Ravenna
Newdigate Prize Poem... Recited in the Theatre, Oxford, June 26, 1878
Thos. Shrimpton and Son, 1878.
First edition, first printing with the crest to both the upper wrapper and the title page. Original grey wrappers printed in black. Single stitched quire. Author's presentation copy, inscribed on the upper wrapper "with the compliments of the author". A near fine copy with a light central crease, but otherwise a crisp and clean copy. Housed in s chemise and quarter morocco slipcase.;
Ravenna was Wilde's first book. It followed a tradition among Newdigate winners, having been prepared for issue on the occasion of the recital. History does not reveal the numbers present but it is likely a few rather than many turned up. There are just a handful of inscribed copies known and these are often recorded as showing similar signs of folding. It is likely therefore, that these copies were among the 25 prepared by Shrimpton for the 26th of June reading, inscribed by Wilde and subsequently folded to fit in pockets. A rare and resonant object.
Stock ID: 35915
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