Edgar Allen Poe is perhaps the most melodramatic author in American history. Edgar Allen Poe's mother was an actress. She marred a man named David Poe in 1806. His tendacy towards alcoholism destroyed his career. Little Edgar was born in Boston on January 19th, 1809, his father soon deserted the family. In December of 1811 Mrs.Poe died. John Allen, a young merchant, took baby Edgar in. Poe followed the family to England, where he attended several good schools. At the University of Vriginia, Poe studied and drank. Poe joined the army and made it to the rank of sergeant major. Poe wrote several important works at this time including Tamerlane and Other Poems. Poe's career was mainly spent in literary centers where he was a critic. Poe scretely married his cousin when he was 13. Much of his work was published in magazines. He was fired from jobs for drinking. Sadly, his wife Virigina died at 24 when a blood vessel bursted in her throat. Poe began ruining his opportunities to be a more popular writer by becoming a staunch drunk. With fame, Poe became worse. Poe died on October 7th, 1849 from "congestion of the brain."
One of the things Poe is most famous for is the invention of the dective story.
Sources:
Norton Anthology of American Literature. Vol A. Ed. Nina Baym. NY: Norton and Company 2003. 1505-1510