Edgar Allan Poe Biography

In 1826, his first work was published anonymously, entitled 'Tamarlane and Other Poems', for which he gained little recognition. At this time he was also engaged in an ill-fated career in the military, which ended in 1831 when he was dishonourably ejected from West Point military academy.

A move to Baltimore to live with his aunt signalled an upturn in his literary career. Here, he started to publish short works of fiction in magazines. His moderate success in this field led to his being hired as an editor for The Southern Literary Messenger, a position which he is said to have excelled in.

He was later sacked from this position because of his drinking habit, but was employed as an editor by a variety of other magazines through his lifetime.

In 1840, 'Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque' was published in two volumes. This collection included one of his most widely known stories, 'The Fall of the House of Usher'.

In 1845, he published 'Tales and The Raven' and 'Other Poems'. These earned him some recognition as a writer, but did not manage to ease the financial difficulties of his family.

His wife Virginia died in 1847, an event which triggered a long period of depression for Poe, and increased his dependency on alcohol and drugs. He attempted suicide in 1848 and died tragically the year after.

Since his death he has been recognised as an enduring and pioneering story-teller. He has been credited by some as the originator of the science-fiction genre in stories such as .Von Kempelen and His Discovery., and the first detective novelist, as demonstrated in 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue'.