Epilogue : Inscribed By The Author : Association Copy

The sole UK printing published by The Fortune Press, London in 1948 (nd). The BOOK is in Very Good++ condition with just a little fading at the lower edges of the boards due to possible water staining. This has not seeped through internally. Light toning to the text-block. The very scarce WRAPPER is complete and is in near Fine condition with a little toning to the spine and some mild age related markings. The wrapper looks striking in the removable Brodart archival cover. The book has been inscribed by the author in his characteristic calligraphic writing to the front blank end-paper : 'To Frank Pettigel, in memory of his exquisite characterisation of O.F.O.W. Wilde at the Boltons Theatre Club in 1948, from Beresford Egan'. 'O.F.O.W. Wilde' refers to Oscar (Fingal O'Flahertie Wills) Wilde's full name. The 'Bolton's Theatre Club' in London opened in 1947 and by operating as a club where membership was obligatory, was able to stage plays which might otherwise be prohibited under the Theatres Act 1843. The Play 'Oscar Wilde' which Egan was referring to was 'a 1936 play written by Leslie and Sewell Stokes. It is based on the life of the Irish playwright Oscar Wilde in which Wilde's friend, the controversial author and journalist Frank Harris, appears as a character. The play, which contains much of Wilde's actual writings, starts with Wilde's literary success and his friendship with Lord Alfred Douglas, turns into a courtroom melodrama, and ends with Wilde as a broken alcoholic after two years in prison. Owing to the play's subject matter it was never granted a licence by the Lord Chamberlain and could, therefore, only be staged in England at a theatre club where membership was required. The play's first production at London's Gate Theatre Studio in 1936 starred Robert Morley as Wilde and was produced by Norman Marshall. The play was revived again at the Bolton's Theatre Club, starring Frank Pettingell and directed by Leslie Stokes, in 1948.', (Wiki). The book itself, is a collection of poetry and prose written and profusely illustrated by the satirical artist and author Beresford Egan. A very interesting association copy and very scarce with such attributes. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.