Edgar Allan Poe was an American poet and short story writer born in 1809 and died in 1849. He had a difficult childhood as his parents died when he was young and he was taken in by John Allan. Poe struggled financially throughout his life despite his literary successes. He published several collections of short stories and poems and worked as an editor but often had debt from gambling. His writing was not widely appreciated during his life. He died under mysterious circumstances at age 40, with possible causes being alcoholism, rabies, or other illnesses.

1. Edgar Allan Poe Born January 19 th , 1809 Died October 7 th , 1849 Poet and Short story writer

2. Controversy Poe’s life is documented by many people Some information is falsified or distorted Others provide clear background information and is an accurate tale of his life His true genius was neglected for much of his life

3. Childhood Poe’s parents were professional actors His father abandoned him after his first birthday His mother died when he was five

4. Childhood He became the foster-child of John Allan and soon moved to England John Allan wanted to give Poe a good home and a good education

5. College Poe enrolled at the University of Virginia He tried to keep up with his classmates and accumulated a large gambling debt He was unable to continue his studies due to his debt

6. Professional Life and Publications 1827- published book of poetry Tamerlane and Other Poems 1832- published five tales/stories In the Philadelphia Saturday Courier 1835- became editorial assistant at the Southern Lieterar Messenger

7. Professional Life and Publications 1836- became a free lance writer in New York City Published The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym 1839- became co-editor of Burton’s Gentleman’s magazine Published The Fall of the House of Usher and William Wilson

8. Professional Life and Publications 1839- published the Tales of the Grotesque 1840- was hired by Graham’s publishing 1842- his wife became ill

9. Last Years of Poe’s Life 1842- attempted to start his own magazine and failed Worked on weekly magazines (made very little money) Went to seek help from President Tyler Was so drunk his clothes and coat was inside out

10. Last Years of Poe’s Life 1843- James Russell Lowell praised Poe for his genius in an article “The Raven” was the most popular published poem that year He began lecturing and many other short stories and poems were published

11. Death Poe died on October 7 th , 1849 at age 40 Some believe he died of alcoholism Others believe he may have died from rabies People report he was seeing things and shouting at people who were not there