His Life and Contributions

A great author is born! Born January 19, 1809 Parents were David and Elizabeth Poe Born in Boston, Massachusetts A brother, David, Jr., and a sister, Rosalie

Orphaned as a young boy… Edgar was orphaned before the age of three and sent to live with John and Frances Allan. He was a happy child living a carefree and comfortable life.The women in his life adored him and spoiled him rotten.

Life began… He was born into a poverty-stricken family. His parents were actors.

The Formative Years… Living with the Allans, Edgar was given the best of everything. John Allan promised to give Edgar the education he had not had growing up. He was put in private school from the early age of six. He attended the University of Virginia for one year. After that he attended the United States Military Academy.

Important dates in his life… 1811 – His mother died and he was turned over to foster care 1827 – !st book published anonymously - Tamerlane and Other Poems 1829 – 2 nd volume of verse – Al Araaf published 1839 – Fall of The House of Usher first appeared in a newspaper he worked for.

About the man… As Edgar grew older, he became involved in drinking and gambling. He was discharged from the Army for his neglect of duty. John Allan was so disappointed with Edgar, he cut him off and never had contact again.

The death of a great poet… Edgar was found unconscious on a street in Baltimore. He had on strange clothes and had been seen earlier acting really weird. The cause of death was said to be “congestion of the brain” or “cerebral inflammation.” Some thought he had been drinking again, but there was no sign of alcohol.

Contributions… He is best known for his poetic output. His flawless literary construction, haunting theme and meter are remarkable. He is the First Master of the short story form, especially in tales of horror and mystery. He had more books published than any other American author.

Married life… In 1836 Edgar married his young cousin, Virginia Clemm. She died in They had no children.

This slide show was created by: Kandy K. Pope