- 54
Gray, John
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
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Description
- Silverpoints. London: Elkin Matthews and John Lane, 1893.
- Paper, ink, leather
Tall 8vo (212 x 110 mm). Fore and bottom edges uncut. Original gilt-stamped green cloth after a Charles Ricketts design. Offsetting to rear endpapers, else very fine.
first edition, presentation to lady gregory dated April, 1893. Number 116 of 250 copies.
Oscar Wilde thought Gray's verses were " a perfect mode of expression" and almost financed his first book, this collection of poems heavily influenced by the French Symbolists (included are his translations of Verlaine and Rimbaud). The young author was quite taken with Wilde, imitating his dandyish style and signing his letters to him "Dorian." It was widely accepted among their circle of Ricketts, Dowson, etc., that Gray was the inspiration for Wilde's languorous, decadent character, but when a newspaper suggested as such, Gray claimed libel and made them retract the comparison. As Wilde became more sexually reckless and took up with Lord Alfred Douglas, Gray distanced himself, finding another backer for Silverpoints.
first edition, presentation to lady gregory dated April, 1893. Number 116 of 250 copies.
Oscar Wilde thought Gray's verses were " a perfect mode of expression" and almost financed his first book, this collection of poems heavily influenced by the French Symbolists (included are his translations of Verlaine and Rimbaud). The young author was quite taken with Wilde, imitating his dandyish style and signing his letters to him "Dorian." It was widely accepted among their circle of Ricketts, Dowson, etc., that Gray was the inspiration for Wilde's languorous, decadent character, but when a newspaper suggested as such, Gray claimed libel and made them retract the comparison. As Wilde became more sexually reckless and took up with Lord Alfred Douglas, Gray distanced himself, finding another backer for Silverpoints.
Provenance
Lady Gregory (presentation to blank, bookplate); Michael Sadlier (bookplate); Nowell-Smith (bookplates)