Edgar Allan Poe (1809-49)
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

"All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream." - Edgar Allan Poe

Poe was born into a family who specialized in the performing arts, as his parents were both actors. Young Poe was sent to Europe to receive education in England and Scotland. He attended the University of Virginia upon his return in 1826. A year later, his first book
Tamerlane and Other Poems was published. In 1836, Poe married Virginia Clemm. His wife inspired him to write poetry such as "Annabel Lee." Poe was a dark romantic tortured by alcoholism and a complex mind. He lived a painful life and used neurotic drugs such as opium. He was attracted to intense beauty, violent horror, and death. His poetry is sensational with the use of musical phrases, frightening images, and vivacious words. Poe as a writer analyzed the psyche like never before.

Works
Tamerlane and Other Poems (1827)
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym (1838)
Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque (1840)
The Raven and Other Poems (1845)

Additional Information
Poe's life and works - http://www.poedecoder.com/Qrisse/

Sources:
"Poe, Edgar Allan" The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. New York: Columbia University Press, July 2001. www.bartleby.com/65/.