The genius and orphan son of itinerant actors, Poe led a tragic life and suffered greatly--as much at his own hands as those of Fate. Yet tragedy never stopped him from writing: poems, short stories, literary journalism, and even creating a new genre, the detective story--a contribution so great that the most prestigious writing award for crime fiction, given annually by the Mystery Writers of America, bears his name.

The Everything Guide to Edgar Allan Poe is a fascinating guide to the tormented genius, with critical insight into:

• His difficult childhood
• His 13-year-old bride
• The truth about his drug use
• The enduring mystery of his death

Poe led a life as epic as one of his poems. In The Everything Guide to Edgar Allan Poe, you'll learn all the deepest secrets that haunted this tortured writer, influenced his writing, and ultimately drove him to an early death.