The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe with Decorations by T. R. R. P. [TRRP]

London: Gay and Bird, Publishers , 1901. 1901 in Roman numerals at title page. Large 7 1/4" x 9" design. Dark grey boards, black impressed cover titles, smooth cream vellum or leather-like spine wrap, moderate shelf wear, rub, discoloration. Rough-cut deckled leaves, very good, no writing; endpapers toned. String bind good; hinges intact. Rare first edition thus elaborately illustrated by the artist T. R. R. P. features majestic font printed within unique and flourishing woodcut borders. Initial letters of each verse presented in relief within bright red squares. Full-page woodcut illustration in black at beginning and at final verse. Rich miasmic patterns and designs provide a rich and lively display for this haunting poem. Each verse is printed on single side of each page and verso or back of each is the verse number with vignette. Interestingly, at rear pastedown, barely visible and printed in reverse to back side adhered to interior board, in bold outline of letters: "FINE VELLUM WOVE, HAZELL WATSON & VINEY L, 52 LONG ACRE, LONDON, AND AT AYLESBURY." Edgar Allan Poe's hazy narrative begins on a night in December when "The Raven" haunts the unnamed narrator who sits reading "forgotten lore" to sublimate the loss of his love, Lenore. A "rapping at his chamber door" reveals nothing, yet excites his soul to "burning". A similar rapping, slightly louder, is heard at his window. When he investigates, a raven enters his chamber. Paying no attention, the raven perches atop a bust of Pallas high above the door. Amused by the raven's comically serious disposition, the man asks that the bird tell him its name. The raven's only answer is "Nevermore". The narrator is surprised that the raven can talk, though at this point it has said nothing further. The narrator remarks to himself that his "friend" will soon fly out of his life, just as "other friends have flown before". The raven responds again with "Nevermore". The narrator reasons that the bird learned the word "Nevermore" from some "unhappy master" and that it is the only word it knows. Regardless, the narrator pulls his chair directly in front of the raven, determined to learn more. He thinks for a moment, and his mind wanders to his lost Lenore. He thinks the air grows denser and feels the presence of angels, and wonders if God is sending him a sign that he is to forget Lenore. The bird again replies in the negative, suggesting that he can never be free of his memories. The narrator becomes angry, calling the raven a "thing of evil". Finally, he asks whether he will be reunited with Lenore in Heaven. When the raven responds with its typical "Nevermore", he is enraged, and, calling it a liar, commands the bird to return to the "Plutonian shore", - but it does not move. The narrator's final admission is that his soul is trapped beneath the raven's shadow and shall be lifted "Nevermore". Insured post.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good. Illus. by T. R. R. P. (Decorations). 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.