Edgar Allan Poe was born on this day in 1809. He is one of the most influential authors of the mystery and suspense and horror genres. His influence is still felt today.
When in Baltimore we visited his grave and it is an experience that is hard to describe. The graveyard itself is really something, but to see Poe’s grave is like being part of a pilgrimage. I myself came to his work after seeing movies with Vincent Price at a very young age. I sought out the words and devoured them.
The Mystery Writers of America have adopted him as a role model using his name and image for their awards. On this day, we salute this amazing crazy imaginative man.

Here are some lovely quotes from the man:
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night.
I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active – not more happy – nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?
It is the nature of truth in general, as of some ores in particular, to be richest when most superficial.