WILDE, Oscar (1854-1900). Ravenna. Recited in the Theatre, Oxford, June 26, 1878. Oxford: Thomas Shrimpton and Son, 1878.

First edition of Oscar Wilde's first separate publication, his Newdigate-winning poem. In 1877 Wilde traveled through Greece and Italy with his professor John Pentland Mahaffy, stopping for a brief time in the ancient city of Ravenna. Coincidentally, Ravenna was the set subject for the Newdigate poetry prize that year—and the rest, as they say, is history. Mason 301.

Octavo (179 x 120mm). Head- and tail-piece (a few smudges to title). Original printed gray-green wrappers (cover detached, some chips); custom chemise and slipcase. Provenance: Donald S. Stralem (1903-1976, American banker; morocco book label).

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