Hichens, Robert ~ The Green Carnation : With the Scarce Wrapper

The Unicorn Press, London : 1949 : The First UK printing of this re-issue

The First UK printing of this, the first re-issue with a ten page introduction by the author, published by The Unicorn Press, London in 1949. This is the first (and only) issue with the striking illustrated wrapper by John Parsons. The BOOK is in near Fine condition with a little pushing at the lower spine ends. Green top-stain still present but lightly faded. The WRAPPER is neatly price-clipped and is in near Fine condition. Mild edge-wear with tiny losses at the spine ends. John Parson's wrapper artwork is very Beardsley like and presents very strikingly in the removable Brodart archival cover. The first issue of this book was published anonymously by Heinemann, UK in 1894. The scandalous novel was closely based on the relationship between Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas, and written by a close associate of both men. This first issue preceded the libel trial of 1895 and it was briefly withdrawn from publication following the trial verdict. The reviewer for The Observer wrote "The Green Carnation will be read and discussed by everyone... nothing so impudent, so bold, or so delicious has been printed these many years." Robert Hichens went on to write more than forty additional books during his lifetime. In the introduction to this 1949 edition, Hichens discusses his meetings with Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas, the first publication of this book and the thinking around the subsequent re-issue. Scarce

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Near Fine
JACKET: Near Fine