Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1809. Poe was orphaned when his mother died after his father abandoned the family, and was taken in by John and Frances Allan. Poe parted ways with the Allans after he failed as an officer’s cadet at West Point. Poe began his literary career by publishing an anonymous collection of poems, before switching mainly to prose and literary criticism. However, the 1845 publication of his poem “The Raven” brought Poe his biggest success, turning him into a national celebrity. Poe is also often remembered for his short story “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843). Poe died at age 40, though the cause of his death is unknown.