Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts.
He is often credited as the inventor of the modern detective story and contributed significantly to the emerging genre of science fiction.
Poe's most famous works include 'The Tell-Tale Heart,' 'The Raven,' and 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
He was the first well-known American writer to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life.
Poe enlisted in the United States Army in 1827 under the assumed name 'Edgar A. Perry' and published his first book, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' that same year.
He married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm, when he was 27 years old. She remained a significant influence on his life and work.
Poe's poem 'The Raven,' published in 1845, made him a household name and is considered one of the greatest American poems.
He worked as an editor for several literary journals, including the Southern Literary Messenger and Graham's Magazine, where he gained a reputation for his sharp literary critiques.
Poe struggled with alcoholism and depression throughout his life, which influenced much of his dark and gothic writing style.
He is often regarded as the master of the macabre and horror genres, with his stories exploring themes of death, madness, and the supernatural.
Poe's mysterious death on October 7, 1849, remains a topic of speculation and intrigue. He was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore, wearing clothes that were not his own.
He was known for his elaborate hoaxes and practical jokes, which often amused and bewildered his contemporaries.
Poe's work has had a profound influence on literature, inspiring writers like H.P. Lovecraft and Arthur Conan Doyle.
He is buried in Baltimore, Maryland, and his grave is a popular destination for literary enthusiasts and fans.
Edgar Allan Poe's legacy continues to endure through his timeless stories and poems that captivate readers with their eerie and haunting beauty.
