Yet, all could be forgiven after listening to just a few bars of his music. Perhaps his greatest work was his “Requiem,” completed just before his death at age 35. Listen below:

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Mozart’s Birthday

Edgar Allan Poe, born on this day in 1809, is widely considered to be the father of the modern mystery novel. Poe was a troubled man, whose parents died when he was young. He was frequently in debt, moved around often–from Boston to Richmond to Philadelphia to Baltimore–and married his 13-year-old cousin, which was scandalous even in those days. His wife, Virginia, died a scant eleven years later of TB. Poe, himself, died young–at age 40–from complications of his alcoholism.

Yet, from this troubled life, emerged an astoundingly original body of work. Among his writings are the dark, lyrical poem “The Raven,” the novel; “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” widely held to be the world’s first detective story; and the macabre “Tell-Tale Heart” and the “Fall of the House of Usher.”

Most of Poe’s works have outlived their copyrights and are available to read for free online. Celebrate Poe’s birthday by reading–or re-reading–one of these classic Poe tales:

• The Raven
• The Cask of Amontillado
• The Fall of the House of Usher
• The Murders in the Rue Morgue

^{(Library of Congress photo)}

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Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday

Ben Franklin was born on January 17 in 1706. He was a fascinating, and quirky, man with a myriad of interests. In his 84 years, he:

• Invented the lightening rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove
• Formed the first lending library and fire department in America
• Wrote and published Poor Richard’s Almanack and the Pennsylvania Gazette
• Served in the Second Continental Congress
• Signed the Declaration of Independence
• Served as the first Postmaster General
• Served as US Ambassador to France

^{(public domain photo)}

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Happy Birthday Ben Franklin