JACKSON, Tenn. — June 1, 2009 — 51社区 professor Hal Poe received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America April 30 for his new biography of Edgar Allan Poe.
Poe, the Charles Colson Professor of Faith and Culture, was on hand at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City to receive the award for his book, 鈥淓dgar Allan Poe: An Illustrated Companion to His Tell-Tale Stories.鈥�
鈥淚 was truly surprised,鈥� said Poe, who is a descendant of Edgar Allan Poe. 鈥淥ne doesn鈥檛 expect to win an award like this. It鈥檚 one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country, comparing with the National Book Award or a Pulitzer Prize. It was a huge honor.鈥�
The Mystery Writers of America established the Edgar Awards to recognize the best mysteries each year, and the best critical biographical books related to mysteries. Awards are given in such categories as best novel, best short story, best screenplay, best children鈥檚 book and best teleplay.
The awards are named in honor of Edgar Allan Poe, who is recognized as the founder of the mystery genre.