POE, Edgar Allan (1809-1849). "The Mask of the Red Death" and Other Pieces. In Graham's Lady's and Gentleman's Magazine. Philadelphia: George R. Graham, 1842. Volumes XX and XXI bound in one. Illustrated throughout with steel engravings, some hand-colored, with several lace patterns inserted. vi. [1]-356; iv, [1]-344 pp. Title-pages present, one blank in volume XXI apparently missing. Bound in contemporary half brown morocco over brown cloth, spine ruled, and lettered in gilt in compartments, four raised bands, blue endleaves. FIRST APPEARANCE OF POE'S CLASSIC STORY, "THE MASK [SIC] OF THE RED DEATH AND FOUR OTHER PIECES. Titles of Poe's stories or poems include: volume XX: A Few Words About Brainard p. [119]-121; Life in Death p. [200]-201; The Mask [sic] of the Red Death p. [257]-259; To One Departed p. 337 (poem); volume XXI: The Poetry of Rufus Dawes p. [205]-209. The Masque (here, "Mask") of the Red Death is Poe's classic gothic short story about a plague, which eventually infects a group of nobles who have sealed themselves into a supposedly "safe" palace. 

Binding quite worn, hinges cracking, text toned, foxed, soiled, several leaves and plates chipped or torn, some pages with amateurish repairs (pages of Poe contributions no chips, tears). Fair. Sold as-is.