The Raven

5RR Edgar Allen Poe. Illustrated by Gustave Doré. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1884.

Notes

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe is a haunting and melancholic narrative poem first published in 1845. It tells the story of a sorrowful man mourning the loss of his beloved Lenore, who is visited by a mysterious raven that repeatedly utters the word “Nevermore.” The poem’s musicality, dark atmosphere, and exploration of grief, loss, and madness quickly captivated readers. Poe’s use of rhyme, meter, and symbolism created a rhythmic, almost hypnotic effect that deepened the eerie mood, making The Raven one of the most famous and frequently anthologized poems in American literature.

Edgar Allan Poe wrote The Raven at a time when he was struggling financially and seeking a breakthrough. The poem’s immediate success brought Poe fame and recognition, becoming a cultural sensation almost overnight. Newspapers, magazines, and readers eagerly discussed and parodied the poem, marking a rare moment of widespread popular acclaim during Poe’s troubled career. Despite this, the financial rewards were modest, and Poe continued to grapple with personal hardships, but The Raven secured his place as a master of macabre and psychological depth in poetry.

The Gustave Doré illustrated folio edition of The Raven is a visually stunning tribute to Poe’s masterpiece. Doré, a celebrated 19th-century French artist known for his dramatic and detailed engravings, brought the poem to life with evocative images that capture its gothic and mysterious essence. The large-format folio features rich, intricate illustrations that complement the poem’s dark themes, adding a new dimension of emotional intensity and visual storytelling. This edition remains highly prized by collectors and art lovers, representing a perfect fusion of literary and artistic genius.

Description

Gray folio edition with full-page Doré illustrations throughout. Gilt edges. Illustrative upper board with gilt details to wings of the figure on the upper board. Fraying and bumping to all four points. Slight damage to upper spine. Light stains to upper right corner of upper board. General scuffing to boards. Inscription on preliminary black page reading “May all your birthdays be as bright as this— Your brother, W. J. Knigslaud. Oakland 3/2/84. Water stain to lower right corner on last eighteen pages. Very minimal foxing throughout. Fully intact. Very good condition.