The rarest book in American literature: Poe's Tamerlane
Edgar Allan Poe's rare debut book "Tamerlane" is a sought-after gem in American literature, with only twelve known copies. Despite its initial obscurity, the work paved the way for Poe's influential literary legacy.
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In the quest for the rarest book in American literature, Edgar Allan Poe's "Tamerlane" stands out as a significant find. Only twelve copies of this debut collection of poems are known to exist since its publication in 1827, with one of the last two in private hands set to be auctioned. Despite its humble beginnings as a modestly printed volume by a novice printer, the book marked the start of Poe's influential literary career. While initially overlooked and poorly received, Poe's subsequent groundbreaking works like "The Raven" and pioneering contributions to genres like detective fiction and Gothic horror have elevated the importance of "Tamerlane" among Poe enthusiasts and scholars. Considered the Holy Grail of book collecting, the scarcity and historical significance of "Tamerlane" spark interest and discussions among rare book enthusiasts worldwide. The article delves into the intriguing provenance of some existing copies, shedding light on their discovery and unique features. Additionally, the narrative touches on the context of Poe's early life and the challenges he faced in establishing his literary reputation.
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6 commentsIsn't it more likely that they were fans of Poe and took the book for themselves or they stole it for someone who was a fan of Poe. Doesn't seem likely anyone else would steal such a rare book only to destroy it.
Now when he mentions a line from his book "That is a true unicorn", I immediately want to take issue with the author on whether anyone would have used that phrase in the 1970's when it is supposed to have been said.
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