking and honorarium information. Bear in mind that October is the most popular month for Poe performances. Check the calendar on the right to see upcoming performances as well as closed dates for October. Performances in other months are more flexible for scheduling. Reserve your performance date as early as possible.

Campbell Harmon

Contact: edgar@thepoeactor.com

Phone: 203-710-8486

Location: Connecticut and New England area

Education: Yale Divinity School, Masters of Arts and Religion, 2004

Speaker Biography (pdf) with links to photos.

From the audience

Comments submitted by the audience at the 2013 Springfield, Missouri Big Read event:

"Re: The Big Read events.

My family and I were able to attend a library event, the Dead Poets Slam, and Boo at the Bushnell. All were excellent. Our daughter is a big horror fan and has loved Mr. Poe since fifth grade. These events gave her an opportunity to learn more about a genre she loves and some insight into what goes into the creation of these art forms.

[Campbell's] Poe improved with each performance. I was deeply touched by Poe's difficult life and his heroic struggles to create art and support his chosen family. I was also grateful to [Campbell] for the tact and sensitivity he displayed in handling what could have been some tricky questions regarding Mr. Poe's personal life, given the ages of some of the audience members.

My daughter asked him about the role of alcohol and drugs in the enhancement of the creative process. He was clear and emphatic that substance abuse hampered Mr. Poe's efforts, which I later learned was really the answer she was looking for. " --November 4, 2009

"I just wanted to let you know that at lunch today, the students came in and began checking out the books on our Poe display. They had questions about The Raven, they wanted to read The Tell-Tale Heart; it has been very "Poe-like" around here today. Our class set of books is out in Mr. Torres' classroom and the school is abuzz with talk of Poe. Never underestimate the power of an actual performance to begin many dialogs about literacy, even in middle school. It is a beautiful thing to witness and I thank you." -- October 10, 2011

"We received a lot of positive feedback from your performance... people are still talking about it – so again many thanks.  We are not known for having people come to our programs and you certainly packed them in!" --November 24, 2009

"People in Rocky Hill are still talking about the Bushnell’s Edgar Allan Poe night at the Library – so thank you again!" --November 5, 2009

Articles

Spotlight: Divinity School staff member brings dark tales to life --Yale News, Oct 7, 2012

Edgar Allan Poe: In October Coming To A Library Near You --New Hampshire Public Radio, October 1, 2012

Master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe ‘visits’ Ashford book lovers --Reminder News, February 16, 2012

About People --Yale Divinity School "Notes from the Quad", November 2009

Edgar Allen Poe impersonator to speak at Wallingford library --Record Journal, October 21, 2009