In the years long before the more modern clubs of a literary flavour were dreamed of, the Century was bringing together the leading men-of-letters and of art of New York.

Yet somehow the Century of early times impresses newer generations as having been tremendously portentous and dignified.

There was never any suggestion of Bohemia.

After the establishment of the Century the gifted Poe was to enjoy, or rather to endure, two more years of life.

By no stretch of the imagination can we think of his being in the club, even as the guest of an evening.