POE, Edgar Allan (1809-1849). Tales. [Bound with:] – The Raven and Other Poems. New York: Wiley and Putnam, 1845.

First printings of two works by Poe. From the library of Florence and Edward Kaye, who were leading collectors of detective fiction. "Here... begins the detective story, with 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue,' 'Mystery of Marie Roget,' and primus inter pares, the character of the amateur detective who triumphs over the blundering police, in 'The Purloined Letter.' The earlier Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque... contains a larger number of the Poe tales of horror, which are still the artistic standard for that school, but this volume adds 'The Fall of the House of Usher,' 'The Descent into the Maelstrom,' and 'The Gold Bug'" (Grolier American). Together here with The Raven and Other Poems; “The Raven” was an immediate success, appealing to both critics and general readers, who found themselves captivated by the sensational and haunting cry of “Nevermore.” Within a month of its first appearance, it was reprinted at least ten times.
BAL 16146 (Tales), 1st printing with 4 line copyright notice and correct printer, no ads; BAL 16147 (Raven), no ads.

Two works in one volume, octavo (176 x 110mm). Half titles; without ads. (Tales with small repair at gutter of title and faint spotting to foredge, flyleaves beginning to detach.) Modern calf, red morocco spine label (lightly rubbed). Provenance: Florence and Edward Kaye (leather bookplate).