Wilde Oscar

1882 · rif. 193139 — Philadelphia: J. M. Stoddart & Co. 1882. Deluxe edition and the first with an introduction by Wilde. The collection was first published in England as Songs in the South in 1881 but Wilde had the collection reprinted under the present title during his visit to America in 1882. Wilde added nine previously unpublished poems including "The Daisy" and omitted "Lucciole" and "Maidenhair". Rodd was a contemporary of Wilde's at Oxford and won the Newdigate Prize for English Verse two years after Wilde won for his poem Ravenna. Rodd was initially pleased with the publication despite Wilde's edits writing to the publisher that "I have seen no édition de luxe in England to compare with it. I have to thank you for the great care and delicacy with which this little book has been published" but he later requested that the dedication written by Wilde be removed from all future copies as it was "too effusive" quoted in Mason p. 185. A trade edition in cloth was published simultaneously. Octavo. With 115 numbered thin tissue leaves printed on recto only illustrations in text green tissue guards to each page text printed in brown. Original vellum spine and front cover lettered in red and black wax seal to front board in red and black white patterned endpapers top edge gilt others untrimmed a few leaves unopened. Contemporary ownership inscription of one Ida M. Black on front free endpaper. Discolouration to vellum a little bowed. A very good copy. Mason 242. hardcover