The Gift: A Christmas and New Year's Present for 1840

1840. Hard Cover. (Philadelphia: Carey & Hart, 1840 [but May 1839]. Edited by Miss Leslie. FIRST APPEARANCE OF WILLIAM WILSON by EDGAR ALLAN POE. Frontispiece; engraved title page, and regular title page. Publisher's maroon morocco, elaborately stamped In gilt on spine and on front and rear boards; pale yellow end-papers; all edges gilt. 9 engraved plates as called for. Contains 'William Wilson' p.229-253, first appearance of Poe's short story inspired by his formative years on the outskirts of London which Poe deemed to be one of his "best tales", with seven others. (Quinn 430). William Wilson is a short story which late became a famous film in the 1960's under the title Spirits of the Dead starring Brigitte Bardot and Alain Delon. Also contains first appearance of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Justice and Charity' and "Deacon Enos" also by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Book-plate of Owen Bulkeley Baronet at Tadsworth Hall, Shropshire to front paste-down which also has a tiny bookseller's ticket. A contemporary, neat gift inscription on the second free end-paper. A bright and attractive VG copy with some of the customary foxing to the engravings and with the hinges firm. The gilt edges and the leather are entirely original and with no later refurbishment. Photographs/scans available upon request.