Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe is often cited as one of the most influential writers in the world. He is said to have invented the detective story, and inspired the future of science fiction stories. His stories and style have motivated various authors such as, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and H.G. Wells. Poe's works have fascinated literate people all around the world for over 150 years. Poe was born on the blessed day of January the nineteenth, 1809, in Boston Massachusetts. Both his parents, unfortunately were very poor. They were actors and died while he was still an infant in 1811. He was orphaned in Virginia, and taken in by his wealthy godfather John Allan( hence t