Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was an American writer, poet, and literary critic best known for his macabre and Gothic tales. His work pioneered the modern short story, and he is often credited with inventing the detective fiction genre. Some of his most famous works include “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Poe’s dark and imaginative storytelling has left a lasting influence on literature and popular culture.