In my personal opinion, Poe is the greatest writer in American history, and also one of the best in the world. His insight into the human mind was something that hasn't been equaled before or since. Especially insanity and misery. He wrote from the darkest depths of his own soul, and created some of the greatest works ever. One of my most prized possessions is a book with all of his works. I have the same with all of Shakespeare's works. If you like sonnets, check out Shakespeare's sonnet 141. It's a great one.