Edgar Allan Poe

Literature American 1809 – 1849 76 quotes

An American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic, best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre.

Quotes by Edgar Allan Poe

I have, indeed, no abhorrence of danger, except in its absolute effect—in terror.

The Fall of the House of Usher (short story) 1839

The happiness which is lacking in the present may be found in the future.

The Oblong Box (short story) 1844

With me poetry has been not a purpose, but a passion.

The Poetic Principle (essay) 1846

I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea; But we loved with a love that was more than love— I and my Annabel Lee.

Annabel Lee (poem) 1849

The fever called 'living' Lies—a lost thing—on my heart.

The Raven (poem) 1845

To be thoroughly conversant with a man's heroes is the surest way to his heart.

Letter to Joseph Evans Snodgrass 1840

The world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel.

Letter (approximate) 1841

I envy the man who can write without inspiration.

Letter to Philip P. Cooke 1848

The glory that was Greece And the grandeur that was Rome.

To Helen (poem) 1831

Over the mountains Of the Moon, Down the Valley of the Shadow, Ride, boldly ride, If you seek for Eldorado!

Eldorado (poem) 1849

In the Heaven of ambitious men lies an earthly kingdom.

The Conqueror Worm (poem) 1843

The intellectual man is a being who is backward in the art of living.

Marginalia (essay) 1849

I would give worlds to have realized the dream I had then.

Letter to Mrs. Whitman 1848

The suspicion arises inevitably from my poetic nature.

Letter to Thomas W. White 1845

Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.

The Poetic Principle (essay, posthumous) 1850

Lord help my poor soul.

Deathbed words 1849