Answer: This statement is true.
Explanation: Edgard Allan Poe (1809-1849) wrote dozens of essays and sketches, among others an article titled "The Philosophy of Composition" (1846), in which he explained his method of writing. During his lifetime, he also published one of his lectures under the title "Eureka: A Prose Poem.” Washington Irving (1783-1859) also wrote numerous essays. As early as 1807 he penned, together with one of his brothers and the author James Kirke Paulding, a series of social essays entitled Salmagundi. He also wrote essays about his impressions while traveling abroad, as well as a biography of Christopher Columbus.