The points of issue
First book appearance of 'The Raven,' issued November 19, 1845 in Wiley & Putnam's 'Library of American Books' (No. VIII). The volume was first issued separately in printed pink paper wrappers (the rarest and earliest state); it was also issued, and from early 1846 bound together with Poe's 'Tales' (1845), in publisher's dark green cloth stamped in blind with gilt spine lettering. Earliest copies include the half-title and the publisher's series and advertisement leaves.
Is this the true first?
US true first, 1845. The original separate issue in pink printed wrappers is the earliest and most fragile state; the cloth-bound form (often combined with 'Tales') followed. The 'London' association reflects only Wiley & Putnam's Waterloo Place address on the imprint, not a separately printed London edition, so no distinct simultaneous London issue should be asserted.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later collected-Poe editions reprint the text; the genuine first is the 1845 Wiley & Putnam 'Library of American Books' issue with pink wrappers (or the correct dark green cloth) and the series and advertisement leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Raven and Other Poems a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First book appearance of 'The Raven,' issued November 19, 1845 in Wiley & Putnam's 'Library of American Books' (No. VIII). The volume was first issued separately in printed pink paper wrappers (the rarest and earliest state); it was also issued, and from early 1846 bound together with Poe's 'Tales' (1845), in publisher's dark green cloth stamped in blind with gilt spine lettering. Earliest copies include the half-title and the publisher's series and advertisement leaves.
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, 1845. The original separate issue in pink printed wrappers is the earliest and most fragile state; the cloth-bound form (often combined with 'Tales') followed. The 'London' association reflects only Wiley & Putnam's Waterloo Place address on the imprint, not a separately printed Londo
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later collected-Poe editions reprint the text; the genuine first is the 1845 Wiley & Putnam 'Library of American Books' issue with pink wrappers (or the correct dark green cloth) and the series and advertisement leaves.
I have a first edition of The Raven and Other Poems — 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.