Wagner, Richard

first edition, [4] & 216 pages, folio (33.5 x 26.5cm), lithographed Gothic architectural  title-page in brown and black, showing a view of the Rhine framed by an arch and 2 knights in niches, engraved music, plate no.16152, contemporary cloth-backed boards, gilt title to spine, early ownership inscriptions to flyleaf (1872), later transcriptions after Wagner to verso of title and on an inserted leaf, some staining to corners,

WWV 86A X; Fuld, p.465

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

Rare: we have not traced any copy of this first edition at auction in recent decades.

Wagner criticized the Gothic brown title page and in particular the architectural border featuring two knights as "most vexing", declaring that " the whole Gothic frame is completely pointless" (letter of 8 March 1861); he asked for it to be removed immediately and replaced with a simple border.  Schott's complied with Wagner's demands and a new title page without illustration, frame or plate number was published as early as 11 April 1861.  This edition predates the first peformance of Das Rheingold, given at Munich in 1869.