- 73
[Wilde, Oscar.]
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- The Importance of Being Earnest. A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. Leonard Smithers, 1899
- PAPER
4to, first edition, no.73 of 1,000 copies, original red-brown cloth, designs in gilt by Charles Shannon on covers and spine, edges uncut, some slight foxing and offsetting
Literature
Mason 381
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
First edition of Wilde's most popular and enduring work.
The Importance of Being Earnest, the last of Wilde's society comedies, had originally opened on St Valentine's Day 1895, and was initially a great success. Allen Aynesworth, the actor who played Algernon, recalled that, "the audience rose in their seats and cheered and cheered again" (quoted by Hesketh Pearson, The Life of Oscar Wilde, 1946, p.257). The play seemed destined to run and run. However, scandal soon engulfed Wilde, and the play was withdrawn on 8 May after 83 performances. The first American production closed after just one week. It has since been almost continually revived.
The Importance of Being Earnest, the last of Wilde's society comedies, had originally opened on St Valentine's Day 1895, and was initially a great success. Allen Aynesworth, the actor who played Algernon, recalled that, "the audience rose in their seats and cheered and cheered again" (quoted by Hesketh Pearson, The Life of Oscar Wilde, 1946, p.257). The play seemed destined to run and run. However, scandal soon engulfed Wilde, and the play was withdrawn on 8 May after 83 performances. The first American production closed after just one week. It has since been almost continually revived.