Oscar Wilde - The Importance Of Being Earnest

(click pictures to enlarge)

Publisher: Little Leather Library (NY)
Year: 1921/22
Edition: First
Original Printing: 1899
Cost: €21 w/ shipping

Story Synopsis: This is a witty outlook on the Victorian upper class, exposing a world of shallow indifference to true love. The young Jack Worthing and his good friend Algernon find themselves in a ridiculous situation after their fiancées learn they are coincidentally engaged to the same man. A glorious rendition of mistaken identity, Wilde's play is sure to get people of all ages and social class grinning, if not realizing themselves the importance of being earnest.




Right: The edges of the book have unusual securing flaps which prevent any damage to the page edges.
Left: Redcroft edition: The only means of dating this book, as it come with no date printed.


This book is easily the prettiest I own. It's quite small, as you can see, and the gold is faded, but it's still beautiful, considering it's 90 years old. It's made out of fake green leather (the original editions were real leather, but Redcroft editions were fake leather in order to reduce the cost of production) and a flocked interior. The green has faded on this, but it looks gorgeous all the same, like broken or cracked leather. The pages are browned, but clean and clear. The spine is tight, and the pages secure except for one page. All in all, for it's age it's in great condition. I'm particularly partial to Oscar Wilde's works, and while this would be a gem in any collection, it is one of great personal pride in mine.