The points of issue
Volume in Wiley & Putnam's 'Library of American Books,' New York, 1845, containing 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue,' 'The Purloined Letter,' 'The Gold-Bug,' 'The Fall of the House of Usher,' and others (BAL 16146; Queen's Quorum 1). Combined run of about 750 copies, issued in tan printed wrappers and in cloth, with NO established priority between wrappered and cloth copies. Two states are recorded, one with and one without the printer's and stereotyper's names, again with no priority assigned. Look for the correct three-line Wiley & Putnam copyright notice and the 'Library of American Books' half-title.
Is this the true first?
US first, 1845, Wiley & Putnam, New York. Both wrappered and cloth states, and both printer/stereotyper states, are first edition with no priority established. Do not assume the wrappered copies precede the cloth.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Poe collections reprint these tales. The genuine first is the 1845 Wiley & Putnam volume with the three-line copyright notice and 'Library of American Books' half-title; binding state alone does not establish priority.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tales (1845) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Volume in Wiley & Putnam's 'Library of American Books,' New York, 1845, containing 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue,' 'The Purloined Letter,' 'The Gold-Bug,' 'The Fall of the House of Usher,' and others (BAL 16146; Queen's Quorum 1). Combined run of about 750 copies, issued in tan printed wrappers and in cloth, with NO established priority between wrappered and cloth copies. Two states are recorded, one with and one without the printer's and stereotyper's names, again with no priority assigned. Look for the correct three-line Wiley & Putnam copyright notice a
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US first, 1845, Wiley & Putnam, New York. Both wrappered and cloth states, and both printer/stereotyper states, are first edition with no priority established. Do not assume the wrappered copies precede the cloth.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Poe collections reprint these tales. The genuine first is the 1845 Wiley & Putnam volume with the three-line copyright notice and 'Library of American Books' half-title; binding state alone does not establish priority.
I have a first edition of Tales (1845) — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.