Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19th, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He is known today for being the founder of present day detective stories and the science fiction genre. He is also known for his sad and depressing stories, as well as poetry. Although this is how we recognize him now, he lived his life as America's first critic of literature. Poe is thought to be the first American author who attempted to make a living only on a career in writing. Although Poe lived a disturbed childhood having grown up without his mother and father, by the age of thirteen, he had written enough poetry to form a book. In the years following, Poe published books and even joined the military. People believe that Poe died because of alcoholism due to his wife Virginia's death, but it is not actually known. One of Poe's recognizable quotes states, "If you wish to forget anything on the spot, make a note that this thing is to be remembered"(Poe Marginalia). "Edgar Allan Poe-American Poet-Quotes." Eurpoean Graduate School. Eurpoean Graduate School, 03 02 2014. Web. 3 Feb 2014. . "Poe's Life Who is Edgar Allan Poe?." Poe Museum. Poe Museum. Web. 3 Feb 2014. . "Edgar Allan Poe." Poets.org. Academy of American Poets. Web. 3 Feb 2014. . "The Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe." . Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore. Web. 3 Feb 2014. .