Written by the American author, poet, editor, and literary critic Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849), the Raven is a supernaturally atmospheric poem noted for its musicality and gothic qualities. It tells of a raven's mysterious visit to a distraught figure who is lamenting the loss of his lover, Lenore. At first the distressed figure hears a knock at his chamber door, followed by the appearance of a raven who sits upon the bust of Pallas in his chamber; (Pallas, also named Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration strength, strategy, and the arts). The raven continues his assault upon the dark and weakened senses of the character with the repetitive shriek of “Nevermore” until his slow decent into madness begins. The Raven’s publication made Poe widely popular in his lifetime, although it did not bring him financial success. A white version of this plaque can be seen here.