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Edgar Allan Poe

Life & History

Early Life: Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. Orphaned young, he was raised by John and Frances Allan in Richmond, Virginia, which influenced his early literary interests.

Career: Poe became a master of gothic literature, writing poems and short stories that explored mystery, horror, and the macabre. Famous works include The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Fall of the House of Usher.

Legacy: He is considered the father of the modern detective story and a pioneer of the horror genre. Poe’s distinctive style and dark themes continue to influence literature, film, and popular culture.

Later Life: Poe struggled with poverty and health issues, dying on October 7, 1849, under mysterious circumstances in Baltimore, Maryland.

Learn the State: Massachusetts

Edgar Allan Poe was born in Massachusetts. Can you guess the capital of Massachusetts?

Map of USA MA

Edgar Allan Poe Biographies

Family Tree Connection

Edgar Allan Poe Family Tree

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Fun Quiz about Edgar Allan Poe!

1. In which state was Edgar Allan Poe born?

2. What is the capital of Massachusetts?

3. Which poem was written by Poe?

4. Poe is credited as the father of which literary genre?