1876 Rare Book - The Poetical Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Complete. With Memoir

Author: Edgar Allan Poe.
Title: The Poetical Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Complete. With Memoir and Vindication.
Publisher: New York, W.J. Widdleton, 1876.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6 x 5 inches.
Pages: 190 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good publisher’s original green cloth binding, decoratively stamped in gilt on the spine and front cover, with Poe’s facsimile signature and emblematic raven device (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed with small bumping to corners - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, previous owner’s inscription dated “Christmas 1876” on the front flyleaf along with his ownership stamp from Milwaukee).

Estimate: (USD 200–250).

The book: A compelling 19th-century American edition of Poe’s complete poetical works, issued with a spirited biographical defense of the author. This 1876 Widdleton edition combines Poe’s haunting lyricism with period literary controversy, making it both a poetic treasury and a document of critical rehabilitation. The inclusion of “The Raven,” “Annabel Lee,” and “The Bells” alongside Gill’s vindication against Griswold’s aspersions presents Poe as both genius and misunderstood figure—a theme as enduring as his work.

The author: Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was one of the foundational figures in American literature, widely celebrated for his mastery of gothic fiction, mystery, and lyric poetry. His rhythmic precision and dark imaginative power gave birth to some of the most memorable verses and tales of the 19th century.