On this date in 1809

Edgar Allan Poe is born.

I think everyone probably recognizes the name. A poet, a writer, a novelist. But probably best known for poetry like 'The Raven' ...tap tap tapping on the chamber door. A tortured soul? Is he being judged? The meaning of life?

Remembered and praised in history as a great work. Yet, a very messy life. Parents dead by 3 years old and raised by his rich grandfather. But that didn't help him achieve social standing as he didn't finish university and wasn't able to last in the military. Sounds like a good label would be 'heavy drinker' as he bounced between various writing gigs. His wife's death made it all worse, and later yet he went missing after drinking one night to be found in a gutter 3 days later. He died in hospital at the age of 40. A sad biography, but a known figure in history all the same.

Good thing I'm still in my 30's!