1. Edgar Allan Poe A Talented, Tormented Writer

2. “What a strange, though enormously talented writer, that Edgar Poe.” – Feodor Dostoyevsky

3. Edgar Allan Poe Wrote haunting tales which explained the dark side of the human mind. Made sadness and depression the basis of a distinctive body of literary work. Concerned with psychology and the dark complexity of the soul. Presented the fantastic and impossible clearly and vividly.

4. Literary Contributions Known as a literary critic during his lifetime; now renowned for poems and short stories in the Gothic tradition.

5. Poetic Pioneer Regarded poems as his greatest works. Though poetry should have a musical effect, be expressive of beauty, and composed logically. – “The Raven” (1845) – “For Annie” (1849) – “Annabel Lee” (1849)

6. Founder of the Short Story A story or poem should create a single effect. – “The Pit and the Pendulum” (1842) – “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843) – “The Cask of Amontillado” (1846)

7. Originator of the Detective Story With the publication of “Murders in the Rue Morgue” in 1841, Poe gave birth to a new genre: The Detective Story.

8. “Ambitious to Excel” Never formally adopted by the Allans Wrote poems at a young age – By aged sixteen, had written enough to fill a book

9. Restless Spirit Tamerlane and Other Poems, his first book, was published in 1827. Poe was eighteen. Gets himself expelled from West Point.

10. Man of Letters “…excessively slothful, and wonderfully industrious – by fits.” Married 14-year-old cousin Virginia. In 1844, moved to New York with Virginia, but was plagued by poverty and ill health.

11. Poe’s Death Died in Baltimore in 1849 under mysterious circumstances.