Today, Edgar Allan Poe is best known for his rather macabre Gothic writings, but during his lifetime, he was a respected literary critic who, on the side, wrote brilliant short stories and poetry, and developed the modern detective/mystery genre. Countless authors - and mystery fans - owe Poe a great debt for his contributions to American literature.

Today, Edgar Allan Poe is best known for his rather macabre Gothic writings, but during his lifetime, he was a respected literary critic who, on the side, wrote brilliant short stories and poetry, and developed the modern detective/mystery genre. Countless authors - and mystery fans - owe Poe a great debt for his contributions to American literature.

Edgar Allan Poe, an appreciation -- Life of Poe, by James Russell Lowell -- Death of Poe, by N. P. Willis -- The unparalleled adventures of one Hans Pfaal -- The gold-bug -- Four beasts in one -- The murders in the Rue Morgue -- The mystery of Marie Roget -- The balloon hoax -- MS. found in a bottle -- The oval portrait.

Today, Edgar Allan Poe is best known for his rather macabre Gothic writings, but during his lifetime, he was a respected literary critic who, on the side, wrote brilliant short stories and poetry, and developed the modern detective/mystery genre. Countless authors - and mystery fans - owe Poe a great debt for his contributions to American literature.