Each RADLEY CLASSIC is a meticulously restored, luxurious and faithful reproduction of a classic book produced with elegant text layout, clarity of presentation, and stylistic features that make reading a true pleasure. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress and glittering conversation, Wilde became one of the best- known personalities of his day.This classic title has been published by RADLEY BOOKS. He is remembered for his epigrams, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, his plays, as well as the circumstances of his imprisonment and early death.

After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of London's most popular playwrights in the early 1890s. It contains five stories: 'The Happy Prince', 'The Nightingale and the Rose', 'The Selfish Giant', 'The Devoted Friend', and 'The Remarkable Rocket'.Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 - 30 November 1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet. PROVENANCE: David & Lulu Borowitz (bookplate to inside chemise, their sale, Sotheby's, 1977) James Edwards.The Happy Prince and Other Tales (sometimes called The Happy Prince and Other Stories) is a collection of stories for children by Oscar Wilde first published in May 1888. The Athenaeum compared him to Hans Christian Andersen, and Pater wrote to say that 'The Selfish Giant' was 'perfect in its kind,' and the whole book written in 'pure English' - a wonderful compliment.' - Richard Ellmann (Oscar Wilde) ' reputation as an author dated from the publication of the Happy Prince and Other Tales in London in May 1888. These are wistful tales, often with a strong moral message, rather in the style of early fairy tales, rather than the flights of fantasy popular at the time.

The book contains five tales, including his best known children's story, 'The Selfish Giant'. Wilde's first foray into children's literature, apparently thought up to entertain students on a trip to Cambridge in 1885. Housed in a quarter morocco slipcase and chemise. An exceptionally well preserved example of a rare and fragile work. Internally fresh with some foxing to the endpapers and a neat repair to the rear hinge. A very good copy indeed, with slight dustiness to the binding, though much cleaner than is usually seen, and a bump to the lower edge. Three mounted, engraved plates by Walter Crane (in two states), and head and tail-pieces and decorations by Jacomb Hood.

Original Japanese vellum over bevelled boards, spine lettered in black, front cover lettered in red with design in black by Jacomb Hood, untrimmed. First edition, large paper issue limited to 75 numbered copies, of which this is 59, signed by both Wilde and the publisher.

The happy prince 1888