10. A Copy Of His First Book "Tamerlane And Other Poems" Was Sold For $662,500 In 2009, A Record For A Piece Of American Literature
Poe's first published work was "Tamerlane and Other Poems" - a 40-page collection of poems, released in July 1827, of which it is believed just 12 copies still exist. Now recognised as one of the rarest first editions in American literature, a copy of the Lord Byron-inspired poems was sold at Christie's auction house in New York for $662,500 (£450,000) in December 2009. This book, sold from the collection of American TV producer William E Self to a mystery buyer, proved to be the most expensive piece of American literature ever.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
