Oscar Wilde

WILDE, Oscar (1854-1900). The Sphinx. London: Elkin Mathews and John Lane, 1894.

A superb first edition, limited to 200 copies, with illustrations by Charles Ricketts. Rickett’s illustrations have been described as ‘thoroughly planned’ creating a ‘perfect whole as harmonious as it is dazzling’ (Ray). In Wilde’s poem, the young narrator encounters the Sphinx and cannot resist questioning her on her past lovers, particularly the Egyptian god Ammon. Ultimately disturbed by her sensuality, he turns to a figure of crucified Christ for solace. Mason 261; Ray 262.

Small quarto (219 x 168mm). Frontispiece and 8 in-text illustrations by Ricketts printed in red, of which 7 are full-page, decorative initials throughout, text printed in black and green (scattered spotting, affecting 11 leaves heavily, this perhaps a production flaw). Original full vellum, pictorial decorations by Ricketts to spine and boards gilt, all edges untrimmed (extremities very lightly soiled, heaviest to spine).