On this day 201 years ago, one of the world’s most revered authors, Edgar Allan Poe, was born.

Best known for his use of stark imagery and foreboding tone, Poe’s life is dotted with a series of poetry and prose, as well as stints working for various literary journals.

Although his first book of poetry, Tamerlane and Other Poems, was released without much fanfare and attributed with the byline "by a Bostonian”, Poe’s influence can be seen to this day throughout popular culture in literature, music, films, with a number of museums and landmarks devoted to his life and works.

Poe’s Bicentennial

This past weekend, the Poe Museum in Richmond, VA held a 24-hour party to end the year-long celebration of the American author with a series of events, readings, and plays for the entire family.

Similarly, The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore will be celebrating the author with a showing of Nevermore, An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe on January 23rd (7pm) & 24th (4:30pm), 2010. With text taken from Poe’s personal letters and essays, this showing recreates the public recitals that Poe presented during the last few years of his life.

Nevermore at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Edmonton-based theater company Catalyst Theatre will be showcasing their rendition of Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

From January 21 to February 6, 2010, the Arts Club Theatre (Granville Island Stage) in Vancouver will co-present the whimsical and chilling musical fairytale for adults with the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, The Cultch, and the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

Written, directed, and composed by Jonathan Christenson, Nevermore was previously showcased at the Winter Garden Theatre during Toronto’s Luminato Festival in 2009 to rave reviews.

Tales that resonate

Despite the tragedies in Poe’s latter years, which included the death of his wife Virginia, and later his troubles with drinking, Poe’s sensational tales, haunting poetry and delightfully dark prose resonate with book lovers 160 years after his death.

Your opinion matters

Are you a fan of Edgar Allan Poe? Which of his works are your favorite? How has Poe influenced you, either as a reader or writer? Are there any of his works you think others should know about? Share your thoughts in the comments section.