The Picture of Dorian Gray. London: Ward, Lock & Bowden Limited [1895]. Second Edition. Pp vii, 334, [8], uncut. With eight pages of publisher’s advertisements at rear. Publisher’s quarter vellum beveled paper boards, front cover with gilt lettering atop a pattern of ten gilt butterflies (designed by Charles Ricketts), title lettered and in gilt to tail of spine. Age-toning and darkening to covers, but gilt still remaining strong & bright. Contents in very good condition throughout. Housed in collector’s solander box.

The design on upper board, and the typography of half-title, title, and preface are all by Charles Ricketts (British artist, illustrator, author and printer, known for his work as a book designer and typographer).

Originally published in Lippincott’s Magazine in July 1890, the first edition in book-form was published in 1891, with six new chapters, many alterations and much additional matter, added. Wilde’s only novel and most famous prose work, regarded as one of the greatest works in the history of western literature.

Charles Ricketts, whose ‘Seven Trees’ designs were used for the cover, had first met Wilde in August 1889 and was described by him then as ‘very cultivated and interesting’ (Complete Letters, p.410). His designs were used for many of Wilde’s books from ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ (1891) onwards.