Edgar Allan Poe Background 2009

The Life and The Life and Times ofTimes of

EDGAR ALLAN EDGAR ALLAN POEPOE

Born January 19Born January 19thth of of 18091809

Son of actress Eliza Poe Son of actress Eliza Poe and actor David Poe Jr. and actor David Poe Jr.

Eliza died of Eliza died of tuberculosis (some tuberculosis (some reports say pneumonia) reports say pneumonia) and his father also and his father also died/disappeared. His died/disappeared. His disappearance is disappearance is surrounded in mystery.surrounded in mystery.

Adopted by John and Adopted by John and Fanny Allan in 1811.Fanny Allan in 1811.

Eliza Poe

The Allans moved to The Allans moved to England where England where Edgar attended Edgar attended school.school.

1820: moved back to 1820: moved back to America (Richmond, America (Richmond, VA). VA).

1826: attended the 1826: attended the University of VirginiaUniversity of Virginia

Poe gambled and Poe gambled and drank: he was drank: he was desperate for money desperate for money to pay his gambling to pay his gambling debts, but John Allan debts, but John Allan refused!!!refused!!!

Edgar moved to Baltimore; Edgar moved to Baltimore; wrote poetry wrote poetry (Tamerlane and (Tamerlane and other Poems) other Poems) and worked for a and worked for a small newspapersmall newspaper

1827, joined the US Army as 1827, joined the US Army as Edgar A. PerryEdgar A. Perry

Promoted in 1829 to Promoted in 1829 to Sergeant-Major of the Sergeant-Major of the Regiment of Artillery.Regiment of Artillery.

1829: Mrs. Allan dies; Poe did 1829: Mrs. Allan dies; Poe did not learn about death in time not learn about death in time – by the time he arrived, she – by the time he arrived, she was dead.was dead.

Poe leaves Army; enters West Poe leaves Army; enters West Point; dismissed 3 mos. laterPoint; dismissed 3 mos. later

Edgar worked very hard, Edgar worked very hard, continued to write, but his continued to write, but his debt grew larger.debt grew larger.

He drank often.He drank often. 1836: He married his cousin, 1836: He married his cousin,

Virginia Clemm. She was 14 Virginia Clemm. She was 14 years old.years old.

1836-1840: Published several 1836-1840: Published several stories/journalsstories/journals

1841: published 1841: published The Murders The Murders in the Rue Morguein the Rue Morgue, the first , the first true detective story. Poe’s true detective story. Poe’s name was not originally on the name was not originally on the story, and he didn’t make $story, and he didn’t make $

1845: “The Raven” earns him 1845: “The Raven” earns him $15.$15.

1847: Virginia, his young wife, 1847: Virginia, his young wife, dies of tuberculosis dies of tuberculosis (consumption)(consumption)

Poe gets involved with a few Poe gets involved with a few other women, but does not other women, but does not stay sober or successful long stay sober or successful long enough to please them.enough to please them.

1849: Poe leaves Richmond, 1849: Poe leaves Richmond, arrives in Baltimore.arrives in Baltimore.

October 7, 1849, Edgar Allan October 7, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe dies in a street in Poe dies in a street in Baltimore.Baltimore.

The reason for his death is The reason for his death is unknown to this day.unknown to this day.

1910 - Poe is inducted into the 1910 - Poe is inducted into the Hall of Fame in New York.Hall of Fame in New York.

Although Poe’s life ended in despair Although Poe’s life ended in despair and disappointment, his writing has and disappointment, his writing has

made him immortal to many.made him immortal to many.

Including… Including…

POE, the Baltimore

Ravens mascot!

In a poll put to the football fans of Baltimore, they were asked this question:What Baltimore person, place, or thing would best represent this new Baltimore team?Out of the 30,000+ fans to respond, 21,108 selected the winner: the Baltimore Ravens.

AND… AND… The The Poe ToasterPoe Toaster is the unofficial is the unofficial

nickname given to a mysterious figure nickname given to a mysterious figure who pays an annual tribute to American who pays an annual tribute to American author Edgar Allan Poe by visiting the author Edgar Allan Poe by visiting the author's original grave marker on his author's original grave marker on his birthday, January 19.birthday, January 19.

In the early hours of the morning on that date, a black-clad figure, presumed to be male, with a silver-tipped cane enters the Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in Baltimore, Maryland. The individual proceeds to Poe's grave, where he or she raises a cognac toast. Before departing, the Toaster leaves three red roses and a half-bottle of Martell cognac on the grave.