The poem "What I Saw at Night" was written by Edgar Allan Poe, a renowned American poet and writer. Poe is celebrated for his contributions to the horror genre and his skillful use of dark and mysterious themes in his poetry. "What I Saw at Night" is a prime example of his macabre style, where he explores the eerie and unsettling aspects of the human experience. The poem was published in 1835 and is part of Poe's collection of poems titled "Tamerlane and Other Poems.

Poe's influence on American literature is profound, and he is often cited as one of the founders of the American short story. His work has had a lasting impact on the development of the genre, and his use of vivid imagery and psychological depth has inspired countless writers. The poem "What I Saw at Night" is a testament to Poe's ability to create a sense of dread and unease, as he describes a haunting vision experienced during the night. The poem's haunting imagery and haunting narrative have contributed to its enduring popularity among readers and critics alike.

Data from various literary analyses and historical records support the claim that Edgar Allan Poe is the author of "What I Saw at Night." Scholarly works such as "Edgar Allan Poe: A Critical Biography" by Thomas Ollive Mabbott and "Edgar Allan Poe: The Man Who Invented Horror" by Matthew Pearl provide detailed accounts of Poe's life and works, including the publication history of his poems. These sources confirm that "What I Saw at Night" is indeed a part of Poe's literary output and is a reflection of his distinctive style and thematic concerns.