Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, and literary critic, born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. He is best known for his macabre and gothic tales, as well as his poetry, which often explores themes of death, love, and the supernatural. Some of his most famous works include "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Fall of the House of Usher." Poe's writing style is characterized by its dark romanticism and psychological depth. He is often credited with pioneering the detective fiction genre with his story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." Poe's influence on literature is profound, and he remains a significant figure in American literature and culture.