8vo, FIRST EDITION, LARGE PAPER COPY, ONE OF 50 COPIES ON VELLUM, original limp vellum covers, top edge gilt, the others uncut, designs by Charles Ricketts on upper cover (including two representing a bird escaping through prison bars), minor browning, some light soiling to covers, collector's bookplates

Mason 390

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The rare limited issue of the author's long letter to Lord Alfred Douglas, written during his imprisonment. Towards the end of his sentence, Wilde was allowed a single page at a time to write on. Although Wilde's request to send the letter was denied, he was permitted to keep the twenty pages on his release. The letter was not revised by Wilde upon his exit from prison.

On the day after Wilde’s release the author handed the manuscript to Robert Ross and two typed copies were then made. One was sent to Douglas, the other was ꧑retained by Ross (and later bequeathed to Vyvyan Holland). The original manuscript was presented to the B🎉ritish Library in 1909 (on condition that access was restricted for fifty years).

The work was published by Ross in 1905, five years after the author's꧃ death.