An Ideal Husband.

WILDE, Oscar.

$1,400.00

Item Number: 141303

London: Leonard Smithers and Co, 1899.

First edition of Wilde’s classic comedic stage play. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery, gilt titles and ruling to the spine, raised bands, gilt ruled to the front and rear panels, inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. In fine condition. An exceptional presentation.

Wilde’s play premiered in January 1895 to an audience that included the Prince of Wales, and was an immediate success. Together with The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband is often considered Wilde's dramatic masterpiece. After Earnest, it is his most popularly produced play. It has been adapted to film several times, first in 1935, most recently in 1999 starring Julianne Moore, Minnie Driver, Cate Blanchett and Rupert Everett.