THE thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge.” I was around 13 when my eyes beheld Poe’s writing for the first time. That masterful first line from “The Cask of Amontillado” gripped me tightly and became the start of my lifelong fascination with Edgar Allan Poe. After reading his tales, I discovered his poetry and was blown away. THEN I began researching his life and let me tell you, his life story is every bit as bizarre and intriguing as any of his works! I am an independent Poe scholar, founder of Ohio Poe Fans, taphopile, and artist with a penchant for all things dark and creepy. My love of Poe has led me to travel to many places associated with his brief life. I have walked through cemeteries, old houses, and an athenaeum and where he once walked. I am eager to share my enthusiasm and knowledge about Poe with others and dispel many of the myths and misconceptions which surround him.
