Home > Babies and Toddlers > Adoption > Preparing for Adoption > Famous Adoptees or Adopters

Slideshow Iconslideshows MORE

|

Famous Adoptees or Adopters

Previous
11 of 14
Edgar Allan Poe
Next

Edgar Allan Poe, American poet, short-story writer (1809–1849)

Poe's parents, who were both actors, died by the time he was 3 years old. He was taken into the home of his godfather, John Allan, a wealthy Richmond merchant.

Poe is considered one of the most brilliant and original writers in American literature. His skillfully wrought tales and poems passionately convey the mysterious, dreamlike, and often macabre forces that pervaded his sensibility.

His first book, Tamerlane and Other Poems, was published in 1827. He edited Burton's Gentleman's Magazine (1839–40) and Graham's Magazine (1841–42). His criticism, which appeared in these magazines and in the Messenger, was direct and incisive and made him a respected and feared critic. At that time he also began writing mystery stories. The Raven and Other Poems (1845) won him fame as a poet both at home and abroad. Excerpted from Columbia Encyclopedia.

Fun Fact: Edgar Allan Poe is widely credited with inventing detective fiction.

Photo source: Library of Congress

Next: Nancy Davis Reagan, actress and former First Lady (b. 1921)

More on: Adoption

Infoplease

Provided by Infoplease—an authoritative, comprehensive reference website that offers an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas, and several almanacs. Visit Infoplease.com to find more resources endorsed by teachers and librarians.

you might also like:

from our community:

what’s hot

  1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
  2. 10 Gender-Predicting Old Wives' Tales
  3. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
  4. VIEW ALL

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

Top 10 End-of-Year Teacher Gifts
School is in the final stretch! Find unique and sweet teacher appreciation gifts to help say thanks and farewell to your favorite educator at the end of the school year.

10 Most Common Pregnancy Cravings Decoded
Sweet, salty, sour, spicy — cravings during pregnancy can run the gamut. Read on to find out what foods pregnant women crave the most and why.

Safest Sunscreens for Kids
Wondering what the best sunscreens are to use on your child? Check out these natural sunscreens for kids. They're chemical-free and will keep your child safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

Are Your Kids Sick of Sandwiches for Lunch?
By this point in the school year, your kids are probably tired of the same old sandwiches. Find some new and different school lunch ideas that will help fuel your child through June.