Known for his disturbing and sinister work, Edgar Allan Poe's writings have captured the attention of readers for nearly two centuries. His works and reputation were largely influenced by his childhood, education, adulthood, and difficulties with his career, along with his legacy before and after his death. Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts, as David and the second son of three children of Elizabeth Poe. David and Elizabeth were professional stage actors in a company that performed along the east coast of America (Dameron, J. Lasley). David was not as popular an actor as Elizabeth was and so he drank himself away before leaving the mother of three to fend for herself and the children. (“Edgar Allan Poe.” Edgar Allan Poe.) Elizabeth Poe died on December 11, 1811 of tuberculosis, a disease that destroys the lungs. Edgar, his older brother, and his younger sister were orphaned and then separated into different relative and foster homes (Lange, Karen E. 10-11). Edgar went to live with a wealthy tobacco salesman, John Allan and his wife Frances. (Dameron, J. Lasley) They had him christened with their name as his middle name, but the Allans did not legally adapt Edgar. In his first three years of life, many events occurred that paved the way for Poe's literary influences. Being raised by a wealthy family, he was able to receive a better education than his biological parents promised. When the Allans moved to London for John's tobacco business, Poe was enrolled in excellent English boarding schools. He was extremely advanced in many subjects, including writing, spelling, literature, the French and Latin languages, and the Christian faith, before going to college. I… middle of paper… high education, relationship complications, career struggles, and controversies before and after his death produced a menacing writing style, masterpieces, and reputation. By applying his writings to the unconscious mind, Edgar Allan Poe managed to get “under the skin of the reader” (Lange, Karen E. Forword) with his disturbing and sinister work. Works Cited Dameron, J. Lasley. “Edgar Allan Poe, 1809-1849.” Edgar Allan Poe. The University Library of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 2004. Network. April 24, 2014. "Edgar Allan Poe." Edgar Allan Poe. Pearson Literature Education. nd Web. April 24, 2014. "Edgar Allan Poe." Poet.org. Academy of American Poets. nd Web. April 24, 2014.Lange, Karen E. Never Again. Washington DC: National Geographic. 2009. Print. "The Life of Poe". Edgar Allan Poe Museum: Poe's Life, Legacy, and Works: Richmond Virginia. NP and Web. 24 April. 2014.