The Strange Life (And Even Stranger Death) Of Edgar Allan Poe

Published January 19, 2016
Updated August 21, 2024

As these eerie Edgar Allan Poe facts reveal many elements of the gothic writer's life were just as mysterious and intriguing as his work.

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The Strange Life (And Even Stranger Death) Of Edgar Allan Poe
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It's no wonder that Edgar Allan Poe wrote such sad stories; the guy lived a depressing life.

From his parents abandoning him to his wife's premature death to the mysterious end of his own life, bad luck seemed to follow him like a curse.

Even so, he managed to secure a lasting spot as one of the most iconic writers in history.

Almost everyone recognizes his name and can name at least one of his works, but we bet most people don't know these weird and fun facts about America's favorite pessimist.


Enjoy these Edgar Allan Poe facts? Next, read up on the history of immurement, the process of being sealed into a small room and left to die, as described in one of Poe's most famous stories. Then, take a look at these 15 lesser-known Kurt Vonnegut facts sure to fascinate any literature buff. Then, learn more about the incredible life of Edgar Allen Poe.

author
Erin Kelly
author
An All That's Interesting writer since 2013, Erin Kelly focuses on historic places, natural wonders, environmental issues, and the world of science. Her work has also been featured in Smithsonian and she's designed several book covers as a graphic artist.
editor
John Kuroski
editor
Based in Brooklyn, New York, John Kuroski is the editorial director of All That's Interesting. He graduated from New York University with a degree in history, earning a place in the Phi Alpha Theta honor society for history students. An editor at All That's Interesting since 2015, his areas of expertise include modern American history and the ancient Near East. In an editing career spanning 17 years, he previously served as managing editor of Elmore Magazine in New York City for seven years.
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Kelly, Erin. "The Strange Life (And Even Stranger Death) Of Edgar Allan Poe." AllThatsInteresting.com, January 19, 2016, https://allthatsinteresting.com/edgar-allan-poe-facts. Accessed August 9, 2025.