Hello, I'm an expert in literature and history, with a particular focus on the works and lives of significant authors. Today, let's delve into the intriguing life of one of America's most enigmatic and influential authors, Edgar Allan Poe.

Edgar Allan Poe, a name synonymous with the macabre and the mysterious, is often credited with pioneering the detective genre, and his works continue to captivate readers with their dark themes and psychological depth. However, the question you've posed is about his real name, which is a fascinating subject to explore.

Edgar Allan Poe was not born with that name. He was born as Edgar Poe on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents, David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Poe, were both professional actors. Tragically, both of his parents passed away when he was quite young, leaving him orphaned at the age of three. It was then that he was taken in by a merchant named John Allan and his wife, Frances, who raised him as their foster child in Richmond, Virginia.

The name "Allan" was not officially added to Edgar's name until he was an adult. The story goes that when he was a teenager, he began to use the name "Edgar A. Poe" or "Edgar Allan Poe," incorporating the surname of his foster family. It is believed that he did this to honor the Allans, who had provided him with a home and a sense of family. However, the exact reasons for the name change and the timing of when he officially adopted the name "Allan" are not entirely clear and have been the subject of some speculation.

Edgar Allan Poe's life was marked by personal struggles and professional challenges. Despite his literary genius, he faced numerous hardships, including financial difficulties and critical disdain during his lifetime. His works, such as "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Fall of the House of Usher," have since become classics of American literature and have left an indelible mark on the world of literature.

Poe's life and his works are a testament to his resilience and his unique perspective on the human condition. His exploration of themes such as death, loss, and the macabre have resonated with readers for generations and continue to be studied and admired today.

In conclusion, while Edgar Allan Poe is the name by which he is best known, his real birth name was Edgar Poe. The addition of "Allan" to his name was a later development in his life, a reflection of his connection to his foster family and a nod to the stability they provided him during his formative years.

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On January 19, 1809, Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Poe's father and mother, both professional actors, died before the poet was three years old, and John and Frances Allan raised him as a foster child in Richmond, Virginia.read more >>