6b. Oscar Wilde. A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. Limited Edition 1200 copies, 1910.

Note

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is a brilliantly witty comedy that satirizes Victorian society’s obsession with appearances, social conventions, and marriage. Premiering in 1895, the play revolves around two friends who create fictitious identities—most notably the name "Ernest"—to escape social obligations and pursue romantic interests. Wilde’s sparkling dialogue, sharp irony, and clever wordplay expose the absurdities of rigid societal norms while celebrating the joys of humor and individuality. Often hailed as his masterpiece, the play remains one of the most enduring and frequently performed works in English theatre for its timeless charm and biting social critique.

Description

Green cloth hardcover with gold lettering on spine and front cover deckled edges, slight shading on inside front and back covers, very good condition Inscription on cover: Presented by Mr. George Alexander as a souvenir of his Twentieth year of management of the St. James Theater, February 1st 1910.