As of Jan 16, 2025

WILDE Oscar

Lot 160
The Importance of Being Earnest. A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. By the Author of Lady Windermere's Fan. London: Leonard Smithers, 1895

224 x 177 mm

Lot 160
The Importance of Being Earnest. A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. By the Author of Lady Windermere's Fan. London: Leonard Smithers, 1895
224,0 x 177,0 mm

Estimate: £ 100,000 - 150,000
€ 119,000 - 178,000
Auction: 22 days

Christie's London

City: London
Auction: Feb 13, 2025
Auction number: 22992
Auction name: Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection

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Lot Details
A fine and remarkable presentation copy of the first edition: number 1 of 12 large paper copies on Japanese vellum, movingly inscribed by Wilde to Leonard Smithers, the publisher of the book and one of the crucial figures of the Aesthetic movement. The present copy is inscribed to Leonard Smithers, one of the most innovative and influential printers of the period. The play was published in an edition of 1000 copies with a further 100 large paper copies printed on Van Gelder Zonen paper, numbered and signed by Wilde, and additionally twelve numbered copies signed by Wilde on Japanese vellum made for presentation only. Numbered 1 in purple ink by Smithers, boldly signed by Oscar Wilde below with a large flourish (light marginal age toning)
Lot Details
A fine and remarkable presentation copy of the first edition: number 1 of 12 large paper copies on Japanese vellum, movingly inscribed by Wilde to Leonard Smithers, the publisher of the book and one of the crucial figures of the Aesthetic movement. The present copy is inscribed to Leonard Smithers, one of the most innovative and influential printers of the period. The play was published in an edition of 1000 copies with a further 100 large paper copies printed on Van Gelder Zonen paper, numbered and signed by Wilde, and additionally twelve numbered copies signed by Wilde on Japanese vellum made for presentation only. Numbered 1 in purple ink by Smithers, boldly signed by Oscar Wilde below with a large flourish (light marginal age toning)

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