6 issues in one volume, 8vo (218 x 138 mm). Frontispiece of Jeremy Bentham. (Some toning and soiling, marginal chipping to a few leaves.) Contemporary half black sheep, spine gilt-lettered (some wear and soiling). Provenance: William C. McDonald (signature); John Macdonald (signature); Charles Rathay (signature).

EARLY POE PERIODICAL APPEARANCES, INCLUDING A REVIEW OF AL AARAAF, TAMERLANE, AND MINOR POEMS

Poe's self-published Tamerlane and Other Poems (1827) attracted no attention; he reprinted the poem in his second book Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems in 1829. In that edition, he dedicated the poem to John Neal, the editor and publisher of The Yankee and Boston Literary Gazette.  In the December 1829 issue, Neal printed a positive review under the heading "Unpublished poetry," and included long extracts of "Tamerlane," "Al Aaraaff," and "To Ann" from Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane, and Minor Poems. The book was published shortly after in December 1829.

The September issue "contains the first reference to Poe in print and was the first encouragement he received as a poet" (Heartman and Canny). In that issue, Neal reprinted parts of Poe's "Fairyland," attributed to "E. A. P. of Baltimore," remarking:  "If E.A.P. of Baltimore...would but do himself justice, might make a beautiful and perhaps a magnificent poem. There is a good deal here to justify such a hope" (p.168). See BAL 16124.