A rare Oscar Wilde book, one of only 50 published, is to go up for sale next week.
The edition of A Woman of No Importance, published in 1894 by John Lane of London, bears the inscription ‘Of this edition 50 copies have been printed’.
Wilde’s satirical play on English manners premiered at Haymarket Theatre in London on 19 April 1893 and ran until 16 August for 113 performances.
“It’s in pristine condition – the pages are more or less untouched,” said Joseph Trinder, Auctioneer, Valuer and Managing Director at Wotton Auction Rooms.
The book has an estimate of £2,000 to £4,000 and Mr Trinder believes it could have international appeal: “It’s a very scarce edition of its type and anything Wilde-related appeals to collectors internationally and I’m sure it will be hotly chased.
“To quote Mr Wilde, ‘I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best’ – and that’s what we have here in this edition.
“It’s a local consignment from a client in Dursley, and it’s coming up in our sale on the 21st of January.”
The book will go under the hammer on January 21st at Wotton Auction Rooms in Wotton-under-Edge.
Fore more details visit www.wottonauctionrooms.co.uk or phone 01453 844733.
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