English prof focuses on the seedier side of Phila. writing

With "A Celebration of Philadelphia Writers," a program featuring well respected writers in the Philadelphia community, taking place at Penn last Friday and Saturday, English Professor Christopher Looby wanted to make sure that certain authors weren't left out. "I'm interested in writers who were hated and were disowned by Philadelphia," Looby said. On Thursday night, a small group gathered in Kings Court/English College House to discuss the problematic question: What makes a "Philadelphia writer?" Looby, 41, suggested that the title is attained by being born in the city, perhaps living here or maybe just writing about Philadelphia. The Penn Humanities Forum, which is sponsoring the celebration, dubbed famed poet Edgar Allen Poe a local author. However, Looby pointed out, Poe also lived in Richmond, Va.; Baltimore; Providence, R.I.; and New York City. "Everybody wants a piece of Poe," Looby said. There are many strict Philadelphians writing in the gothic genre who are not being honored in the celebration, Looby explained, examining some of the authors who fall into this category. George Lippard, the 19th century author of Philadelphia Killers, has a controversial relationship with the city, having often written about gangs in rough neighborhoods. Another novelist, Jack Dunphy, wrote a bleak story describing his youth as a poor Irish immigrant in South Philadelphia. Looby felt that their literature should not be dismissed simply because it shows a darker side of the city. He also pointed to an era that has often been overlooked when people discuss the great writings of the city. Philadelphia's unique location during the Civil War, on the border of north and south, prompted a lot of race-related writing. It was a center for abolitionists and anti-abolitionists alike, who discussed their ideologies in a literary dialogue. But Looby emphasized that the traditions of Civil War-era writers have continued with contemporary African-American literature, much of which has had great influence on Philadelphia's social climate. "If there's one thing that puts Philadelphia on the map these days, it's our tremendous African-American writers," Looby explained. Another factor to consider about what makes a Philadelphia writer is what form the writing takes. Looby argued that a very important part of Philadelphia's literary history occurred during the American Revolution. "We can't limit ourselves to novels, plays and poetry," Looby added. "What about the Constitution, laws and treaties?" The group was attentive throughout the presentation, often responding enthusiastically to questions posed by Looby. "There was never an emphasis on Philadelphia writers in Philly public schools," said College freshman Solaman Cooperson. "This definitely opened my eyes to the seamier side of Philadelphia literature."