Books

First Robinson edition, first impression, of Wilde's best-known collection of children's stories, including "The Selfish Giant", "The Nightingale and the Rose", "The Devoted Friend", and "The Remarkable Rocket". When the book was originally published in 1888, its review in The Anthenaeum compared Wilde 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" (Ellmann, p. 282). Quarto (242 x 185 mm). Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in purple morocco, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, raised bands, pictorial block to front board gilt, single rule to boards gilt, twin rule to turn-ins gilt, decorative endpapers, gilt edges. With 12 mounted colour plates, captioned tissue guards and some illustrations throughout the text. Some browning and loss to corner of a captioned tissue otherwise in excellent condition in a fine binding. 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.