Edgar Allan Poe Life and Times of Poe

Mar 9, 2009 Gwendolyn Cuizon
Edgar Allan Poe lived a fascinating life, as fascinating as the tales he wove. He undoubtedly mastered the art of irony and writing psychological thrillers.

Edgar Allan Poe is probably one of the most recognizable names in American literature. He was a poet, short story writer, editor and critic. He gained immense popularity and acclaimed for his works in poems and short fiction. He is credited for making a short story from an anecdote to a work of art. His works give him a lot of distinction, making him a household name today.

He practically invented the detective story and perfected the craft of writing psychological thrillers. His literary criticisms which usually revolve on theoretical statements on poetry and short story are considered the most influential during his time. His influence on worldwide literature is also apparent (Regan, 1967).
His Life and Works

Edgar Allan Poe was born to David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins in Boston on January 19, 1809. Unfortunately, Poe's parents died before he turned 3 years old. John Allan a prosperous merchant in Richmond, Va., took him in his home and had him baptized as Edgar Allan Poe. He studied in England from 1815-20. He enrolled in the University of Virginia 1n 1826. He only stayed for a year though.

Poe incurred gambling debts. As a result, Allan prevented him to return to the university and broke his engagement to his girlfriend in Richmond, Sarah Elmira Royster. With no financial support, Poe joined the army. By this time he had already self-published his first book, Tammerlane and Other Poems (1827).

Allan and Poe reconciled. Poe knowingly disobeyed commands so he would be dismissed from West Point. His fellow cadets contributed money so he could print his third book Poems by Edgar A. Poe ... Second Edition (1831). His first two were Tamerlane and Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems (1829).

Read more at Suite101: Edgar Allan Poe: Life and Times of Poe http://biographiesmemoirs.suite101.com/article.cfm/edgar_allan_poe#ixzz0eQDkEG9l