Known as one of the best literary geniuses of his time, Edgar Allan Poe is known for penning unforgettably chilling tales of the macabre. In this article, you will learn about some of his biographical information, as well as a few of his notable works.
Poe the Gambler
When Edgar Allan Poe was accepted to attend the University of Virginia, he was 17 years old. However, during his first year at the college, he actually gambled away all of his scholarship funds. Some say that Poe reportedly owed about $2500 to local gamblers. The gambling only got worse as time went on ”“ it played a role to what some say was an addiction to alcohol. There were rumors that Poe arrived at class under the influence and was intoxicated even when taking tests. Yet, the author completed his studies with the highest grades in his class.
The Married Poe
When Edgar Allan Poe married, he took a 13 year old as his bride. He was 27 years when he wed Virginia Eliza Clemm. Historical accounts describe the relationship between the two as being more like brother/sister than husband/wife. Virginia inspired Poe when writing many of his poems, and when she was diagnosed with tuberculosis, he poured out his emotions in the poem titled “Annabel Lee.” Virginia died from the disease. A monument was erected in her honor in Baltimore, Maryland.
His Birth
Edgar Allan Poe was born January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. His birth name was Edgar Poe, and he was orphaned at a young age when his mother died shortly after his father had left behind the family. David Poe was an actor. Poe was brought to Richmond, Virginia, where he was taken in by John and Frances Allan. He was never formally adopted by the couple, but he embraced their last name.
Poe the Soldier?
At one time, Edgar Allan Poe enlisted in the Army, but he did succeed as an officer’s cadet at West Point. After military school, Poe went on to pursue his writing as a full-time venture.
Poe’s First Poems
Poe’s entry into the world of publishing began with a collection of poems that were released in 1827 as written by an anonymous writer. They were called “Tamerlane and Other Poems.” The only credit attached to the work was that a “Bostonian” had penned the poems.
Well-Known Works
Edgar Allan Poe is known for works, such as “The Black Cat,” “Fall of the House of Usher,” and “The Pit and the Pendulum.” Whenever his short stories were published, he truly captivated his audience. His style of writing would go on to influence many future authors. He is also famous for some of the poems he has written, such as “Annabel Lee,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Raven,” and “The Tell Tale Heart.”