Edgar Allan Poe

by Milton Meltzer

Offers young adults an up-close look at the life of this poet and writer through a review of his many works, education, accomplishments, and various life experiences as both a child and adult.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

144 pages, Library Binding

First published September 3, 2003

About the author

Milton Meltzer wrote 110 books, five of which were nominated for the National Book Award. With Langston Hughes, he co-authored A Pictorial History of Black Americans, now in its sixth edition. He received the 2001 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his contribution to children's literature, the 1986 Jane Addams Peace Association Children's Book Award, and the 2000 Regina Medal. He died in New York City of esophageal cancer at age 94.

Reviews

[Kang P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really informative and descriptive about Edgar Allan Poe. It even contains a few famous poems that he wrote during his lifetime.

[Glynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, if superficial, short biography, seemingly aimed at young adults about the poet and writer Edgar Allen Poe. Poe had a tragic life. He wrote some amazing poems, the most famous of which is "The Raven," that is read mainly at Halloween. The book also gives a good feel for life in the early 1800s. The Bibliography has some other biographies and writings that will help one dig deeper into Poe's life and world. There are also listed a couple of places to visit, one of which, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Richmond, Va. I visited in 2024. It's a great place.

[kaya ♱ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He said, ‘Lord help my poor soul,’ and expired.”

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, easy read on the life of Edgar Allan Poe. It's not as in-depth as might be desired, but it gives a reasonably complete overview of his life.

[Codey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting informative book about the life of Edgar Allan Poe. I checked it out from the library for a bit of light reading. I’ve always loved Poe’s work and found his bleak struggling life to be interesting although sad.

[William Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

i found the first few chapters to be interesting, because i hadn't heard much about his actual parents. yet as i continued with the book it began to take on its usual shape. after all how many ways can you repeat the story of ones life, but i will admit i found the authors dialect to be easy to follow and very smooth to read. i would recommend this to anyone doing a book report or biography of their own, but be ware it is a dreary life you have chosen.

[Jarryl Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, it doesn't look like much just at a glance; comparatively thin for a biography, larger than usual print, and color scheme launching every chapter. Although it isn't as heavy and informative as most critical biographies are, Meltzer provides a simplistic and charming overlook of Poe's life. After reading it, I learned a lot of things I hadn't known about Poe. Not a book I'd use for a report but rather a simple yet informative look into Edgar Allan Poe.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the only biography I've read and actually been interested in. It went through Poe's life with great explanation. Even though I find there was a little rambling about some subjects, it was a very good book.

I would've never expected Poe's life to be so...harsh! I feel sorry that he went through all of the family problems and relationship problems. Right when he would find himself at a peak, drinking would come in and ruin it all.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really want to know what a whiny spoiled brat Edgar Allen Poe was. By the time he falls on his head and dies, you want to cheer.

[Miss B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a good overview of Poe's life, intended for younger readers, but that adult readers can still gain something from as well. I will be passing this on to my 13 year old daughter.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors and I did not realize he died on my birthday. Only 8 people were at his funeral. This poor gifted and tormented soul.