Who is he? EDGAR ALLAN POE

BASICS Born January 19, 1809 Boston Massachusetts Died October 7, 1849 (age 40) Baltimore, Maryland American author, poet, editor, literary critic Romantic Movement Known for writing about death and mystery

FAMILY Birth parents died when he was young Adopted by John and Frances Allan Never had children

SCHOOL Attended University of Virginia for one semester Dropped out due to lack of money Had to burn his furniture to keep warm Enlisted in the U.S. Army John Allan helped him get an appointment at West Point He was thrown out after 8 months.

ROUGH LIFE He parted ways with his adoptive family He moved to Baltimore and reconnected with birth ancestors In 1835, he married Virginia Clemm 13 year old cousin (He was 27 years old.) In 1847, his wife died of Tuberculosis

LADIES MAN Elmira Royster Shelton Engaged to her before he went into the army but she became engaged to another man. Virginia Clemm Married his 13 year old cousin. Nancy Richmond – wrote his greatest poetry about her. She was already married to another man. Sarah Helen Whitman Engagement only lasted a month Elmira Royster Shelton She was widowed so they got engaged again.

BEST KNOWN WORKS The Tell-Tale Heart The Raven The Fall of the House of Usher Tamerlane – first book at age 18 Critic – reputation as a mean critic who insulted authors

DEATH October 3, 1849 He was found wearing someone else’s clothes, wandering the streets, acting delirious. October 7, 1849 – 5:00 am He died at Washington College Hospital All medical records and his death certificate have been lost. Many suggest it was alcoholism

RUFUS GRISWOLD Mad at Poe for his harsh criticism Wrote Poe’s obituary Tried to ruin Poe’s reputation after his death Called him a drunk, womanizing, mad man