[WILDE, Oscar (1854-1900).] The Importance of Being Earnest. London: Leonard Smithers and Co, 1899.

First edition, one of 1000 copies printed. The Importance of Being Earnest was Wilde’s best and most celebrated play, but also his downfall—the Marquess of Queensbury, father of his lover Lord Alfred Douglas, planned to disrupt the opening night and the ensuing conflict eventually led to Wilde’s conviction and imprisonment for “gross indecency.” The play’s run was cut short due to Wilde’s notoriety, but he arranged for this publication of the text from his exile in Paris, with his name left off. The editing of this play, along with Lady Windermere’s Fan, for publication were Wilde’s final literary efforts.

Small quarto. Original lilac cloth gilt, decorated with repeated leaf spray design by Charles Shannon (cloth darkened, spine a bit toned and leaning a little with some wear at ends). Provenance: Dudley James (bookplate) – Swann Galleries, 11 January 1990, lot 285.