- 143
Wilde, Oscar
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Wilde, Oscar
- Intentions. Osgood, McIlvaine and Co., 1894
- Paper
8vo, second English edition, FROM OSCAR WILDE'S OWN LIBRARY, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED FOR THE AUTHOR BY ADA LEVERSON ("This beautiful book is offered | to its incomparable author | by | the gentle reader. | Oct. 15th 1894"), contemporary green morocco gilt by John Bumpus, spine gilt in compartments, morocco turn-ins with gilt dentelles, some off-setting, lacking preliminary blank, joints professionally strengthened, head and foot of spine professionally restored, minor split to head of upper joint
Provenance
Mr Bullock ("16 Tite Street... Catalogue of the Library..."), 24 April 1895, lot 51 [assumed]; John Hart Catalogue 75, 2007, number 250
Literature
Mason 342
Condition
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."
"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
As noted by Thomas Wright in Oscar's Books (London, 2006), "The editions of Wilde's own works that stood on his library shelves can... be classed as personal mementoes of immense sentimental value. Among these was a unique copy of Intentions... that had been rebound for him as a birthday present by Ada Leverson. Leverson, whom Wilde addressed as 'The Sphinx', was... one of Wilde's closest and most faithful friends... Her gift, among the loveliest books Wilde owned... is decorated with a delicate gilt design of roses and poppies..." Wilde acknowledged the gift on 27 October 1894: "Dear Sphinx, the copy of Intentions is quite beautiful. It is more green than the original even, and I read it as a new work with wonder and joy" (see Complete Letters, London, 2000, p. 616)