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Lot #645
Oscar Wilde

“A real aunt—that is to say unmarried and with a large income”

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Description

“A real aunt—that is to say unmarried and with a large income”

Colorful ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 6.5, 16, Tite Street, Chelsea, S. W. letterhead, no date. Wilde regretfully cancels dinners plans with his friend, Mr. Reid, in full: “I write in absolute despair—I find that Wednesday is the birthday of an aunt...(a real aunt—that is to say unmarried and with a large income) as we had been engaged to dine with her for the last month—So I must give up my delightful dinner with you—I had quite forgotten when her birthday was, and had only a dim memory of a family party looming in the distance. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am—as I always enjoy my dinners with you immensely—and should like to have met your Oxford friend. Yours in humiliation.” Uniform toning, heavier along the right edge of the second integral page, some scattered light staining and rubbing, and a mild separation at the bottom of the hinge, otherwise fine condition. Wilde’s witty remark bears semblance to his beloved character Aunt Cecily from his acclaimed play, The Importance of Being Earnest, which, incidentally, would be his last play. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #383 - Ended February 15, 2012





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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