Edgar Allan Poe, a 19th century American writer, is credited with founding the detective fiction genre. He was born in Boston on January 19 in 1809.
Among the varied group that cites Poe as a primary influence are Jules Verne, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Oscar Wilde, the Russian writer Dostoyevsky, and Jorge Luis Borges. Filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock was a fan and Poe's style can be scene in the thrillmaster's movies. So important is his contribution that the Mystery Writers of America named their achievement award "The Edgar."
Most of Poe's works are free from copyright restrictions and may be read online for free. In the spirit of the Poe's birthday, read -- or re-read -- these Poe classics:
- The Raven
- A Cask of Amontillado
- The Fall of the House of Usher
- Ligeia
- The Murders in the Rue Morgue
- The Pit and the Pendulum
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