Edgar Allan Poe
1809-1849
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted--nevermore!
Best known for his poems and short fiction, Edgar Allan Poe deserves more credit than
any other writer for the transformation of the short story from anecdote to art. He
virtually created the detective story and perfected the psychological thriller. He also
produced some of the most influential literary criticism of his time--important
theoretical statements on poetry and the short story--and has had a worldwide influence
on literature.
Poe's parents were touring actors; both died before he was 3 years old, and he was
taken into the home of John Allan, a prosperous merchant in Richmond, Virginia, and
baptized Edgar Allan Poe. His childhood was uneventful, although he studied (1815-20)
for 5 years in England. In 1826 he entered the University of Virginia but stayed for only
a year. Although a good student, he ran up large gambling debts that Allan refused to
pay. Allan prevented his return to the university and broke off Poe's engagement to
Sarah, his sweetheart. Lacking any means of support, Poe enlisted in the army. He had,
however, already written and printed (at his own expense) his first book, Tamerlane and
Other Poems (1827), verses written in the manner of Byron.
Temporarily reconciled, Allan secured Poe's release from the army and his appointment
to West Point but refused to provide financial support. After 6 months Poe apparently
contrived to be dismissed from West Point for disobedience of orders. His fellow cadets,
however, contributed the funds for the publication of further poetry, including To Helen
and Israfel, which show the restraint and the calculated musical effects of language that
were to characterize his poetry.
Poe next took up residence in Baltimore with his widowed aunt, Maria Clemm, and her
daughter, Virginia, and turned to fiction as a way to support himself. Poe, his aunt, and
Virginia moved to Richmond in 1835, and he became