What is the Edgar Award and why is it named after Edgar Allan Poe?

The Edgar Award is a series of annual honors presented by the Mystery Writers of America, a professional organization established in 1945 to promote high standards in mystery writing.1

The award is named in honor of the American writer Edgar Allan Poe, who is widely recognized as the inventor of the modern detective story. Poe’s 1841 tale, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," is credited with initiating this literary genre, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in mystery fiction.123

The awards recognize excellence across various categories, including best novel, best short story, and best fact crime, among others.1