Author of dark stories and eerie poems, Edgar Allan Poe occupies a prominent place in American literature. His terrible life, full of loss and sorrow, and his groundbreaking narrative inventions have ensured his place in history as a master of the macabre.

The Original Gothic Genre Blazer

Among the many things for which Poe is remembered fondly is the Gothic literature and art he created. His gloomy stories, like "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Masque of the Red Death," demonstrate his skill in evoking fear and exploring the shadowy corners of the human psyche.

Creator of the Detective Novel

Outside of the world of horror, Poe is often regarded as the creator of the contemporary detective fiction with his creation of C. Auguste Dupin. Many of the tropes common to detective fiction can be traced back to Poe's stories like "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter," including the use of logical reasoning to solve crimes and the intelligent but quirky detective.

A Tragic Ending to a Full Life

Poe's life mirrored the terrible themes of his writing. He lost his parents at an early age and battled a lifetime of poverty and drinking. The death of his wife, Virginia Clemm, from tuberculosis profoundly affected Poe and shaped his later writing, most notably the classic poem "The Raven."

An Active Poet

Poe is well-known not just for his stories, but also for his poetry. The rhythm, vocabulary, and passion in his most famous poem, "The Raven," are all masterful. Featuring a memorable refrain of "Nevermore," the poem has become a cornerstone of American literature for its somber examination of loss.

Long-Term Impact

Poe's influence on literature goes far beyond the Gothic and detective fiction he helped pioneer. Many writers, from H.P. Lovecraft to Stephen King, have been influenced by his concentration on psychological depth, investigation of the subconscious, and unique use of unreliable narrators.