SIGNED BY WILDE
The Happy Prince and Other Tales
David Nutt, 1888.
First edition, large paper issue limited to 75 numbered copies, of which this is 59, signed by both Wilde and the publisher. Quarto. Original Japanese vellum over bevelled boards, spine lettered in black, front cover lettered in red with design in black by Jacomb Hood, untrimmed. Title page printed in red and black. Three mounted, engraved plates by Walter Crane (in two states), and head and tail-pieces and decorations by Jacomb Hood. A very good copy indeed, with slight dustiness to the binding, though much cleaner than is usually seen, and a bump to the lower edge. Internally fresh with some foxing to the endpapers and a neat repair to the rear hinge. An exceptionally well preserved example of a rare and fragile work. Housed in a quarter morocco slipcase and chemise.
Wilde's first foray into children's literature, apparently thought up to entertain students on a trip to Cambridge in 1885. The book contains five tales, including his best known children's story, "The Selfish Giant". These are wistful tales, often with a strong moral message, rather in the style of early fairy tales, rather than the flights of fantasy popular at the time.
"[Wilde's] reputation as an author dated from the publication of the Happy Prince and Other Tales in London in May 1888. The Athenaeum compared him to Hans Christian Andersen, and Pater wrote to say that 'The Selfish Giant' was 'perfect in its kind,' and the whole book written in 'pure English' - a wonderful compliment." - Richard Ellmann (Oscar Wilde)
PROVENANCE: David & Lulu Borowitz (bookplate to inside chemise, their sale, Sotheby's, 1977); James Edwards.
Stock ID: 34155
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