1919 Tales of Mystery & Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe / First Edition thus, Harrap / Large Deluxe Edition Illustrated by Harry Clarke

This is an impressive eye-catching edition of Edgar Allan Poe's Tales of Mystery and Imagination. Being a first edition thus published in 1919 by George Harrap & Co., London and with the striking and distinctive artwork of Harry Clarke. In good condition.

The Tales are the first complete collection of the American author, essayist and poet's works. They received their widest audience posthumously, Poe having died aged 40. 

Minerva Press of London would go on to produce a facsimile of this work on the dust jacket of which they described it thus:

"Poe's talent is skilfully complemented by the intricate fantasies of Harry Clarke's illustrations. Never before...have these marvellous tales been visually interpreted with such flesh-creeping, brain-haunting illustrations of horror and terror, and the unspeakable. The twenty-four full-page plates and the numerous vignettes are among the best work of one of the century's most subtle illustrators of the bizarre and horrific; together writer and artist create a sumptuous and desirable volume".

Inside the pages are clean and tightly bound. Has a pencilled name on the front free endpaper but no other writing or markings of previous ownership. With tanning and spotting to the endpapers and early pages and then scattered sporadically through the text with a few brown blemishes. Has the odd nicked edge and folded corner tip. All of the super black and white plates are present, with the plate at page 110 having some nicked and frayed edges (see photos). The top edge is gilt.

Olive green cloth covered boards have some rubbing around the edges, the odd faint dark mark and some thin scuffs. Overall very good - clean and smart with bright decoration. 

Your antique copy of Tales of Mystery and Imagination will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with message to the parcel.

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PLEASE NOTE DIMENSIONS of this large book: H 28 cm x W 23 cm, 382 pages, 1.5 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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