THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People; [In scarce, variant binding]

London: Leonard Smithers and Co., 1899. First edition. One of 1,000 copies; not numbered (as usually seen). This copy in the scarce VARIANT BINDING, recorded only as with "some copies" having been bound as such [Mason & Millard 381, note to]. 8vo gilt-stamped mauve cloth stamped in gilt; [152] pages. Good with cloth at spine toned to light brown, spine lettering dulled, scant eighth-inch loss from head of spine; glass ring to front board, and rear board showing fading and discoloration but contents altogether unmarked and fine. Uncommon in this style binding with the leaf decorations on front cover and spine slightly larger, more delicate, and ornamented with a vine-like design. (Inventory #: 71614)