Lot 142
  • 142

Wilde, Oscar.

Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description

  • The Sphinx. London: Elkin Mathews and John Lane at the Sign of the Bodley Head, 1894
  • PAPER
small 4to (217 x 170mm.), first edition, one of 200 copies, decorated title-page and other illustrations by Charles Ricketts, printed in black, light red and green, pictorial vellum gilt by Charles Ricketts, collector's slipcase and burgundy morocco-backed green cloth folding box by Zaehnsdorf, minor spotting throughout, small scratch to lower cover

Provenance

Michael Sadleir, book-label; Llewellyn Wright, book-label

Literature

Mason 357

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

The first and limited edition of Wilde's poem which he "hesitated to publish... as it would destroy domesticity in England" (Stuart Mason, A Bibliography of Oscar Wilde, London, 1914, p.399).