Edgar Allen Poe

             "Poetry is a form of imaginative literary expression that makes it's effect by the sound and imagery of it's language ("Poetry")." Many poets base their writings on their personal experiences throughout life. Some poets write of their memories or hopes, or even dreams. Edgar Allan Poe was one of the greatest American writers of all time. He was known as a poet and critic. Poe is one of many authors who's life has been reflected throughout his poems and other writings. E. A. Poe was born in Boston in 1809. He was orphaned in early childhood. He was raised by a businessman in England from the age of six. He returned to the U.S. after many years, remaining in private schools. In America, Poe dug himself into a life of alcohol and gambling. His foster father, John Allan, was displeased with this and forced him to work as a clerk. Poe hated his job as a clerk, quit the job, and went back to Boston. This upset John Allan extremely. In Boston, Poe published his first book, Tamerland and Other Poems. He soon enlisted, and served two years in the United States Army. Afterwards Poe published a second volume to his book, naming it Al Aaraaf. He began reconciling with Allan, who got him an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. Poe was accepted but was dismissed for neglect of duty after only a short time. Allan then disowned Poe, permanently. A couple of years later Poe's third book, Poems, was published. He moved again, now to Baltimore, where he lived with his aunt and her eleven year-old daughter, Virginia Clemm. The next year he released another book, A MS. Found in a Bottle, with this he won a writing contest. Poetry Poe became an editor shortly after the contest, he worked for Southern Literary Messenger. During these two years at the company he married his younger cousin, Virginia. Viriginia became ill, and Poe moved from job to job. After eleven years of marriage, Virginia died and Poe himself became ill.