Signed copy of The Importance of Being Earnest fetches $362,500 at Sotheby's

A signed first edition of Oscar Wilde’s play was bought for several times the estimate at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.

A SIGNED FIRST edition of Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest has sold at auction in New York for $360,00.

The calfskin-covered book, which was produced in 1899, contained a handwritten note to Robert Ross – Wilde’s patron, one-time lover and lifelong friend.

Inside the cover, Wilde wrote the words:

To the Mirror of Perfect Friendship.

Robbie: whose name I have written on the portal of this little play. Oscar. Feb ’99.

The book was auctioned alongside a library of literary treasures of Jacques Levy, a collector of rare books, and sold to New York bookseller James Cummins.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More