The Importance of Being Earnest First Edition
A first edition, ordinary issue of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (Leonard Smithers, 1899 · first edition, ordinary-paper issue) is worth about $5,801 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: “By the Author of Lady Windermere’s Fan” (Wilde not named), imprint “London Leonard Smithers and Co 5 Old Bond Street W MDCCCXCIX”.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$5,801
Valued from 1 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $6,671 |
| Near fine | $5,801 |
| Very good | $4,931 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of The Importance of Being Earnest.
✓ Title page: “By the Author of Lady Windermere’s Fan” (Wilde not named), imprint “London Leonard Smithers and Co 5 Old Bond Street W MDCCCXCIX”
✓ Limitation: one of 1,000 copies, usually numbered by hand; printed at the Chiswick Press on laid paper
✓ Binding: lavender / mauve cloth (often faded to brown), gilt leaf decoration by Charles Shannon on both boards and the spine
✓ Format: small quarto, about 222 × 178 mm, 152 pages
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of The Importance of Being Earnest is a first edition, ordinary issue?
- ✓ Title page: “By the Author of Lady Windermere’s Fan” (Wilde not named), imprint “London Leonard Smithers and Co 5 Old Bond Street W MDCCCXCIX” ✓ Limitation: one of 1,000 copies, usually numbered by hand; printed at the Chiswick Press on laid paper ✓ Binding: lavender / mauve cloth (often faded to brown), gilt leaf decoration by Charles Shannon on both boards and the spine ✓ Format: small quarto, about 222 × 178 mm… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, ordinary issue of The Importance of Being Earnest worth?
- $4,931–$6,671 unsigned, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of November 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.
- Can I sell my copy of The Importance of Being Earnest?
- Yes. We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation to sell.
Selling a copy?
We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation. Get an offer.
More by Oscar Wilde
- A House of Pomegranates — Oscar Wilde · First edition · one of 1,000 copies · $3,494