Edgar Allan Poe autograph letter excels at $164,520

An autographed letter sent by Edgar Allan Poe made $164,250 at auction on May 16

An autographed letter from Edgar Allan Poe achieved superb results at an auction in New Hampshire on May 16.

A master of the macabre, Edgar Allen Poe

The letter was sent by Poe to Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of the nursery rhyme Mary Had a Little Lamb. Hale had previously written to Poe to request a prose article for Godey's Lady's book, which she edited for over 40 years, retiring at age 90.

Poe declines the request in his response, stating: "I am grieved to say that it will be impossible for me to make a definite promise just now, as I am unfortunately overwhelmed with business".

Although Poe may have turned down this opportunity, he went on to write several works which were published in the magazine, along with an array of early-American literary greats, such as Washington Irvine.  

Poe was responding as editor of the Southern Literary Messenger, in which he published a number of his poems and short stories as well as excerpts from his only novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.

From one leading literary figure to another, the letter provided a fantastic opportunity for literary collectors. With a minimum bid of just $2,500, the piece sailed to $164,520.

PFC Auctions has an excellent range of letters and manuscripts in its current sale, also offering great value.

The current world record for an Edgar Allen Poe work is held by Tamerlane and Other Poems, a collection published in 1827 when Poe was just 13. It was sold through Christie's in 2009 for $662,500.

Book collectors should also view our investment portfolios, featuring a diverse selection of rarities that provide the perfect start to a collection.

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