'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe (read by Tom O'Bedlam)

The Raven was first published in 1845. I did a version earlier with a desktop microphone and lower sampling rate Having listened to it again lately I thought it so poor that I decided to do it again. Here's more information of the poem:

Most presentations of The Raven are theatrical with added spooky sound effects, echo, reverberation and compression. This isn't a big budget studio production - it's a plain recording with nothing changed: there's no echo, no reverb, no compression and no sound effects - about an hour's work.

The best reading in my opinion is Garrison Keillor:

For something more theatrical, here's Vincent Price (looking disconcertingly like Bruce Forsythe):

James Earl Jones' reading gets the most hits

And here's Christopher Walken:

The first illustration is by Gustav Dore.

The second is by John Tenniel - who also illustrated the original Alice in Wonderland.

Here's a link to a parody, which isn't much more over-the-top than the original:

[jeremyreagan]

I as a blind man love your readings please I implore read more kind sir for thy hath my soul taken to Poe's tragic maddess. Thank your sir with all kindness.

[thissongyou]

I memorized "The Raven" in 1959 for my advanced 8th grade English class. I don't remember what the other choices were, but I have never been sorry I selected this poem and have recited it to myself many times over the past half century (now that's scary). I have found it comes in very handy whenever the dentist is drilling my teeth. A marvelous distraction. I don't share Yeats' or Emerson's view of this poem. It and your reading of it are mesmerizing. Thanks again.

[wildbillhdmax]

Thank you reading is wonderful! Do not take it down! Don't let it be taken down!

THANK YOU

[Dandypandyeater]

Such a fantastic voice. I love listening to these readings. 

[mrrighthorrorshow]

I have never loved a piece of poetry so much.

[bluescorpion]

Edgar Allan Poe was one of the greatest literary masterminds, in my opinion. My take on his poetry and short stories is that he referenced his melancholy life in his writings. I love his work, and will continue to forever .

[kyonglee]

Love 피오이 Poe. Thanks for uploading "The Raven" poem. Your voice is just wonderful.

[leedsbulldog]

Really Good - Really soothing yet intense voice, the atmosphere was perfectly recreated with the mature yet firm voice - excellent

[LouysofMC]

Laudable reading.

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, " struck me to have a special meaning in moments of revision before the exams, five decades ago! :-)

Seriously, an extraordinary love declaration to the woman behind Lenore -if she indeed existed in our mundane Real World ™.

[spasjt]

Been awhile since I've seen your channel. I declare my next visit shan't be longer than the one before. For I truly enjoy the gracefulness you implore. Hopefully, say I, yet I fear, nevermore...

Good work Mr. O'Bedlam!

[LastOfTheMaguas]

Amazing poem. As i've grown older and been thru love lost - i feel that's obviously what it's about. Never will his love return. Wonderful Poe

[richardturner]

I love this version. This is my favorite work by Edgar Allan Poe. Quoth The Raven... NEVERMORE.

[kejorastar]

such beauty, I just started getting into poetry, write a few of my own pieces, encountered this and my jaw drop in astonishment.

[bluegrassreb]

i agree, plus his short stories are incredible and he is the father of detective stories. simply the best.

[SpokenVerse]

I'm pleased to see that you've inherited his literary talent.

[sparklelight]

with every beat of my heart i love this thank you for sharing

[PuddSMServices]

Thank god someone put a reading of this that adheres to the actual structure and rhythm of the poem instead of reading it like prose. Well done :)

[tocreateaplaylist]

This is a fabulous reading. Well done :)

[DeusXPersona]

This is very very good. Been listening to man others videos of yours all night long

[spiritandrain]

people think edgar allan poe wrote about dark things like horror, but his poetry and stories are so deep and amazing, some people just don't get