Is Poe the most influential American writer? A new book offers evidence

Re:Is Poe the most influential American writer? A new book o... by bryanrasmussen on Saturday June 05, 2021 @10:29AM (#27405347)

well there's a saying that when the Velvet Underground was around only a thousand people ever saw them (maybe it was a hundred, don't remember very well) but every one of those people went out to start a band.

So is Poe influential in the way of VU or influential in the way of Bob Dylan.

The article doesn't actually say, and doesn't make much of an argument for him being the most influential (what argument there is, is more hinted at then effectively made) but given the many things he did I suppose the influence is widespread like Dylan and not direct like VU. If so - I believe widespread influence generally requires quality as well - and the article won't argue that as to him being the greatest.

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Re:Is Poe the most influential American writer? A new book o... by failwhaleshark on Saturday June 05, 2021 @03:32PM (#27407883)

One could argue Iron Butterfly helped launch metal by bridging from psychedelic rock to their then new heavyness. I think most people might recognize In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida and assume they're a hippie, one-hit wonder.

The Guess Who and Frank Zappa were damn important too.

Btw, one of the most important locations for counterculture rock influence was the Hollywood Landmark Motor Hotel (today: The Highland Gardens Hotel). Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin (who lived and died there), and Alice Cooper were all there... oh and Shep Gordon.

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Re:Is Poe the most influential American writer? A new book o... by grasshopperpurp on Saturday June 05, 2021 @11:14AM (#27405726)

I believe that's a Brian Eno quote (about VU).

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