[Literature] Poe, Edgar Allan. The Mask of the Red Death

Baltimore: Aquarius Press, 1969. In two volumes. Limited edition, copy number "C/E", signed by the illustrator Federico Castellon. Folio. Illustrated with 16 color lithographs by Castellon, and with an additional suite comprising 28 signed and numbered lithographs (housed in separate portfolio). Original quarter morocco over brocade cloth, stamped in gilt; top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed, some very minor rubbing along edges; in publisher's folding case.

The Masque of the Red Death was first published in Graham's Magazine in 1842, albeit under the original title "The Mask of the Red Death." For this story, Poe was paid $12, which would be about $400 in 2026 dollars. In its original form, the title referred to the central figure of the story, who appears at a party hosted by wealthy nobles amid a devastating plague that brings death to all it encounters. When reprinted in the July 19, 1845 issue of The Broadway Journal, Poe changed the title to "The Masque of the Red Death," placing the emphasis on the fateful masquerade ball. The Aquarius Press in choosing the story as its first publication chose to retain the original title and text of the 1842 Graham's Magazine edition.

This lot is located in Chicago.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email booksmanuscripts@freemansauction.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email

Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana

You might also like

[American Revolution] Franklin, Benjamin. Partially-Printed Promissory Note, accomplished and twice signed

[Presidential] Washington, George. Letter, signed

[Americana] Smith, Joseph. The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates Taken From the Plates of Nephi

[Presidential] [Lincoln, Abraham] By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation

[Natural History] Audubon, John James. Brown Pelican

[Constitution] (Hamilton, Alexander, and John Jay, and James Madison). The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, as Agreed Upon by the Federal Convention, September 17, 1787

[Literature] Poe, Edgar Allan. The Mask of the Red Death

You might also like

[American Revolution] Franklin, Benjamin. Partially-Printed Promissory Note, accomplished and twice signed

[Presidential] Washington, George. Letter, signed

[Americana] Smith, Joseph. The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates Taken From the Plates of Nephi

[Presidential] [Lincoln, Abraham] By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation

[Natural History] Audubon, John James. Brown Pelican

[Constitution] (Hamilton, Alexander, and John Jay, and James Madison). The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, as Agreed Upon by the Federal Convention, September 17, 1787

Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana

You might also like

[American Revolution] Franklin, Benjamin. Partially-Printed Promissory Note, accomplished and twice signed

[Presidential] Washington, George. Letter, signed

[Americana] Smith, Joseph. The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates Taken From the Plates of Nephi

[Presidential] [Lincoln, Abraham] By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation

[Natural History] Audubon, John James. Brown Pelican

[Constitution] (Hamilton, Alexander, and John Jay, and James Madison). The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, as Agreed Upon by the Federal Convention, September 17, 1787

[Literature] Poe, Edgar Allan. The Mask of the Red Death

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup

You might also like

[American Revolution] Franklin, Benjamin. Partially-Printed Promissory Note, accomplished and twice signed

[Presidential] Washington, George. Letter, signed

[Americana] Smith, Joseph. The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates Taken From the Plates of Nephi

[Presidential] [Lincoln, Abraham] By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation

[Natural History] Audubon, John James. Brown Pelican

[Constitution] (Hamilton, Alexander, and John Jay, and James Madison). The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, as Agreed Upon by the Federal Convention, September 17, 1787