1881 Rare Victorian Book - The Bells by Edgar Allan Poe. Illustrated.
(Description)
Author: Edgar Allan Poe. Darley, McCutcheon, Fredericks, Perkins, King, Riordan, and Northam, illustrators.
Title: The Bells.
Publisher: Philadelphia, Porter & Coates, 1881. First Edition illustrated by Darley, McCutcheon, Fredericks, Perkins, King, Riordan, and Northam.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8" X 6.5".
Pages: Unpaginated (50 pages).
Binding: Attractive and near fine original cream hardcover binding with decorative gilt, silver, and brown illustrations on the front cover, featuring an angel, bell, and floral motifs (hinges fine, slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges gilt. An exceptionaly clean copy.
Content: Near fine content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing - as shown, neat inscription on the front endpaper, reading: "To my esteemed teacher, Miss Louise Almsburg, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Altoona, Pa. Dec. 23rd, 1894. E.L.G. - as shown).
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated with full-page wood engravings in black and white by multiple artists, featuring dramatic and atmospheric depictions that accompany Poe's famous poem. These include winter landscapes, starry skies, and scenes with bells, horses, and figures drawn in a detailed, Victorian style. (Complete).
Estimate: (USD 300 - USD 500)
The book: This rare and beautiful 1881 edition of The Bells by Edgar Allan Poe is a visually stunning representation of the iconic poem, adorned with illustrations by notable artists of the time. The poem, written in Poe’s signature melancholic and rhythmic style, explores themes of joy, sorrow, and the inevitable passage of time.
The author: Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was an American writer, editor, and literary critic, best known for his poetry and short stories that often delve into mystery, macabre, and Gothic themes. His works, such as The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Fall of the House of Usher, have cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in American literature
The illustrator: This edition brings together the talent of several illustrators, including Felix O. C. Darley, one of the most famous American illustrators of the 19th century, and others like Fredericks, Perkins, and Northam, whose works added depth and detail to the visual presentation of literary texts during the Victorian era.