The Picture of Dorian Gray
M.J.Ivers & Co. 1890.
First edition in book form, a pirate edition taken from the publicaton in Lippincott's magazine of a mere two days earlier. Original publisher's wrappers, rebound in contemporary half morocco by Walters. Pages browned, but wrappers preserved in excellent condition, slight fading to the spine of the binding, a very good copy indeed.
Wilde's only novel first saw the light of day on pages of the July issue of Lippincott's Magazine, published in Philladelphia and London on 20 June. The story created a huge amount of attention and by 22 June, the small New York firm of M.J.Ivers, a cheap reprint publisher, had produced an unauthorised edition as a single work. In response to raucous criticism from the press, Wilde made revisions to the text, adding six chapters and an introduction for the London book publication in 1891.
As might be expected of a book printed, bound and issued in two days, it was cheaply produced and very few copies have survived, and it is now seldom found in commerce. Auction records show just three copies offered in the last forty years, all in various states of disrepair, the last, offered in 2004 with heavily restored wrappers, making £2680.
Stock ID: 35983
Sold
We have sold this item, but similar items
may become available in the future
