On this episode of Our American Stories Edgar Allan Poe is best known for his dark tales and haunting poems yet his imagination stretched far beyond the macabre Behind the tragedies that shaped his life was a writer who helped define Gothic literature pioneered detective fiction and even ventured into early science fiction Chris Semtner curator at the Poe Museum in Richmond Virginia reveals the wit creativity and depth of one of America's most enduring literary voices Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donateSee omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Washington Irving, an American original, was a literary celebrity who brought literature to the common man using plain spoken English. He created the modern American Christmas story and inadvertently gave us Halloween through the headless horseman. Irving was a huge fan of Spain and lived there, where he worked as a diplomat and ambassador, and he was known for his hustle and loyalty to his friends. [... more]

Edgar Allan Poe's life was marked by loss and tragedy, but he persevered to become one of America's most influential writers, creating the Detective Story genre and influencing science fiction and literary history. [... more]

Academy Award-winning director Guillermo Del Toro discusses his version of Frankenstein, drawing from Mary Shelley's book and his own life experiences, exploring themes of redemption, forgiveness, and humanity. [... more]