Wilde, Oscar

small 4to, FIRST ENGLISH EDITION LIMITED TO 500 COPIES PRINTED FOR ENGLAND, translated from the French by Lord Alfred Douglas, frontispiece, pictorial title-page and list of illustrations, 9 illustrations, tailpiece and cover design by Aubrey Beardsley, 16pp. publisher's catalogue dated January 1894 at end, original blue cloth gilt with designs on upper and lower cover, preserved in tan cloth case and matching slipcase, first gathering starting, slight wear to covers, minor offsetting to endpapers

Mason 350

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 LIMITED FIRST ENGLISH EDITION WITH THE FINE, AND AT THE TIME VERY SCANDALOUS, ILLUSTRATIONS BY AUBREY BEARDSLEY. Having commissioned the artist Wilde himself was taken aback when he first set eyes upon them, even feeling they might be inappropriate and overshadow his translated text. Three illustrations were withdrawn before publication. Notwithstanding the competitive edge between them the work of the writer and the artist had mutually inspirational impact; and this has lasted throughout the succeeding decades.