THE RAVEN in THE AMERICAN REVIEW: A Whig Journal of Politics, Literature, Art and Science in Eight Volumes for 1845-1848

New York: Wiley and Putnam, 1845. Beautiful, extremely informative and entertaining 8-volume set. First ever printing of "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe printed on page 143 under the pseudonym "Quarles." This pseudonym was in keeping with the American Review’s practice of publishing poetry unsigned or under a pen name. Also includes Poe's story "Some Words With a Mummy" (363-370), and the poems "The Valley of Unrest" and "The City in the Sea" (392-3). Set in type from Poe’s manuscript, The Raven was first printed in the American Review in January 1845 (issue dated February, 1845) and struck an immediate chord with the public and was reprinted in magazines and newspapers throughout the country. Includes bound volumes 1-8, 1845-1848 of The American Review: A Whig Journal, published monthly. Each volume with marbled boards w/moderate rub, black conditioned leather spine wrap, gilt spine titles, moderate shelf wear relevant to age. Half-bound in contemporary leather binding and corners. Pages good; some with fox, toning. Antiquarian owner's name to several title pages, some with initials, few with brief pencilled notations. Six volumes measuring 5 3/4" x 9" and two 6" x 9 1/4"; each apprx. 1-2" thick. The American Review was vibrant, comprehensive intellectual and entertainment media, in addition to being a source of opinion and information. It was cultural expression in the largest sense. The American Review contained articles of various lengths and subject matter; true to Whig form, however, the longest articles developed philosophical, religious, and historical themes in detail, or else, provided in-depth biographical information on the leading statesmen of the day. Insured post.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Good. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.