Wilde, Oscar

A House of Pomegranates. James R. Osgood McIlvaine, 1891, 4to, FIRST EDITION, one of 1,000 copies, pictorial title-page and other illustrations in the text by Charles Ricketts, 4 full-page illustrations by Charles Shannon printed in brown, original pictorial cloth gilt and pictorial endpapers designed by Charles Ricketts, housed in specially-made folding box, [Mason 347], hinges and one gathering repaired, one gathering starting, binding slightly worn, illustrations faint as always owing to "improved process"; [another edition], Methuen & Co., 1915, 4to, illustrated with colour title-page and 16 mounted coloured plates by Jessie M. King, original blue cloth elaborately decorated in orange with a design by the artist, preserved in specially made folding box, some slight foxing, OTHERWISE FINE (2)

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."

The four plates for the first edition were printed in Paris by a new process and a dusty deposit appeared on each plate. Upon removing this much of the surface of the image was removed, resulting in the faint impressions found in the printed book.