Edgar Allan Poe was better known to his contemporaries as a literary critic. His poetry and short stories were recognized after the death of the author. Poe's groundbreaking literature gave the world its first detective story and opened up the science fiction genre.
"Murders on Morgue Street"
In the literature of the first half of the 13th century, the term "detective" did not yet exist. Edgar Poe became famous for his "logical stories" about a French aristocrat who applied analytical skills to all areas of life. The plot of the story is built around a mystical double murder.
Auguste Dupont, not being a policeman or detective, solves the crime using only information read in the newspaper. The story is based on the mystery of a murder in a closed room. For the first time in the history of literature, a storytelling style was used in which the hero first exposes the criminal, and then describes the chain of inferences that led to such conclusions.
Auguste Dupont, the protagonist of the Murder on the Rue Morgue trilogy, is the prototype for such famous characters as Sherlock Holmes, Mrs. Marple and Hercule Poirot.
The novellas "The Mystery of Marie Roger" and "The Stolen Letter" - a continuation of the adventures of Auguste Dupont, became the literary canon of the detective genre: a story from the person of the protagonist's slow-witted friend, the helpless police and an eccentric analyst with brilliant deductive abilities.
"Golden Beetle"
The treasure hunt story instantly became popular with readers. At the time, interest in encryption, puzzles, and secret writing was overwhelming. A story in which literary fiction is closely intertwined with cryptography has become Edgar Poe's most famous and readable work.
The Golden Beetle is considered the first story in the genre of adventure literature. Stevenson wrote "Treasure Island" inspired by this novella, to which he openly admitted more than once.
"The extraordinary adventure of a certain Hans Pfaal"
Edgar Poe, writing the story "The Unusual Adventure of a certain Hans Pfaal", came close to creating a genre of science fiction. The story of a simple Rotterdam artisan's trip to the moon was written in a humorous parody style that mimics a scientific account.
The adventures of the first interplanetary traveler were well received by the public. Using scientific facts as a literary device, Edgar Poe created a new direction in fiction.
"Raven" that brought glory
The most famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven, is a brilliant example of the poetic symbolism and decadence of the Silver Age. This work has many translations and interpretations; several films have been shot on its plot.
Allusions to the poem "The Raven" can be found in many famous literary works and the work of musical groups. The raven has become the prototype for some demons in several computer games.
