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Why should you read Edgar Allan Poe? - Scott Peeples

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The prisoner strapped under a descending pendulum blade. A raven who refuses to leave the narrator’s chamber. A beating heart buried under the floorboards. Poe’s macabre and innovative stories of gothic horror have left a timeless mark on literature. But just what is it that makes Edgar Allan Poe one of the greatest American authors? Scott Peeples investigates.


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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Scott Peeples
  • Director Asparuh Petrov
  • Narrator Adrian Dannatt
  • Designer Asparuh Petrov
  • Illustrator Asparuh Petrov
  • Animator Asparuh Petrov
  • Producer Vessela Dantcheva
  • Composer Alexander Daniel, Ivailo Stefanov, Alexander Evtimov
  • Sound Designer Alexander Daniel, Ivailo Stefanov, Alexander Evtimov
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott, Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Fact-Checker Francisco Diez
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an innovative writer of fiction, poetry, literary theory, and criticism. You can explore all of his writings and read more about his life here.

Additional resources, particularly details about Poe’s time in Richmond, VA, can be found here.

In 2017, PBS’s American Masters series aired the film Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive, which provides a clear overview of his life and career.

One of the most carefully-researched and thorough biographies is Edgar A. Poe: Mournful and Never-ending Remembrance by Kenneth Silverman.

Edgar Allan Poe Revisited by the educator provides a concise, chronological overview of Poe’s fiction, poetry, and criticism.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Scott Peeples
  • Director Asparuh Petrov
  • Narrator Adrian Dannatt
  • Designer Asparuh Petrov
  • Illustrator Asparuh Petrov
  • Animator Asparuh Petrov
  • Producer Vessela Dantcheva
  • Composer Alexander Daniel, Ivailo Stefanov, Alexander Evtimov
  • Sound Designer Alexander Daniel, Ivailo Stefanov, Alexander Evtimov
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott, Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Fact-Checker Francisco Diez

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