The rare first signed edition of Dorian Gray

WILDE, OSCAR

The Picture of Dorian Gray. London: Ward Lock and Co., 1891. The large-paper deluxe edition, this being number 204 of 250 examples signed by the author. Publisher’s parchment-backed bevelled grey boards with a design after Charles Ricketts, spine lettered in gilt at the foot, top edge gilt, others uncut; housed in a purple morocco-backed slipcase and cloth chemise. 8 5/8 x 7 1/8 inches (22 x 18 cm); viii, 334, [2] pp. The covers slightly soiled and a trifle rubbed, the spine toned, minor rubbing to the front joint, the foot of the rear joint starting for about three inches, but a by no means unattractive example of this fragile binding. Bookplate of George Ulizio.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is Wilde's only novel. First published in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890, it was expanded and published in book form in 1891, and was then issued in this luxury form three months later. The story was heavily edited by Wilde to avoid any implication of homosexuality to Dorian Gray and the character of Basil, and was further redacted at various stages in its publication history to remove content that its readership might find offensive. Even so, one reviewer in The Scots Observer responded to the serialization with the comment that "Mr. Wilde has brains, and art, and style; but if he can write for none but outlawed noblemen and perverted telegraph-boys, the sooner he takes to tailoring (or some other decent trade) the better for his own reputation and the public morals.” The book was used against Wilde at his trials. Mason 329.
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