First edition of Wilde’s notorious play. Octavo. Bound in the original purple paper wrappers, with silver titles to the upper cover.
 
A near fine copy, a little faded and slightly creased, but nevertheless an uncommonly attractive copy of this notoriously fragile book.
 
One of 600 copies of the first edition of Wilde’s notorious French play, originally intended for production in London at the Palace Theatre, with Sarah Bernhardt in the title role. However, the Lord Chamberlain refused a licence, and it was decided to have the premiere in Paris.  The printed text was printed in Paris by Paul Schmidt (dated 6 February) and issued both in Paris and London. The book was published on 22 February 1893, in a restrained purple wrapper, which Wilde said suited the ’very gilt-haired’ Bosie.  The edition was limited to 600 copies, of which 500 were for sale.