Books

1894. London: John Lane at the Bodley Head, 1894. Small 4to, [xiv], 154, [1] pp. Original salmon buckram, covers with gilt-stamped decorations, gilt top, backstrip lettered and stamped in gilt, scattered foxing, a lovely copy enclosed in a quarter blue morocco slipcase. § First edition (though there were 15 copies printed for the production of the play in New York). This play contains some of Wilde’s best quips - with especially astute comments on the nature of society. A hard book to find in perfect condition -- this copy has been boxed for about 100 years and is almost flawless. On the front pastedown is a printed note: “This book is now published by John Lane at the Bodley Head in Vigo St London W”. Millard 365.

A Woman of No Importance is a play by Irish playwright Oscar Wilde. The play premièred on 19 April 1893 at London's Haymarket Theatre. It is a testimony of Wilde's wit and his brand of dark comedy. It explores themes of English upper class society and highlights the double standards between men and women during the Victorian era.