The points of issue
Poe's first book, published anonymously ('By a Bostonian'), printed by Calvin F. S. Thomas, Boston, 1827. A thin pamphlet of 40 pages in plain tan/buff (variously described as drab, tan, or tea-colored) printed wrappers, roughly 6.75 by 4.5 inches. Collation runs Title (p.1), Preface (pp.3-4), 'Tamerlane' (pp.5-21), 'Fugitive Pieces' half-title and poems (pp.23-34), 'Notes' (pp.35-40). Only about a dozen genuine copies are known.
Is this the true first?
US true first, 1827. Genuine copies are exceedingly rare; numerous facsimiles exist (notably an 1859 facsimile and modern reproductions), so authentication and provenance are essential.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Facsimiles abound, the 1859 reproduction being itself a collected facsimile. A genuine 1827 copy has the Calvin F. S. Thomas printing, period paper, the 40-page collation, and plain printed wrappers; expert authentication is required.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Tamerlane and Other Poems. By a Bostonian a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Poe's first book, published anonymously ('By a Bostonian'), printed by Calvin F. S. Thomas, Boston, 1827. A thin pamphlet of 40 pages in plain tan/buff (variously described as drab, tan, or tea-colored) printed wrappers, roughly 6.75 by 4.5 inches. Collation runs Title (p.1), Preface (pp.3-4), 'Tamerlane' (pp.5-21), 'Fugitive Pieces' half-title and poems (pp.23-34), 'Notes' (pp.35-40). Only about a dozen genuine copies are known.
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 true first, 1827. Genuine copies are exceedingly rare; numerous facsimiles exist (notably an 1859 facsimile and modern reproductions), so authentication and provenance are essential.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Facsimiles abound, the 1859 reproduction being itself a collected facsimile. A genuine 1827 copy has the Calvin F. S. Thomas printing, period paper, the 40-page collation, and plain printed wrappers; expert authentication is required.
I have a first edition of Tamerlane and Other Poems. By a Bostonian — 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.