“The Purloined Letter” [in] The Gift: A Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Present. 1845

by POE, Edgar Allan

$1,250 · Offered by Biblio

First edition

Philadelphia: Carey and Hart, 1844. Hardcover. Very Good. First edition. Octavo. 300pp. Illustrated with eight engraved plates. This copy includes a ninth duplicate plate (of “Annette”). Contains the first printed appearance of Poe’s *The Purloined Letter* (Mabbott text A) on pp. 41-61. Also contains the first appearance of “The Poet's Apology,” by Emerson and “A Gleam of Sunshine” by Longfellow. Contemporary polished calf with an elaborate decorative design stamped in gold on both boards and spine, plain endpapers, all edges gilt. Owner inscription in ink on front free endpaper (dated Christmas, 1844). Later bookplate on front pastedown. Covers are rubbed with wear at the edges of the boards, spine is rubbed and faded, the engraved plates and tissue guards are foxed, very good. A handsome copy in the original binding, with the attractive decorative gold design still bright on both covers. *BAL* 16143, 5202, and 12074.

• Publisher: Carey and Hart
• Year: 1844
• Edition: First Edition
• Binding: hardcover

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