WILDE, OSCAR. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED. ND. EX. HARRY CROSBY, IN MOROCCO BINDING WITH SUPRA-LIBROS

Autograph letter signed ("Oscar Wilde"), 6 pages on St. Stephen's Club, Westminster, letterhead (6 7/8 x 4 7/8 in.; 177 x 126 mm), c. 1870's, to Charles Godfrey Leland, mounted on guards; horizontal fold. Bound in tan morocco, with Harry and Caresse Crosby's arms and device in gilt on covers, spine gilt-lettered, top edges gilt, marbled endpapers; minimal wear.

Harry and Caresse Crosby (bookplate, supra-libros, signature of Harry Crosby on an initial blank).

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An introduction to Lady Wilde. In this undated letter, Wilde writes to the eccentric American humorist, folklorist and translator Charles Godfrey Leland (1824—1903), informing him that Wilde's mother is anxious to meet him. "She has been always familiar with your name, and would like to have the privilege of knowing the author, who has, in Heine's case at least, poured the wine of translation from 'the golden into the silver cup' without losing any of the exquisite form, or aroma of the original." Leland was a member of the Savile Club and Wilde ends his letter by remarking, "I have not forgotten your kind offer about the Savile Club. In case I am elected it will at least give me the opportunity of meeting you from time to time." Leland left London to return to his native Philadelphia in 1879. In 1882, Henry James and other supporters proposed Wilde for the Savile, without success.

Not in Complete Letters. Presumably unpublished.