Monday's Muse - Happy Birthday, Mr. Poe!

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night. - E.A. Poe

Edgar Allan Poe was born 200 years ago today in Boston. Poe's Muse - Digital Collage

Many cities are having celebrations this month - there's a good calendar of events here. The Post office has issued another stamp. (I also found this one from 1949.) The NY times blog has a slide show of portraits, text & original writings here.

Sometimes referred to him as the father of the detective novel & one of the initial contributors to the science fiction genre, Poe's influence extends beyond the written word. His works have inspired artists, Filmmakers (Hitchcock), musicians (including Debussy & the Beatles)

(Can you find Poe on this famous album cover?)

Even scientist have been influenced by his works, including Eureka, A prose poem

I've enjoyed reading Poe as far back as I can recall & he shows up in my art from time to time. (see above collage of Poe & his wife Virginia)

(and the mini watercolor pendant Annabel Lee)

If you need a further dose of Poe today, a good site to visit is edgarallanpoe200.com - or just enter Poe into the search at Etsy to see the many creations there.

“It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.”