Books

First edition, and an exceptionally nice copy, of Wilde's first and best-known collection of children's stories, including "The Selfish Giant", "The Nightingale and the Rose", "The Devoted Friend", and "The Remarkable Rocket". Wilde's reputation as an author dated from the publication of the Happy Prince and Other Tales in London in May 1888. The Athenaeum compared him to Hans Christian Andersen, and Pater wrote to say that 'The Selfish Giant' was 'perfect in its kind,' and the whole book written in 'pure English' - a wonderful compliment" (Richard Ellmann, Oscar Wilde, 1987, p. 282). This copy has the florid ink ownership inscription, dated 1892, of Walter Spindler, likely the British artist Walter E. Spindler (1878-1940), active in the 1890s and notable for his portraits of French actress Sarah Bernhardt. Wilde was infatuated with Bernhardt, and wrote Salome especially with her in mind for the lead role. He later declared: "The three women I have most admired in my life are Sarah Bernhardt, Lily Langtry, and Queen Victoria. I would have married any one of them with pleasure." Small quarto. Original cream-coloured paper-covered boards, titles to spine black, title and publisher's device to front cover red with vignette black. Housed in an orange morocco-backed book-form slipcase and chemise. Frontispiece, with tissue guard, and 2 plates by Walter Crane, 12 head- and tailpieces by Jacomb Hood. Corners gently bumped, some minor marks to covers, some very mild spotting within, an excellent copy. Mason 313 ("1,000 copies"). Richard Ellmann, Oscar Wilde, 1987.

The Happy Prince and Other Tales is a collection of five stories that teach profound life lessons through fantasy narrative. Oscar Wilde uses poignant and whimsical storytelling to touch on themes of selflessness, compassion, and love.