- 138
Wilde, Oscar
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Wilde, Oscar
- Four editions of "De Profundis":
- paper
De Profundis. Methuen and co., 1905, FIRST EDITION, ONE OF 200 COPIES ON HANDMADE PAPER, original white buckram boards with lettering and design by Charles Ricketts, preserved in quarter brown cloth case and matching quarter brown morocco slipcase, [Mason 389]; [another edition], the regular trade edition, advertisements at the end (dated February 1905 rather than March), original blue buckram boards, top edge gilt, letter by G. Krishnamurti to collector loosely inserted (about the dating of the advertisements), folding blue cloth case and matching slipcase, [Mason 388]; [another edition, the first German book edition], Berlin, 1905, ornamental initial in red, quarter parchment, preserved in collector's box, [see Mason 390], covers slightly scuffed and discoloured; [new edition, with additional matter], Methuen and Co., 1908, ONE OF 80 COPIES, original vellum gilt, top edge gilt, collector's folding box, [Mason 401]; 8vo (4)
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
Four early editions of the published extracts from the imprisoned author's letter to Lord Alfred Douglas, described by Wilde himself as "the psychological explanation of a course of conduct that from the outside seems a combination of absolute idiocy with vulgar bravado... I don't defend my conduct. I explain it..."’ (Complete Letters, p.780).