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POE, Edgar Allen (1809-1849). "The Purloined Letter" in The Gift: A Christmas, New Year, and Birthday Present. Philadelphia: Carey and Hart, 1845 [i.e. 1844].
8o. Engraved title, frontispiece and plates (foxed). (Some dampstaining at end, some occasional foxing.) Original red morocco gilt, edges gilt (chips at ends of spine, a bit worn, front joint weak). Provenance: Harriet Seammon (gift inscription from her husband dated February 1845 on front free endpaper).
THE FIRST PRINTING OF "THE PURLOINED LETTER," PERHAPS THE GREATEST OF POE'S DETECTIVE STORIES. In it is introduced for the first time "the character of the amateur detective who triumphs over the blundering police" (Grolier American 55n). BAL 4024; 16143; Heartman and Canny, pp.88-89.
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THE FIRST PRINTING OF "THE PURLOINED LETTER," PERHAPS THE GREATEST OF POE'S DETECTIVE STORIES. In it is introduced for the first time "the character of the amateur detective who triumphs over the blundering police" (Grolier American 55n). BAL 4024; 16143; Heartman and Canny, pp.88-89.