> The copy once held by the University of Virginia, Poe’s not-quite alma mater, was stolen in 1973 from the McGregor Room vault in Alderman Library. If it is never recovered, an unfortunate possibility, the number of known copies drops to eleven. At least one prominent Poe expert I know speculates it may have been destroyed to hide the evidence.

Isn't it more likely that they were fans of Poe and took the book for themselves or they stole it for someone who was a fan of Poe. Doesn't seem likely anyone else would steal such a rare book only to destroy it.