Edgar Allan Poe, often referred to as E. A. Poe, was an American writer, poet, and literary critic born on January 19, 1809. He is best known for his contributions to the genres of horror and mystery, with famous works such as "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Poe's writing is characterized by its exploration of the macabre and the human psyche. Poe's life was marked by personal tragedy, including the early deaths of his parents and his wife, Virginia Clemm. He is considered a pioneer of the detective fiction genre, influencing later authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and H. P. Lovecraft. Poe passed away on October 7, 1849, leaving a lasting legacy in American literature.