Oscar Wilde | Intentions, 1891, first edition, inscribed to Arthur Clifton, one of the author's most loyal friends

Oscar Wilde

Intentions... The Decay of Lying, Pen Pencil and Poison, The Critic as Artist, The Truth of Masks. London: Gilbert & Rivington, 1891

FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED TO ARTHUR CLIFTON ("Arthur Clifton | from his | friend | the author | May. | 91") on preliminary leaf, 8vo (206 x 138 mm), original green cloth, front cover and spine lettered in gilt after designs by Charles Richetts, uncut, some spotting to endleaves, small area of damage to bottom of lower board

INSCRIBED TO ONE OF WILDE'S OLDEST AND MOST LOYAL FRIENDS. Arthur Clifton (1862-1932) was a friend of Robbie Ross, and, like Ross, remained a life long friend of Wilde and also of his wife Constance. Clifton, having supported Wilde during his hearings, became his solicitor and bankruptcy trustee, continuing to help Wilde with his financial and legal affairs until his death. Wilde wrote to More Adey from prison entreating him to ask Clifton visit, which his friend duly did and in a letter to Constance after the visit expressed his shock at Wilde's deterioration in jail: "You can imagine how painful it was to meet him...he was very much upset and cried a good deal...he seemed quite broken-hearted and kept describing his punishment as savage..." (see Letters, p.665). Clifton's name was included, alongside seventeen others identified as Wilde's most loyal friends, on the memorial wreath of laurels laid by Ross in Wilde's coffin.

PROVENANCE:

Presented by the author to Arthur Clifton (1862-1932) in May 1891; Chas. J. Sawyer, Ltd., London bookseller, Catalogue of Interesting Books: Sale No. 203 (1950), item no. 416 (with entry from another Sawyer catalogue tipped onto preliminary blank)

LITERATURE:

Mason 341