"LIFE IS FAR TOO IMPORTANT A THING EVER TO TALK SERIOUSLY ABOUT"

WILDE, Oscar. Lady Windermere's Fan, A Play About A Good Woman. London: Elkin Mathews and John Lane at the Bodley Head, 1893. Octavo, original gilt-stamped mauve cloth, uncut. $4000.

First edition, one of only 500 copies, in original cloth with gilt designs by Charles Shannon.

This comedy was first performed at London's St. James' Theatre on February 20, 1892. A contemporary reviewer commented: "The man or woman who does not chuckle with delight at the good things which abound in Lady Windemere's Fan should consult a physician at once; delay would be dangerous." With a 16-page publisher's catalogue dated September 1893 at rear. Mason 357.

Slightest rub to rear board, only very faint toning to extremities, gilt bright. An about-fine copy.