Wilde, Oscar

8vo, FIRST PUBLISHED APPEARANCE, WITH THE RARER PHILADELPHIA IMPRINT, adverts at beginning and end, original printed wrappers in red and black, collector's cloth case and quarter morocco slipcase, wrappers slightly darkened with a few short tears, and some small stains, slightly chipped at head and base of spine

Mason 82

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."

FIRST APPEARANCE OF WILDE'S CELEBRATED STORY. It was in September 1899 that the Philadelphia publisher of Lippincott's Magazine, J.M Stoddart, came to London looking for short novels for publication. He approached both Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle, and took both out to dinner: an event recorded by Doyle as "a golden evening". Doyle ended up agreeing to write a second Sherlock Holmes story (The Sign of Four), while Wilde contributed The Picture of Dorian Gray. The character of Dorian was probably named after the young poet John Gray (see lot 107) who was introduced to Wilde by Ricketts and Shannon. When the story appeared on 20 June 1890 it immediately created a huge amount of attention and interest, with some finding it repellent. Victorian Literature was, however, irrevocably altered. Furthermore the book had a profound impact on Wilde's own life, since a copy was lent by Lionel Johnson to his young cousin Lord Alfred Douglas, who begged to be taken to meet the author. Thus Wilde saw his own fictional character come to life.