The Short Story

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1809, Edgar Allen Poe had a bleaker life that perhaps lead to the dark tone of his later stories. Regardless, he is often known as the "Father of the Detective Story," having pioneered the idea of mystery and horror in stories.

 

Poe's father left the family when Poe was still very young and his mother passed away when Poe was three years old. Entering foster care, he had a tumultuous relationship with his foster father, who eventualy severed ties with him as a result of gambling, debt, and their general incompatibility.

 

Surprisingly, Poe also served a short stint in teh military, entering West Point military academy where he was strong in his studies, but lacking in his duties, and was eventually removed.

 

Known as a caustic and severe critic, Poe also published his own works. Among the most famous are The Raven, The Fall of the House of Usher, and Murders in the Rue Morgue.