Edgar Allan Poe self-published his first book, Tamerlane and Other Poems, in 1827. His second poetry collection, Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems, was published in 1829. As a critic at the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond from 1835 to 1837, Poe published some of his own works in the magazine, including two parts of his only novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym. The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe published in the June 1835 issue of the monthly magazine Southern Literary Messenger and intended by Poe to be a hoax. The bulk of the story is written as an epistle, a letter from Pfaall that was delivered to the city leaders in Rotterdam. But the genius of this story is that Poe also incorporates a satirical critique of the intellectual bourgeoisie as well as some great symbolism regarding the subconscious mind. The first and most obvious clue that Poe is poking fun at the bourgeoisie is the names of the characters; for example, burgomaster Mynheer Superbus Von Underduk and Professor Rubadub. And then, at the beginning of his letter, Pfaall compares his trade of mending bellows with the “hot air” emitted by the self-important politicians and business-persons of that time. Listen online to free English audiobook "The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall” on our website to experience Edgar Allan Poe's story.
