Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was an iconic American writer, poet, literary critic, and editor, considered a pioneer of the detective genre and a master of Gothic literature. His work is characterized by deep psychologism, gloomy aesthetics, and unforgettable atmosphere.
Poe was born in Boston, but his life was marked by tragedy: he lost his parents at an early age, was raised by a foster family, and suffered financial hardship. He began publishing his poetry in the 1820s, but his true fame came through his short stories, such as "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," and "The Tell-Tale Heart," as well as his poetry, including the legendary poem "The Raven."
Edgar Allan Poe laid the foundations of the modern detective story with the creation of the iconic detective hero in The Murders in the Rue Morgue, and was an inspiration to many writers, including Arthur Conan Doyle. He is also one of the first American authors to make a living from writing professionally.
Poe died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 40, but his works left an indelible mark on literature, exploring themes of death, madness, love, and human fears. His work has inspired generations of readers and writers around the world.
