Edgar Allan Poe is known for his macabre tenor, opposition of the didactic, and biting critical voice. Poe was born in Boston on January 19, 1809 to David Poe Jr., a second generation Irishman, and Elizabeth Arnold Poe, English born but raised in America. Both were actors and members of the stock company at the Boston Theatre. Poe's father abandoned his family not long after Poe was born and Elizabeth Poe died a couple of years following. He then became a ward of Mr. and Mrs. John Allan in Richmond, Virginia.

Poe enrolled at the University of Virginia in 1826 where he acquired gambling debts which John Allan refused to pay and Poe was forced to withdraw from the university. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1827. During this same year, he published his first book of poems entitled Tamerlane and Other Poems (included "Dream with a Dream") under the alias phrase "By a Bostonian." His enlistment took him to Castle Island where a grizzly tale of revenge in which a soldier was sealed in the fort's dungeon vault, is said to have inspired the "The Cask of Amontillado," published later in 1846.

In 1829, shortly after his discharge from the military, Poe published his second book of poetry, Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems. He entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point a year later. John Allan refused to pay his necessary stipend nor would he sign for Poe's release from the academy. Poe became insubordinate and was promptly expelled. He relocated to New York City in 1831 where Poems was published (included "To Helen and "Israfel"). He later moved in with his aunt, Maria Clemm and her daughter, Virginia in Baltimore. The few years following consisted of great financial difficulties. This led to a final plea by Poe to John Allan for help. The plea was dismissed and Poe was omitted from Allan's will upon his death in 1834.

Poe moved on to achieve an editorial position at the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond. He married his young cousin, Virginia Clemm in 1836. Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque was published in 1839 which included "Ligeia," and "The Fall of the House of Usher." Two years later, as an editor at Graham's Magazine, he submitted "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," a tale considered to be the first modern detective story. In 1843, he achieved additional recognition with "The Gold Bug," and "The Raven" made him famous. The Raven and Other Poems and Tales emerged in 1845.

In 1847, Virginia Poe died after five years of battling tuberculosis. Poe's literary productivity began to dwindle as did his health. He became engaged to Sarah Elmira Royster Shelton two years later. On his way to the wedding, Poe stopped in Baltimore and on October 3rd was found suffering from delirium outside a tavern. He died four days later of "congestion of the brain," although there is still speculation over the details and circumstances of his death.

Articles About Poe, Edgar Allan

Poe's Philadelphia Experience	November 27, 2007
By the scene is a vacant old house in the center of a bustling city. A cold chill follows you in before you can even shut the heavy door. There are no furnishings, only a barren fireplace of cold brick. The ambiance gives off the feeling of ice. The paint is desperately trying to peel completely away from the wall, and the bare wooden floors creek beneath your feet.
Times of Toil, Tales of Terror: Poe's Philadelphia	February 12, 2007
Trekking Spring Garden Street jungle-puddle traffic north of Philadelphia's Historical District in map-wandered May afternoon light, one arrives at 530-532 Seventh Street, the only standing structure remaining of Edgar Allan Poe's five Philadelphia residences, this one complete with brass knocker and, of all things, United States park rangers patches, caps, and all, designated as a national park site in 1978. Although Boston, Baltimore and New York City housed he and his, throughout his thirty-eight years, this Philadelphia address was Poe's most prolific hearth and home.