T.p. printed within thin black rule border.

"These trifles are collected and republished chiefly with a view to their redemption from the many improvements to which they have been subjected while going at random the 'rounds of the press.' I am naturally anxious that what I have written should circulate as I wrote it, if it circulate at all. In defence of my own taste, nevertheless, it is incumbent upon me to say that I think nothing in this volume of much value to the public, or very creditable to myself. Events not to be controlled have prevented me from making at any time, any serious effort in what, under happier circumstances, would have been the field of my choice ... "--Preface signed "E. A. P." [i.e. Edgar Allan Poe].

Includes "The life and genius of Edgar Allan Poe" by James Hannay dated 1852 (p. [xi]-xxx).

Wood-engraved plates are with signature: "Geo Measom Sc." and listed as illustrated by Anelay.

With the same wood-engraved illustrations engraved by G. and E. Dalziel within the text as those used in an edition of this title published in 1853 by Addey and Co. and printed by G. Barclay. See McLean D 0896.

With the same setting of type, illustrations (except some footnotes and lack of signature mark on p. [99]) and wood-engraved plates as used in another "Complete Edition" of this title published [between 1853 and 1864] by J. & C. Brown and Co. and printed by Woodfall and Kinder. See McLean D 0898.

Plates and illustrations were also used in a "Complete Edition" of this title published [between 1870 and 1881] by Charles Griffin and Company and printed in Glasgow by Bell and Bain. See McLean D 0899.

Publisher's advertisements on p. [4-7] at end.

MASS copy: Bound in blue cord-grain cloth blocked in gold and blind; a.e.g. With cream endpapers. With binder's ticket: "Bound by Leighton Son and Hodge." With presentation inscription dated 1860.