London, L. Smithers & Co., 1899
One of 100 large paper copies - signed by the author. A masterpiece of intrigue, political corruption, blackmail and hypocrisy but also one of forgiveness, tolerance and justice.
Wilde started writing An Ideal Husband while staying at Goring-on-Thames, which inspired him name one of the characters, Lord Goring. The finished play was initially rejected by the Garrick Theatre but soon taken up by the Haymarket Theatre, where it opened in January 1895 to a rapturous reception. George Bernard Shaw said of it: "Mr. Wilde is to me our only thorough Playwright. He plays with everything; with wit, with philosophy, with drama, with actors and audience, with the whole theatre."
First edition, first impression, limited issue, number 53 of 100 copies on large paper, signed by the author; 4to (22.2 x 17.2 cm); small patch of light tanning to two leaves from some old insert; publisher's lilac cloth, gilt design by Charles Shannon, partly unopened, endpapers a little browned as always, spine sunned and with a short snag at the head of the lower joint, else very good.
Mason 386.
Wilde started writing An Ideal Husband while staying at Goring-on-Thames, which inspired him name one of the characters, Lord Goring. The finished play was initially rejected by the Garrick Theatre but soon taken up by the Haymarket Theatre, where it opened in January 1895 to a rapturous reception. George Bernard Shaw said of it: "Mr. Wilde is to me our only thorough Playwright. He plays with everything; with wit, with philosophy, with drama, with actors and audience, with the whole theatre."
First edition, first impression, limited issue, number 53 of 100 copies on large paper, signed by the author; 4to (22.2 x 17.2 cm); small patch of light tanning to two leaves from some old insert; publisher's lilac cloth, gilt design by Charles Shannon, partly unopened, endpapers a little browned as always, spine sunned and with a short snag at the head of the lower joint, else very good.
Mason 386.
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