MESMERISM "IN ARTICULO MORTIS." AN ASTOUNDING & HORRIFYING NARRATIVE, SHEWING THE EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF MESMERISM IN ARRESTING THE PROGRESS OF DEATH. London: Short & Co., 8, King Street, Bloomsbury, 1846. Octavo, pp. [1-3] 4-16, self-wrappers, sewn. First edition. First appearance in book form of "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar," one of Poe's most famous tales. This incomparably revolting account of the long-delayed death of M. Valdemar was first published in the AMERICAN REVIEW: A WHIG JOURNAL, December 1845. "This repulsive masterpiece develops further one of the themes -- mesmerism of the dying -- previously used in 'Mesmeric Revelation.' It is not surprising to learn that at least one editor rejected it, but it is surprising that many early readers believed the story, which Poe had never expected" (Mabbott). Short's edition was Poe's only tale to be published separately in his lifetime. For printing history see Thomas Ollive Mabbott (editor), Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe: Tales and Sketches 1843-1849, pp. 1228-1233. BAL 16151. Heartman & Canny, pp. 111-112. Anatomy of Wonder (2004) II-857. Bleiler, Guide to Supernatural Fiction 1316. A fine copy. (#174265).
Price: $4,500.00
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