1955 The Stringed Lute: An Evocation in Dialogue of Oscar Wilde

Description

First Edition, Illustrated, Rebound, Scarce

A scarce work. Both copies here are present in the first edition, first impression.

Illustrated with a frontispiece and four further plates to each volume. Collated, complete.

A small pencil inscription to the half title of one of these volumes states 'amended - pos. for a radio dramatization'. The front wrap of this volume states 'Cut-Version (1)'. There is no evidence of a radio dramatization ever being produced.

Both of these copies have extensive ink and pencil notations and amendments throughout, to the majority of leaves, with the two copies featuring similar but slightly different corrections, both in the same hand. The majority of these amendments simply state 'cut', and cross through significant portions of the text and dialogue.

Furnell's work is styled as a a play within a play, beginning and ending with the author in his apartment in the former home of Oscar Wilde.

Beginning in 1891 when Oscar Wilde first meets Lord Alfred 'Bosie' Douglas, the author recounts their relationship in the form of a play.