Wilde, Oscar

FIRST ENGLISH EDITION, 8vo (208 x 150mm.), one of 500 copies, frontispiece, 9 plates and illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, 16pp. publisher's catalogue at end, original blue cloth gilt stamped with device by Beardsley in gilt [Mason 350; Lasner 59], spine somewhat discoloured and worn at head and foot; together with 3 issues of 'The Savoy', 1896, illustrations by Beardsley and others, original printed boards and wrappers [Lasner 103 no.1, no. 2 (second issue) and no. 8], first two issues rebacked with new endpapers (4)

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."

Wilde's Salome was initially rehearsed in the summer of 1892 for a production at the Palace Theatre starring Sarah Bernhardt in the title role. However, owing to the representation of Biblical characters in the play, the Lord Chamberlain refused a licence and the premiere was moved to Paris. Consequently, the play was first published in French in 1893, with this first English edition, augmented with Beardsley's striking illustrations, appearing the year after.