Beardsley, Aubrey--Poe, Edgar Allan

one of ten copies, four plates, loose as issued in original parchment folder with floral design in gilt, slight browning, two flaps of folder detached but present, hinges splitting

[together with:]



Poe, Edgar Allan. The Works of Edgar Allan Poe. Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1894-1895, 10 vol., number 166 of 250 copies, title-pages in red and black, illustrations by Albert Edward Sterner, original parchment boards with floral design in gilt, largely unopened, some light browning, spines soiled

Lasner 80

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Lasner notes that 'in late December 1893 the Chicago publisher Stone and Kimball commissioned Beardsley to provide illustrations for the "Tales" section of the large paper version of Poe's works. The four designs he completed appeared not in the volumes themselves, but in a separate, undated portfolio, about which there is uncertainty regarding the number of copies produced". It is thought that only ten sets were produced.

The illustrations are untitled but comprise: 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue', 'The Black Cat', 'The Masque of the Red Death' and 'The Fall of the House of Usher'.