Poe, Edgar Allan (1809-1849) Tales , First Edition, in Paper Wrappers.

Description:

Poe, Edgar Allan (1809-1849) Tales, First Edition, in Paper Wrappers. New York: Wiley & Putnam, 1845. Quarto, first edition, first issue, with H. Ludwig's name listed on copyright page, half-title present, along with twenty pages of advertisements at the end; bound in publisher's complete paper wrappers (some spotting, slight loss to covering material at head and tail of spine, bottom of front joint tearing slightly, corners somewhat curled, spine slightly shifted, some foxing to contents),no sign of repair or sophistication; a rare book in this state recently discovered in a New England home with other books of the same vintage, also in publisher's wrappers; (one example included with the lot: Mrs. Jameson's Memoirs and Essays, New York: Wiley & Putnam, 1846),7 1/2 x 5 in.
Based on the context of the discovery of this copy of Poe's Tales, the original owner presumably bought this and other similar books to be read for amusement in the 1840s. Once read, the Poe and its companions were bundled and stored away in a trunk in the attic until they were found this fall. In the rare book trade, it was thought that all copies of Poe's Tales in wrappers were known.
In the Tales Poe invents detective fiction and promulgates a dark psychological style of storytelling as effective and compelling today as ever. This collection contains: The Gold Bug, The Black Cat, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Purloined Letter, and others.
Estimate $60,000-80,000

The front cover with some spotting, top right corner of upper corner torn with loss (approx. 5 mm triangular piece lacking, see photos),bottom corner of cover dog-eared, spine slightly reflexed, small losses to paper covering at head and tail of spine, some spotting to outer fore-edge, text neatly opened throughout, occasional spotting to fore-edge margins, final leaf of ads, inner back cover, ffep with spotting, which diminishes on the penultimate leaf of ads, some old pencil lines to fore edges.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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