Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was a Boston-born writer, poet, and editor who is widely considered to be one of history’s masters of dark, mysterious poetry and prose. Weaving an unnerving sense of luridness throughout much of his work, Poe crafted numerous macabre short stories and poems that make up an elite collection of horror and science fiction literature.
Poe’s work was likely inspired by his own tragic childhood; both of his parents died while he was very young, and his foster mother passed away when he was 20. After a short stint in the army, Poe self-published a book entitled Tamerlane and Other Poems; it was to be the start of a brilliant career that included classic poems such as The Raven and the sinister short story The Cask of Amontillado.
Poe’s death is surrounded by mystery and controversy; some believe that alcoholism was his ultimate undoing, while others are convinced that he was murdered. Over a century and a half later, Poe’s obsession with dark themes still enraptures readers today. There even exists a notorious “Poe Toaster” who mysteriously visits Poe’s gravesite on his birthdays, leaving cognac and roses. It is quite obvious that Poe possessed the distinct talent of tapping into humans’ fascination with violence and death, and his work continues to entice both modern readers and authors alike.
Poe’s Original Notes: Re-Created On a Journal Cover
Paperblanks’ Poe, Tamerlane journal has a cover that depicts a page from Poe’s first published work, Tamerlane and Other Poems. The page itself consists of two fragments of the poem Tamerlane and several words not part of the text can be seen written in the margins and interlinearly throughout.
This design is available in two sizes: Ultra and Mini. For more details of these books, go to the products page here.
Paperblanks’ Embellished Manuscripts Collection
To inspire the writer, these unique writing journals portray the work of some of the greatest writers, thinkers and artists of all time. These reproductions of excerpts from original manuscripts, letters, scores and drawings provide a glimpse into the creative process of figures such as William Shakespeare, Sigmund Freud and Vincent van Gogh.
To see the full range of artists and reproduced manuscripts go here.
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Beethoven’s Original Notes: Re-Created On a Journal Cover
This autographed manuscript of Violin Sonata no. 10 in G Major is Beethoven’s final violin sonata. It was written in 1812 for Pierre Rode, the greatest French violinist of the day and first performed by Rode and Archduke Rudolph, to whom the work is dedicated.
This design is available in two sizes: Ultra and Mini. For more details of these books, go to the products page here.
Paperblanks’ Embellished Manuscripts Collection
To inspire the writer, these unique writing journals portray the work of some of the greatest writers, thinkers and artists of all time. These reproductions of excerpts from original manuscripts, letters, scores and drawings provide a glimpse into the creative process of figures such as William Shakespeare, Sigmund Freud and Vincent van Gogh.
To see the full range of artists and reproduced manuscripts go here.
FAQs
What tragic childhood events influenced his writing? When Poe was 2 his mother died and his father abandoned him. Why did Poe leave the University of Virginia? Poe did not enjoy the time he spent there and he was expelled in March 1831.
What tragic events in Poe's real life may have contributed to his dark macabre writing style? ›
Poe's work was likely inspired by his own tragic childhood; both of his parents died while he was very young, and his foster mother passed away when he was 20.
Do you think that Poe's family problems influenced many of the macabre themes in his writing? ›
Edgar Allan Poe's' life affected his writing in many ways. Some of the great themes of this writing were death of his loved ones, his alcoholism and always living in a constant state of poverty. At an early age Poe lost his mother to Tuberculosis and was orphaned.
Did Edgar Allan Poe marry a 13 year old? ›
Edgar and Virginia were married in 1836. She was 13 years old and he was 27 years old. In 1842, Virginia became ill with tuberculosis. She died of the disease on January 30, 1847, at the age of 24.
What important experiences influenced Edgar Allan Poe? ›
Two important events in the life of Edgar Allan Poe happened in his infancy. His father abandoned the family and his mother died. Not having his natural parents may have led to feelings of abandonment, which may account for Poe's drinking and gambling.
Why does Edgar Allan Poe write such dark stories? ›
The tragedies during his life, such as the death of his biological and adoptive moms, followed by the death of his young wife Virginia were important factors which formed his gothic style. Poe is known for his drinking problems and use of drugs. Those habits had a big influence in his life and in his works.
What is the scariest story of Edgar Allan Poe? ›
One of Poe's most suspenseful terror tales, “The Pit and the Pendulum” traps you in that dungeon cell, making you face each vividly described fear and experience the mounting nightmare horror of it all. And yet, as the narrator reminds us, “In death—no! Even in the grave all is not lost!”
What events in Edgar Allan Poe's life inspired him to write? ›
His mother died shortly after he was born and his father abandoned him. The death of his brother pushed him into pursuing his career as a writer head on. Poe's grief for the women he lost in his life heavily influenced many of his writings.
What events in Edgar Allan Poe's life most likely had the greatest influence on his writing? ›
**Early Life**: Poe's difficult childhood, marked by the early loss of both his parents, abandonment by his foster father, and financial struggles, likely influenced his themes of loss, loneliness, and death in his writing.
What is Edgar Allan Poe's message? ›
By looking at Poe's poetry and short stories, the common themes of obsession, paranoia, and alienation emerge. Through these themes, Poe's works serve as cautionary tales to the incomplete nature of sentimental literature towards the full human condition.
As offensive as the marriage may be to modern mores, it appears to have been motivated by Poe's understandable desire to unite what little family he had, while his aunt, Maria Clemm—Virginia's mother—consented to the union, and always lived with the couple afterward.
Did Edgar Allan Poe marry a 14-year-old? ›
The couple were first cousins and publicly married when Virginia Clemm was 13 and Poe was 27. Biographers disagree as to the nature of the couple's relationship. Though their marriage was loving, some biographers suggest they viewed one another more like a brother and sister.
What did Poe call his wife? ›
The museum and most scholars present the case that when Edgar married his cousin Virginia in Richmond, he was searching for a homelife he had never enjoyed with the Allan's. He called his wife “Sissy,” (sister) and no one will ever know their true relationship.
How many wives did Edgar Allan Poe have in his lifetime? ›
Answer and Explanation:
Edgar Allan Poe had one wife. Poe had a few engagements but did not marry until he was 26 years old. In 1836, Poe married his cousin Virginia Eliza Clemm when she was 13 years old and the two remained together until her death in 1847. Poe died two years after Virginia in Baltimore, Maryland.
What was his childhood like Edgar Allan Poe? ›
Orphaned at age two, Poe grew up in the Richmond, Virginia home of a childless couple, merchant John Allan and his wife Frances. His foster parents treated him well, though Frances was Poe's primary source of affection. Allan paid for Poe's education at schools in England and in Virginia.
What was Edgar Allan Poe's early life like? ›
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. As a boy, Poe attended the best schools available, and was admitted to the University of Virginia at Charlottesville in 1825.
Where was Edgar Allan Poe childhood? ›
Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston. Poe's father and mother, both professional actors, died before the poet was three years old, and John and Frances Allan raised him as a foster child in Richmond, Virginia.
What was Edgar Allan Poe's childhood trauma? ›
Poe's father deserted the family when Edgar was two years old, and his mother died of tuberculosis when he was three. Poe's stories helped him to accommodate to these early traumatic losses. Bonaparte vicariously shared in Poe's loss and the fantasies of the return of the deceased parent in his stories.
