Page:Edgar Allan Poe - a centenary tribute.pdf/87

 in prose. He has that admirable something which men have agreed to call "genius."

From John Burroughs we learn that the keener appreciation in Europe of literature as a fine art is no doubt the main reason why Poe is looked upon over there as our most noteworthy poet. Poe certainly had a more consummate art than any other American singer."

According to Prof. W. Minot, "There are few English writers of this century whose fame is likely to be more enduring. The feelings to which he appeals are simple but universal and he appeals to them with a force that has never been surpassed."

In the opinion of the London Spectator, "Poe stands as much alone among prose writers as Salvator Rosa among painters."

A. Conan Doyle acknowledges him as " the inventor and pioneer whom he has humbly followed," and the readers of Gaborieau will find in his writings the strong incense of the deep worship which shows itself in imitation.

Discussing this Centennial celebration of his birth, the gifted editor of the Outlook declares him to be one of the three foremost figures in American literature.

Hamilton Wright Mabie gives it as "his deliberate judgment that distinctively and in a unique sense he is the artist in our literature. His work holds first place."

John Greenleaf Whittier tells us, "The extraordinary genius of Edgar Poe is now acknowledged the world over."

And from George E. Woodberry we learn that, "On the roll of our literature Poe's name is inscribed with the