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Edgar Allan Poe Biography

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Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1809. He was an American writer, poet, critic and editor best known for evocative short stories and poems that captured the imagination and interest of readers around the world. He is famous for his tales and poems of horror and mystery, including “The Fall of the House of usher,” “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven.” His imaginative storytelling and tales of mystery and horror gave birth to the modern detective story. Poe’s father and mother were professional actors who at the time of his birth were members of a repertory company in Boston. Before Poe was three years old, both of his parents died, and he was raised in the home of John Allan, a prosperous exporter from Richmond, Virginia, who never legally adopted his foster son. Poe attended the best schools available, and was admitted to the University of Virginia at Charlottesville in 1825. Poe returned briefly to Richmond, but his relationship with Allan deteriorated. In 1827, he moved to Boston and enlisted in the United States Army. His first collection of poems, Tamerlane, and other poems was published that year. In 1829, he published a second collection entitled Al-Aaraaf, Tamerlane and Minor poems but neither volume received significant critical or public attention. Following his army service, Poe was admitted to the United States Military Academy, but he was again forced to leave for lack of financial support. Poe began to sell short stories to

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