The Man behind the Macabre: Edgar Allan Poe By ashleighbuie Period: Jan 19, 1809 to Oct 7, 1849 Life span of Edgar Allan Poe Poe was a famous American Author who lead a very tragic and twisted life that ultimately influenced his writing. 1810 Father abandons family When Poe was a year old his father left the family which began Poe's issues with men.