Lindsey Graham

In France, the renowned poet and critic Charles Baudelaire exalted Poe as his literary soulmate and published widely read translations of his work.

But in the United States, it would take another century before Poe's reputation as a great writer was rehabilitated.

Despite his short life, Edgar Allan Poe had an extraordinary influence on literature and culture on both sides of the Atlantic.

He pioneered some of the most popular genres of modern fiction.

He directly inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and laid the groundwork for modern fictional detectives.

He changed horror by probing the inner psyche and the fears that can be found in everyday life.

And by delving into universal human themes such as death, love, grief, fear, and madness, he ensured his work would endure.

From Wondery, this is Episode 1 of our six-part series, Great American Authors from American History Tellers.

On the next episode, in Concord, Massachusetts, Louisa May Alcott turns to writing as an escape from financial hardship.

After decades of struggle, she achieves a breakthrough with her semi-autobiographical novel, Little Women.

American History Tellers is hosted, edited, and produced by me, Lindsey Graham, for Airship.

Audio editing by Christian Paraga.

Sound design by Molly Bach.

Music by Lindsey Graham.

This episode is written by Ellie Stanton.

Edited by Dorian Marina.

Produced by Alita Rosansky.

Coordinating producer is Desi Blaylock.

Managing producer is Matt Gant.

Senior managing producer, Ryan Moore.