Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic known for his macabre and gothic tales and poems. He is best remembered for his mastery of mystery and the macabre, making significant contributions to the early development of the genre of detective fiction. His notable works include poems such as "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" and stories like "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," which is often considered the first detective story. Poe's dark and often eerie work mirrored his own troubled life, which was marked by hardship, including the death of his wife Virginia and his struggles with alcoholism and financial woes. Nevertheless, his innovative writing and profound influence on both American and international literature have cemented his place as a central figure in literary history.