I chose Edgar Allan Poe to research and write about because he has continually interested me. Though some might find him downright eerie, his life and work have always ignited a peculiar sense of curiosity within me. As a writer myself, I can personally vouch for the fact that his works arise and inspire other authors. He is one of the most original writers to ever have walked the face of our great Earth. I chose Poe because he was one of the very first pioneers of mystery and horror in the United States, both of which are nowadays found everywhere in popular culture and media. Well-known as a “master of macabre,” the essence of Poe radiates thrilling enigmas of chillers and thrillers alike. Whenever I read one of his dark tales or haunting poems, I find myself swayed with a distressed yet exhilarated feeling which reaches the perfect mix of excitement and anxiety. I need to know: Does this man’s work affect everyone this way? If the answer is yes, then it is clear to see that literature--and therefore, American culture itself--has been comprehensively changed by a single man and his life. It is for this reason exactly that I decided to delve more deeply into the legacy of one Mr. Edgar Allan Poe.