Wilde, Oscar

8vo, FIRST EDITION, original printed grey-green wrappers bound in, rebound for Hatchards in three-quarter green morocco gilt with new blank leaves after the text, green cloth covers, matching endpapers, preserved in specially made matching case and quarter green morocco slipcase

George Herbert Wailes, armorial bookplate

Mason 301; Ellmann pp.87-94

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."

A NEAR FINE COPY OF THE AUTHOR'S FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK.

Oscar Wilde travelled to Greece in 1877 with the Reverend John Mahaffy and stopped in Ravenna by chance. His poem on the ancient city was entered for the Newdigate Prize of 1878, whose set subject that year, by sheer coincidence, happened to be "Ravenna". The results of the prize were announced on June 10. Oscar Wilde publicly recited  his poem at Magdalen College on June 26.  Apparently one of the duties of the Professor of Poetry was to suggest amendments to the winner, these usually being accepted and implemented. "Wilde listened to all the suggestions with courtesy and even took notes of them, but he went away and printed the poem without making a single alteration in it." Shortly after he was awarded a first in his final exams, so achieving the rare distinction of a double first in Mods and Greats. Shrimpton printed the first  25 copies on 24 June and a remaining 143 between then and 12 February 1879.