By Oscar Wilde
London   Ward Lock & Bowden
8" by 6" vii [2], 2-334 [10] pp
An excellent copy of the scarce second edition of Oscar Wilde's infamous and celebrated Gothic novel, published only four years after the first edition in book form.
By Oscar Wilde

1895 The Picture of Dorian Gray

London   Ward Lock & Bowden
8" by 6" vii [2], 2-334 [10] pp
An excellent copy of the scarce second edition of Oscar Wilde's infamous and celebrated Gothic novel, published only four years after the first edition in book form.
Sold
: 1kgs / : 819F29

What Our Customers Say...

Description

An Important Work, Early Edition, Publishers' Original Binding

The scarce second edition of Oscar Wilde's only published novel, in the publisher's original paper vellum backed paper covered boards.

Printed from the sheets of the first edition.

With all issue points called for: the publisher's imprint to the title page reads 'Ward Lock & Bowden, Limited', and the text of 'The Preface' on page v and 'Oscar Wilde' on page vii are in italics and capitals. With eight pages of publisher's advertisement to the rear, as called for.

A classic Gothic novel and example of literature of the decadent movement, the tale is preceded by Wilde's famous preface which addresses the criticisms of the work, and defends the reputation of the novel.  

Published four years after the first edition in book form, and in the same year as Wilde's 1895 legal trials, this is a scarce early issue of one of the most important works of literature of the nineteenth century, one that was subject to much criticism and controversy in its time.

Condition

In the publisher's original quarter paper vellum binding, with paper covered boards. Bumping to back strip head and tail, with back strip age toned and light handling marks to board perimeters. Front joint starting, with board holding firm. Endpapers renewed. Internally, firmly bound. Pages exceptionally clean and bright. Leaves of publisher's advertisements to the rear uncut.

Very Good

Delivery & payment

We send all of our books via courier which is a fully tracked and insured service. In our experience we find this to be the most reliable and quickest form of delivery. Our primary courier is DHL, but we are able to accommodate special requests if required, including postal delivery for items under 2kg. See More Details