Although this was the first (and so far only) Marvel series of this name, there was a title called Marvel Tales published by Marvel's predecessor, Atlas Comics. That series was originally named Marvel Mystery Comics, but changed its name to Marvel Tales with #93. Its last issue was #159.
From the beginning, this series was a reprint title. The first two issues were annuals, but became monthly reprint series with #3. For almost its entire run, it reprinted Spider-Man comics, notably early Amazing Spider-Man issues (twice over), later selected Marvel Team-Up issues, then the DeFalco era Spider-Man. For 32 issues, it included original Spider-Ham stories (circa #201-247).
