Edgar Allan Poe Biography

Ironically, Poe didn't earn any money from his most famous poem, "The Raven", having published it for free in a newspaper, and thus losing any future royalties.

Poe wrote "The Raven" with the intent of creating what he called an "adult fairy tale" and when asked why he didn't start the poem with the traditional "Once upon a time" but used "Once upon a midnight dreary", Poe replied: "In my 'time' it's always midnight dreary.'" All of Poe's stories took place at night, or if a day scene was required, it was the bleakest, foulest day of the year.

He appears on the album sleeve of The Beatles' 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', along with Oscar Wilde.

The Edgar Awards for mystery literature were named in honour of his writing; interestingly Poe was the first author of a modern detective story. Many also consider him the inventor of the American horror story and science fiction.

Poe once held the position of sergeant major at West Point military academy.