THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: A TRIVIAL COMEDY FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE
London: Leonard Smithers and Co, 1899. First Trade Edition, Limited, #208/1000. Octavo, 151 pages. In Good plus condition. Bound in publisher's pale purple cloth with gilt leaves to boards, gilt lettering to spine. Fading to spine and boards. Some general shelfwear. Chipping to head and tail of spine. Bumping to corners and extremities. Spine cocked. Front pastedown with glue stains from a removed bookplate. Front free endpaper with bookplate. Shelved showcase.
1411385
Shelved Dupont Bookstore
Price: $3,250
NOTES
'The Importance of Being Earnest' was a success on stage when it opened in 1895 but closed after 86 performances due to Wilde's arrest. It is generaly considered one of his best works. This Trade edition was published in 1899, after he was released from Reading Gaol and residing in France. He died the following year.