V.III- The Domain of Arnheim and other tales. The Original Books Collection. Edgar Allan Poe (born Edgar Poe; January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American author, poet, editor and literary critic, considered part of the American Romantic Movement. Best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre, Poe was one of the earliest American practitioners of the short story and is considered the inventor of thedetective fiction genre. He is further credited with contributing to the emerging genre ofscience fiction.