Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849) was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. His early life was shaped by foster care and instability. Orphaned at two, he was taken in by John Allan, a wealthy merchant in Richmond, Virginia, who never formally adopted him but gave him the name "Edgar Allan Poe." Allan alternated between spoiling and harshly disciplining Poe, creating a turbulent environment. In 1815, the family moved to the United Kingdom, where Poe attended various schools in Scotland and London before returning to Richmond. These early experiences of loss, privilege, and transatlantic education deeply influenced his later life and works. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre.