Rare Books

"Rose Leaf And Apple Leaf" 1882 RODD, Rennell (SOLD)

Edition de Luxe. First Edition w/ an introduction by Oscar Wilde

w/ custom clamshell purple slipcase & vellum boards

J. M. Stoddart & Co

[114] pp.

1882

7" x 4.25"

First Edition. Edition de Luxe. Printed throughout in brown ink on rectos only on thin translucent deckled edged hand-made paper. 1 vols. Crown 8vo. Edition de Luxe. "A volume of short poems, characterized by Oscar Wilde as 'verses full of sweet sadness, and yet full of joy;' they were written by a young English friend of his, of whom he speaks at length in his introduction" (Publishers' Weekly October 7, 1882). Rodd's dedication to Wilde reads: "To Oscar Wilde - 'Heart's Brother' - These Few Songs and Many Songs to Come." In addition to this effusive dedication "for which Wilde clearly was responsible, the book was 'edited' by the omission of two poems, Lucciole and Maidenhair. At the same time Wilde added nine of Rodd's poems which had not previously been collected" (Mason p.185). In a letter to Thomas Mosher, who reprinted this book, Stoddart replies to Mosher's questions as to the number printed: "I think this (deluxe issue) was not over 250 copies." The edition de luxe is usually supposed to have been published earlier. Mason 242 Full vellum, t.e.g., all others uncut;  some soiling to covers. Interleaved throughout with a thin leaf of green tissue paper Printed throughout in brown ink on rectos only on thin translucent deckled edged hand-made paper. 1 vols. Crown 8vo.