Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer and literary critic who lived from 1809 to 1849. He is best known for his dark and mysterious short stories and poems, and is often considered a master of the macabre. Poe's first collection of poems, "Tamerlane and Other Poems," was published in 1827. He went on to write many more poems, including "The Raven," which became one of his most famous works. Poe also wrote numerous short stories, including "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Fall of the House of Usher." Today, Poe is regarded as one of the most important figures in American literature, and his works continue to be popular and influential around the world.