Rose Leaf and Apple Leaf Hardcover - 1882

Philadelphia: J. M. Stoddart & Co, 1882. First edition. Hardcover. g- to vg. Octavo. 115pp. Original cream-colored linen boards with red lettering and gilt device of wax seal below, protected by modern mylar. Top edge gilt, foredge uncut. Decorative endpapers with green floral designs. Three blank leaves; half-title; title page in red and black with red seal, reverse blank; half-title (Oscar Wilde), design on reverse; text of L'Envoi, nine leaves; design, reverse blank; half-title (Rennell Rodd), reverse blank; dedication, reverse blank; text of the poems including designs and blank pages; reverse of last page blank; four blank leaves. The fourteen illustrations by J. E. Kelley consist of five full-page designs and 9 vignette end-pieces. Mason # 241. During his education at Oxford Rodd associated with Oscar Wilde who assisted Rodd in publishing Rose Leaf and Apple Leaf, Rodd's first book of verse and provided the lengthy introduction. Binding rubbed and sunned along edges and spine with some small chips along edges and corners. Endpapers with slight discoloration along edges. Block with some age-toning. Binding in overall good-, interior in good+ to very good condition.