Edgar Allan Poe
- Born:
- January 19, 1809, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Died:
- October 7, 1849, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Short Story Writer, Editor, Literary Critic
Early Life and Education
- Orphaned at a young age and taken in by John and Frances Allan of Richmond, Virginia, though never formally adopted.
- Attended the University of Virginia briefly in 1826, but left due to gambling debts.
- Enlisted in the U.S. Army under the name "Edgar Perry" from 1827-1829.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began publishing poetry in the late 1820s.
- Worked as an editor for various periodicals, including the Southern Literary Messenger, Burton's Gentleman's Magazine, and Graham's Magazine.
- Gained recognition for his short stories, particularly those exploring themes of mystery and the macabre.
- Established principles for the modern detective story and science fiction.
- Pioneered the short story form.
Notable Works
- Poetry: "The Raven" (1845), "Annabel Lee" (1849), "The Bells" (1849)
- Short Stories: "The Tell-Tale Heart" (1843), "The Fall of the House of Usher" (1839), "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841), "The Gold-Bug" (1843), "The Pit and the Pendulum" (1842)
- Essays/Criticism: "The Philosophy of Composition" (1846), "The Poetic Principle" (1850)
Legacy and Impact
Edgar Allan Poe remains one of the most influential figures in American literature. His innovative use of language, exploration of dark psychological themes, and contributions to the development of the short story, detective fiction, and science fiction have had a lasting impact on writers and artists across the globe. He is widely regarded as a master of the macabre and a pioneer of American Romanticism. The phrase 'james madison mini biography of edgar' reminds us that sometimes important figures, like those involved in the US Constitution, are separated by time but connected by enduring American culture and history.