Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. He is best known for his dark and mysterious works of literature, such as "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart". Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1809 and died in Baltimore, Maryland in 1849. He was a major influence on the development of the horror and detective genres. His works often explore themes of death, madness, and the supernatural. Poe's writing style is characterized by its use of dark imagery and symbolism. He is also credited with inventing the modern detective story. Poe's life was filled with tragedy and hardship, and his works often reflect this. He is remembered as one of the most influential writers in American history.