Written by Lynn Marie Allen
January 19, 1809, Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts. You will become familiar with him as a writer, poet, and critic. Later, Edgar developed a flair for writing mysteries and detective stories.
Throughout Edgar’s life, he faced tragedy and addiction, which may attribute to his “darker” writing style. By age 3, Edgar had lost both his parents, and Edgar will then be in the care of his wealthy Godparent, John Allan. By age 17, another tragedy strikes when Godparent and Edgar argue over his gambling debts.
Edgar was handsome by all accounts and had the propensity to drink excessively. By 27, Edgar married his much younger cousin Virginia Clemm who was 13. Eleven years later, in 1847, Edgar’s wife died due to Tuberculosis. A mere two years later, after falling deeper into depression and addiction, Edgar died following a three-day drinking binge at a party.
Forest of Words 