Wilde, Oscar | First edition, presentation copy

Wilde, Oscar

A Woman of No Importance. London: John Lane, 1894 [with] ephemera

Small 4to (215 x 160mm). 16-page publisher's catalogue at end; some toning, one or two stray spots. Original light brown linen boards, designs by Charles Shannon in gilt on spine and boards; bumped at corners and head and tail, some wear with exposure at extremities, soiling to boards, fading to spine, front free endpaper detached. In morocco backed purple slipcase, with folding chemise. [With]: Four pieces of ephemera, including a photographic portrait of Harry Stanford and Laura Burt (identified in pencil on verso) and three magazine and newspaper clippings related to Wilde.

First edition, presentation copy, signed and inscribed by Wilde, "Harry Stanford from his friend the author. Oscar Wilde nov '94" on initial blank. The Harry Stanford here is perhaps the actor who played the role of Mr. Montford in the original performance of Wilde's An Ideal Husband in 1895 (the role is variously attributed to Harry Stanford and Henry Stanford).

PROVENANCE

Harry Stanford (presentation inscription) — José García Villa