Born Boston, Mass, 1809, d.1849. Deserted by his father, and his mother died when he was two. Raised by John Allan, a merchant, and his wife Frances. Published his first work, Tamerlaine and Other Poems, in 1827; The Raven and Other Poems was a Great success in 1845. His many stories are collected in Tales of Mystery and Imagination. Died of drink in Baltimore.