History of Edgar Allan Poe in Timeline

Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer, poet, editor, and critic, is renowned for his dark and mysterious stories and poems. A key figure in American Romanticism and Gothic fiction, he pioneered the detective fiction genre and significantly influenced science fiction. Despite his literary success, Poe struggled financially throughout his life, highlighting the challenges faced by early American writers.

1949: The "Poe Toaster" Tradition Begins

The tradition of the "Poe Toaster" is believed to have begun in 1949. This anonymous individual would leave a bottle of cognac and three roses at Poe's grave every year on his birthday, January 19th. The identity and motivations of the "Poe Toaster" have remained a mystery, adding to the allure surrounding Edgar Allan Poe's legacy.

1992: Poe's Cipher Solved

In 1992, a cipher published by Edgar Allan Poe in 1841 under the pseudonym "W. B. Tyler" was finally solved. The cipher turned out to be a quote from Joseph Addison's play "Cato."

2000: Poe's Second Cipher Solved

Another cipher published by Edgar Allan Poe in 1841 under the pseudonym "W. B. Tyler" was solved in 2000. This cipher is believed to be based on a poem by Hester Thrale.

August 15, 2007: Sam Porpora Claims to Be "Poe Toaster"

On August 15, 2007, Sam Porpora, a historian at Baltimore's Westminster Church, where Poe is buried, claimed that he was the enigmatic "Poe Toaster" who had been leaving cognac and roses at Poe's grave for years. However, Porpora's claim remains unconfirmed, and some of the details he provided have been disputed.

January 19, 2009: Last Appearance of the "Poe Toaster"

The "Poe Toaster," an anonymous individual who left cognac and roses at Edgar Allan Poe's grave every year on his birthday, made their final appearance on January 19, 2009, coinciding with Poe's bicentennial.

2009: Edgar Allan Poe Square Designated in Boston

In 2009, the intersection of Charles and Boylston Streets in Boston was designated as "Edgar Allan Poe Square" to honor the literary legacy of Edgar Allan Poe. This intersection is located two blocks north of his birthplace.

2009: Record-Breaking Sale of Poe's "Tamerlane and Other Poems"

In December 2009, a rare copy of Edgar Allan Poe's first book, "Tamerlane and Other Poems," was sold at a Christie's auction in New York City for $662,500, establishing a new record for the highest price ever paid for a work of American literature.

2013: Pym Cited as One of the Greatest Novels

In 2013, The Guardian cited Poe's novel, "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket," as one of the greatest novels ever written in the English language. The publication also acknowledged the novel's influence on later authors.

March 2014: Fundraising Completed for Poe Memorial Sculpture

Fundraising for a permanent memorial sculpture honoring Edgar Allan Poe in Boston, known as "Poe Returning to Boston," was successfully completed in March 2014.

October 5, 2014: Unveiling of Poe Memorial Sculpture

The "Poe Returning to Boston" sculpture, a permanent memorial honoring Edgar Allan Poe, was unveiled in Boston on October 5, 2014. The unveiling ceremony was attended by former U.S. poet laureate Robert Pinsky.