May 1, 2024 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
218
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.
Sold for $25,600
Estimated at $15,000 - $25,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
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.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 1, 2024
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Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on May 1, 2024 Totals $1.2 Million
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A Medieval Manuscript Rules of St. Augustine Achieves $102k
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
NEW YORK, NY -- Competitive bidding at Doyle’s May 1, 2024 auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps drove strong prices and a sale total that topped $1.2 million, surpassing expectations.
Featured in the sale was a fascinating selection of early manuscripts that achieved exceptional results. Highlighting the group was a 14th century manuscript of the Rules of St. Augustine from an English priory that soared over its $8,000-12,000 estimate to realize a stunning $102,100. The Rule of St. Augustine is among the earliest of all monastic rules, created about 400, and it was an influence on all that succeeded it. Other notable results included a 14th century Etymologiae of St. Isidore estimated at $5,000-8,000 that achieved $51,200 and a 15th century Prayer Book of Jehan Bernachier estimated at $10,000-15,000 that sold for $28,800.
A first edition of John James Audubon's octavo Birds of America sold for $41,600, far over its $25,000-35,000 estimate. Published in 1840-1844 in seven volumes, the first octavo edition was the final Birds of America publication overseen by Audubon in his lifetime.
The Fred Rotondaro Collection offered rare books and manuscripts on a range of subjects touching the African American experience in the United States over three centuries. A first edition copy of Frederick Douglass’ 1876 speech at the unveiling of the Freedman's Monument in Washington realized $12,800, far exceeding its $3,000-5,000 estimate. A first edition of the first issue of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin from 1852 also achieved $12,800.
Highlighting the range of offerings from the Ken Harte Collection of Natural History was a first edition Richard Bowdler Sharpe’s beautifully illustrated monograph of Kingfishers, 1868-71, that sold for $14,080, doubling its $6,000-8,000 estimate. It was accompanied by an inscribed copy of the rare unfinished chapter on the anatomy of the kingfisher by James Murie.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141 ext 248, Edward Ripley-Duggan at ext 234, or Noah Goldrach at ext 226, or email Books@Doyle.com
