Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809 in Boston. He became one of America's most famous writers. Poe wrote scary stories and sad poems. He loved mysteries and puzzles. Many people say he invented the first detective story.

His Writing

Poe wrote a very famous poem called The Raven. It tells about a talking black bird that visits a lonely man. He also wrote spooky tales like The Tell-Tale Heart. His stories often had dark and creepy feelings. Writers today still copy his style.

An old photograph of the writer Edgar Allan Poe from 1849.
An old photograph of the writer Edgar Allan Poe from 1849. (Unknown authorUnknown author; Restored by Yann Forget and Adam Cuerden / Wikimedia Commons)

His Life

Poe had a hard life. His parents died when he was very young. He was raised by a family in Virginia. He wrote many books but did not earn much money. He died in 1849 when he was only 40 years old.

Fun Facts

  • Poe made the first American detective character named C. Auguste Dupin.
  • A big football team called the Baltimore Ravens is named after Poe's famous poem.
  • He loved cats and had a pet cat named Catterina.

Did You Know?

For many years, a mystery person left roses and a bottle on Poe's grave every year on his birthday.