RARE 1936 Edgar Allan Poe "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" 32 Plates

Antiques : Books, Manuscripts

 

Wonderful rare edition of Edgar Allan Poe's "Tales of Mystery and Imagination", complete with 32 plates of somewhat horrifying scenes. This is not for the faint hearted! This book comes from a local estate of a well known retired librarian. This book, along with many other rare and impossible to find volumes, were found stored lovingly in her library of her own home. We were enthralled to have been so fortunate as to be able to present her wonderful collection which spans many of years. Please look for many more desirable books to be added online in the near future.

This book is the 1939 edition which features 32 plates illustrated by Harry Clarke. This was published in 1936 by the Tuder Publishing Company of New York. It was printed and bound by JJ Little and Ives Co, New York. There are 412 pages of dark reading of which Poe was so famous for. Of the 32 plates, eight are in color, with the remainder being in black and white. The color plates are tipped in and in fantastic condition. The colors are still bright and vivid. The black and whites are in equally as good condition. As for the book itself, it has held up through the years quite well. A few cream colored spots are on the font cover, not interfering at all with the title block on the beautiful blue cover. There is also a spot of wear to the outside spine cover (please see photos). Also, there are drawings (in purple crayon, no less) on the inside first page. This was a blank page to begin with (see photos)and we are assuming the owners mischievous son was the person found guilty of this crime many moons ago!! Oh, to be a fly on the wall when the stern librarian found her son drawing cowboy figures in her prized Edgar Allan Poe!

I would like to stress again, that Edgar Allan Poe's books are not for everyone. To give you an example: The first plate is entitled "She shrieked once, only once", with a graphic (especially for that era) drawing. If you are able to see past the dark writings, this is a prize that you will enjoy for years and years to come.

Please feel free to make an offer on this important piece of literature. Also. please note that pictures are showing a yellow cast to the pages. This is fron the flash only. The pages are actually a creamy white, with no yellowing at all.

Consignment Item. Priced WELL below value due to minor flaws. Offers will be considered.

Item ID: JJS1204